New Documentary Movies on The Roku Channel - Page 85

A Billion Lives

2016

A Billion Lives

2016
8
In 20 years’ time, there will be nearly 1.6 billion smokers around the world. Approximately 70% of smokers want to quit. The United Nations’ World Health Organisation expects a billion people will die prematurely from smoking this century. The products their doctors recommend are rarely effective and many are trapped. A new vapour technology was invented to give smokers a successful way to quit. But it was quickly demonised, and even banned in many countries. A perfect storm is brewing between smokers trying to quit, government regulators, and health charities funded by the powerful pharmaceutical industry. Director Aaron Biebert travelled across four continents interviewing doctors, scientists, and others working to save a billion lives. What he found was profound government failure, widespread corruption in the public health community and powerful subversion by big business.
No Limits: The Thalidomide Saga

2016

No Limits: The Thalidomide Saga

2016
9
Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker John Zaritsky returns to the story that has fascinated and compelled him for years - thalidomide and it's effect on the survivors of "the worst drug disaster in history." In this, his third film on the subject, he reconnects with some of the thalidomide victims he originally profiled when they were young, and introduces us to some new people who have been active in the fight for justice. He also highlights some recently released information about German pharmaceutical giant Grünenthal, who aggressively marketed the drug, and are now selling it again under a different usage, but still with no compensation for those who's lives they affected so deeply. The indefatigable spirit of the extraordinary thalidomide victims is cast against the callousness disregard of the drug's manufacturers in a film that lays out the story from it's beginnings in the late 50s to the current state of affairs in the present day. —Philip Webley
Pet Fooled

2016

Pet Fooled

2016
7
An investigative expose of the inner workings inside the commercial pet food industry, which has gone largely unchallenged until now.
St. Peter's and the Papal Basilicas of Rome 3D

2016

St. Peter's and the Papal Basilicas of Rome 3D

2016
8.5
The unveiled treasures in the year of the Extraordinary Jubilee. The Papal Basilicas of Rome seen as never before: St. Peter's, St. John in the Lateran, St Mary Major, St Paul Outside the Walls and the works of art enshrined within them. A film tour shot from previously unseen points of view with the latest-generation 3D and 4K technology.
My Scientology Movie

2016

My Scientology Movie

2016
6.6
After being denied access to the Church of Scientology's headquarters, documentarian Louis Theroux teams up with ex-Scientology official Marty Rathbun to stage re-enactments of alleged abuses within the organization. Theroux soon discovers that the church is watching his every move.
The Silence of Mark Rothko

2016

The Silence of Mark Rothko

2016
5
An exploration of painter Mark Rothko, best known for imposing canvasses that eschew representation to express fundamental human emotions through pure color.
The Best of It

2016

The Best of It

2016
THE BEST OF IT takes an unflinching look at the life of a professional gambler. The character driven documentary focuses on the lives of Boston, The Shrink, Dink, and Banker who all chose to make a living betting sports. A gambler selects this profession despite knowing the life they fancied tends to chew up and spit out even the most seasoned gambler—an all too common tale in Las Vegas. A feud between Boston and The Shrink develops after accusations are made about gambling debts, but a gambler’s actual bank account balance is often based on rumors and half-truths. The outcome of a gambler is as unpredictable as the the games they bet.
Eat That Question: Frank Zappa in His Own Words

2016

Eat That Question: Frank Zappa in His Own Words

2016
7.3
Utilizing potent TV interviews and many forgotten performances from his 30-year career, we are immersed into Frank Zappa’s world while experiencing two distinct facets of his complex character. At once Zappa was both a charismatic composer who reveled in the joy of performing and, in the next moment, a fiercely intelligent and brutally honest interviewee whose convictions only got stronger as his career ascended.
Wizard Mode

2016

Wizard Mode

2016
6.8
Mastering classic pinball arcade games requires focus, agility and dedication. Robert Gagno has all these traits. It might explain why he surged from a complete unknown to one of the world's best players in five years. The achievement is even more impressive considering he was diagnosed with autism at age three. His success on the pinball circuit made him part of a community that provided acceptance and encouragement. With his parents' support and determination, Robert has exceeded every expectation placed upon him. As he approaches adulthood, his next challenge is to become more self-sufficient and gain his independence. From high-stakes tournaments across the continent to his day-to-day search for employment, we follow Robert's persistent progression to overcome obstacles and manage the highs of success and lows of falling short. In Wizard Mode, flashing lights and triple combos highlight an outstanding individual who continues to beat the odds and set records.
Fart: A Documentary

2016

Fart: A Documentary

2016
4.8
The history and humor of the fart.
Future Baby

2016

Future Baby

2016
6.7
A look at the world of in vitro fertilization and the rapidly-advancing science of childbearing.
10 Years with Bebe

2016

10 Years with Bebe

2016
2.3
This documentary follows the journey of beloved Spanish musician Bebe as she embarks on a tour to celebrate her first album's 10-year anniversary.
The Drew: No Excuse, Just Produce

2016

The Drew: No Excuse, Just Produce

2016
7
The incredible story of the unlikely rise of The Drew League from humble beginnings in the crime and gang infested streets of South Central Los Angeles to the nation's foremost pro-am basketball league. Crossing racial, cultural and socioeconomic barriers, The Drew celebrates the value of basketball, persistence, loyalty and above all, community.
A Flickering Truth

2016

A Flickering Truth

2016
5
Afghanistan's film history might well have have been lost forever, if not for the brave custodians who risked their lives to conceal films from the Taliban regime. This is a chronicle of their attempts to preserve and restore thousands of hours of film.
The Freedom to Marry

2016

The Freedom to Marry

2016
5.1
A documentary about the same-sex marriage movement, from the final frenetic months of the legal and grassroots campaign.
The Joneses

2016

The Joneses

2016
5.8
A documentary of Jheri Jones, a 74-year-old transgender divorcee, and her family in Mississippi.
Kenneth: Ron Padgett

2016

Kenneth: Ron Padgett

2016
Ron Padgett (1942- ) is a poet and editor whose artistic career took off during his teenaged years in Tulsa, Oklahoma. There, along with Joe Brainard and Dick Gallup, he produced The White Dove Review, an art and culture magazine. Both Padgett and Brainard serendipitously moved together to New York City, where Padgett studied at Columbia University under the tutelage of Kenneth Koch and interacted with various Beat poets. He has taught poetry at various schools in the City, edited volumes such as the Full Court Press and Teachers & Writers Magazine and written volumes of poetry including 2013’s Collected Poems which won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. He also wrote “memoirs” of both Brainard and fellow Tulsan Ted Berrigan.
Winning

2016

Winning

2016
5.8
Examine the iconic careers and winning ways of Martina Navratilova, Jack Nicklaus, Nadia Comaneci, Edwin Moses and Esther Vergeer.
Ghostheads

2016

Ghostheads

2016
5.9
A documentary that explores the extreme side of the Ghostbusters fandom. Join us as we travel the world meeting extreme Ghostbusters fans. Every Ghosthead is unique. Every Franchise is its own. Every pop culture fandom should learn how to give back to the community.
It's Always About the Story: Conversations with Alan Ladd, Jr.

2016

It's Always About the Story: Conversations with Alan Ladd, Jr.

2016
5.5
During his career, Mr. Ladd has been an agent, studio head, and Academy Award-winning producer. In our film, he shares an intimate oral history of the trials, tribulations, heartbreak, and joy of bringing some of the most iconic and memorable motion pictures to the screen. Mr. Ladd has been associated with films that have garnered over 150 Academy Award nominations and 50 wins. He has green lit or produced such iconic motion pictures as Star Wars, Alien, The Right Stuff, Young Frankenstein Gone Baby Gone, and the Academy Award-winning best pictures, Chariots Of Fire and Braveheart.