New Documentary Movies on The Roku Channel - Page 59

Elián

2017

Elián

2017
6.5
The story of Elián Gonzalez, a five-year-old Cuban boy plucked from the Florida Straits, and how the fight for his future changed the course of U.S.-Cuba relations. Featuring personal testimony, interviews, and a news archive, this documentary recounts Elián’s remarkable rescue on Thanksgiving Day in 1999, after his mother and 10 others fleeing Cuba perished at sea, and the custody battle between the boy’s Cuban father and his Miami-based relatives.
Shadowman

2017

Shadowman

2017
4.5
Richard Hambleton was a founder of the street art movement before succumbing to drugs and homelessness. Rediscovered 20 years later, he gets a second chance. But will he take it?
The Sensitives

2017

The Sensitives

2017
5.5
In Drew Xanthopoulos’ intimate and cinematic documentary, we meet Joe, a patriarch whose affliction is so all-encompassing that he’s indifferent to his long-suffering wife; and twin brothers Sam and Nathan, musicians who are no longer able to breathe outside of their real-life sterile “plastic bubble,” and whose mother, Karen, developed her illness when she was only 17. These characters all suffer from debilitating sensitivities to their environment. Whether from ambient chemicals, genetics, electricity, or even psychogenic reasons, the cause is not clear, but the reality of the effects on these individuals is undeniable. Fortunately, Susie Molloy, a quiet firebrand who is chemically sensitive herself, seeks to help. In her, those afflicted by this modern malady have found an advocate whose mission is to de-stigmatize this community, and in telling their stories, Xanthopoulos has crafted a film itself as deeply sensitive as its title suggests. Cara Cusumano
Gilbert

2017

Gilbert

2017
6.7
The life and career of one of comedy's most inimitable modern voices, Mr. Gilbert Gottfried.
Last Days of Chinatown

2017

Last Days of Chinatown

2017
Detroit's Cass Corridor, one of the roughest areas in the city for the past 100 years, is experiencing a complete overhaul, as long-awaited development finally sweeps the area. Long known as a center of drugs and prostitution, and also once home to a thriving Chinese enclave, it’s now peppered with boutique shops, new bars and restaurants and the just-debuted Little Caesars Arena. This feature from noted Detroit artist Nicole Macdonald mixes a personal, journalistic and historic approach as it looks at who and what remains in the Corridor. We hear how residents survived, and how they sometimes didn't, as gentrification redefines the space.
Men in the Arena

2017

Men in the Arena

2017
8
A touching story of friendship, struggle and triumph, the film follows the journey of two Somali national soccer team friends chasing their dreams in the face of impossible odds. After surviving two decades of war, Saadiq, 17, and Sa’ad, 19, the team’s most promising stars, enter the only televised match of the year hoping scouts will be watching. With passports of no value on the world stage, soccer may be their only shot to escape a growing terror threat, persecution and poverty. Against the backdrop of fear and shared sacrifice, they embark on separate but equally improbable journeys. In the opportunity of a lifetime, Saadiq sets off for America with dreams of an education and a soccer career. Sa’ad continues his career in Mogadishu with the hopes of someday being reunited with his friend. Their biggest dream is shared – to be symbols of hope to generations who have only known war.
Just One Drop

2017

Just One Drop

2017
Just One Drop takes a no-holds-barred look at the most controversial form of medicine ever invented. Homeopathy treats the entire person, not just the disease. It’s a specific form of medicine that uses minute doses of a highly diluted substance that stimulates the body to cure itself. It is these tiny doses that causes the most controversy. Researchers believe there is a release of energy in water that becomes mysteriously dynamic. Others think it’s purely psychological or worse, a form of deception or quackery. Yet millions claim homeopathy cures even though there is not yet a satisfying scientific explanation. It remains a mystery.
Far Western

2017

Far Western

2017
4
The phenomenal story of the transplant of American country music to post-World War II Japan.
Fallen

2017

Fallen

2017
6
A humanizing look at line-of-duty police deaths across the country, and how these losses effect those close to the fallen, as well as the communities they serve.
Burn the Ships

2017

Burn the Ships

2017
5.7
The NPF, a women's professional softball league that few know exists, has spent decades struggling for survival in a male-dominated sports world. Its players are forced to choose between their livelihood and their dreams, and this year they've been given another chance.
White Boy

2017

White Boy

2017
7.1
“White Boy Rick”, as he was called, was a novelty: A white teenager seemingly running a major inner-city drug operation. In May of 1987, 17-year-old Richard Wershe Jr. was charged with a non-violent, juvenile drug offense. By the time of his arrest he was already a Detroit legend, frequently making front-page headlines and leading the local television news. In this film, gangsters, hit men, journalists and federal agents struggle to explain why he remains in prison at nearly 50 years old. The possible explanation is more stunning than the crimes Wershe was alleged to have committed.
Ocean Driven

2017

Ocean Driven

2017
Making a big wave dream come true. Ocean Driven is a true and gripping story that chronicles the development of South African big wave surfer Chris Bertish. His single minded pursuit of his dreams and refusal to let seemingly insurmountable obstacles stand in his way, culminates with his winning the world's premiere big wave surfing competition at Mavericks in California 2010. Moments after nearly drowning, Bertish takes the world by storm in the largest waves ever seen there. Ocean Driven is a tale of overcoming obstacles and fears, redefining possible, and empowering viewers to never give up in pursuit of their dreams. Ocean Driven features countless big wave legends, ocean specialists, and breathtaking images.
The Coming Convergence

2017

The Coming Convergence

2017
5
Through newly discovered geological and statistical patterns, many believe it can be proven that the Tribulation is about to begin!
The Messengers: A Podcast Documentary

2017

The Messengers: A Podcast Documentary

2017
The Messengers: A Podcast Documentary is an intimate, vibrant look at the world of podcasting and what compels independent podcasters to take on the challenge of a burgeoning form. Produced by a team of award-winning filmmakers from the Tampa Bay area, The Messengers chronicles the nationwide growth of podcasting and uncovers some of the magic behind the medium, visiting some of the most influential podcasters to have them share about their shows, their communities and the impact podcasting has had on their lives.
24 Hour Comic

2017

24 Hour Comic

2017
6
In Portland Oregon, eight artists come together to participate in Scott McCloud's 24 Hour Comic Challenge, attempting to write, draw, and complete a 24 page comic, in 24 hours. With the smell of coffee and doughnuts lingering over a table filled with pencil shavings, director Milan Erceg delves into the personal lives of each of the participating artist to examine how and why they got into an industry that rarely rewards their passion with fame or money. Further exploring the business of comic art, Erceg peppers in interviews from an impressive list of nationally recognized comic book experts including, Scott McCloud, cartoonist and author of “Understanding Comics”, Paul Guinan creator of “Boilerplate”, David Chelsea, acclaimed graphic novelist, Mike Richardson, founder of Dark Horse Comics and many others. An inspiring look into the art world’s version of a marathon, 24 Hour Comic leaves the audience with a deeper appreciation for the artists who spend a life creating.
Behold the Earth

2017

Behold the Earth

2017
The 1960s environmental movement inspired young scientists like E.O. Wilson, Cal DeWitt, and Theo Colborn, some of whom were raised within America’s largest religious group: evangelicals. Today, a new generation of scientist/evangelicals includes Katharine Hayhoe, Ben Lowe, and Corina Newsome. Can this new generation revive the reach and relevance of America's evangelical and environmental movements?
NCR: Not Criminally Responsible

2017

NCR: Not Criminally Responsible

2017
7
NCR: Not Criminally Responsible tells the story of a troubled young man who stabbed a complete stranger 6 times in a crowded shopping mall while gripped by psychosis. Twelve years later, his victim, who miraculously survived, is terrified to learn that he's out, living in the community under supervision. He's applying for an absolute discharge, and if he succeeds, he'll no longer be required to take the anti-psychotic drugs that control his mental illness. With unprecedented access to the patient, the victim, and the mental institution, the film looks at both sides of the debate and puts a human face on the complex ethical issues raised.
Score: A Film Music Documentary

2017

Score: A Film Music Documentary

2017
7.1
Music is an integral part of most films, adding emotion and nuance while often remaining invisible to audiences. Matt Schrader shines a spotlight on the overlooked craft of film composing, gathering many of the art form’s most influential practitioners, from Hans Zimmer and Danny Elfman to Quincy Jones and Randy Newman, to uncover their creative process. Tracing key developments in the evolution of music in film, and exploring some of cinema’s most iconic soundtracks, 'Score' is an aural valentine for film lovers.
Tickling Giants

2017

Tickling Giants

2017
7.6
The Arab Spring in Egypt: From a dictator to free elections, back to a dictatorship. One comedy show united the country and tested the limits of free press. This is the story of Bassem Youssef, a cardiologist turned comedian, the Jon Stewart of Egypt, and his show "The Show".
Mission Control: The Unsung Heroes of Apollo

2017

Mission Control: The Unsung Heroes of Apollo

2017
7.3
At the heart of the Apollo program was the special team in Mission Control who put a man on the moon and helped create the future.