Borders have defined Sansón’s life. There’s the physical and psychological border between Mexico and the US. And now, looking at a life behind bars, there’s the one that separates him from his loved ones. Since it is forbidden to film inside the jail, Reyes recreates Sansón’s life – with the help of his family – through letters and by casting an untrained actor to play his friend. The resulting film is a reflection on migration, the notion of family, what it means to see one’s life on film, and the harshness and injustice of the US prison system.
In Clarkston, a small town in Georgia, a successful Kurdish doctor and a Muslim-hating white supremacist form an unlikely friendship. Against the backdrop of an exceptionally racially- diverse community, themes of xenophobia, Islamophobia, and forgiveness play out in an intimate and accessible way. Directors Din Blankenship and Erin Bernhard put the focus on understanding, resulting in a moving film with a lot of heart that moves the conversation on racial divisions towards healing.
We Are Still Here is a student-made documentary from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez campus (UPRM) about the lives and experiences of the Peñolanos from Barrio Rucio and adjacent communities who have resisted generations of adversities due to their geographical location and at the hands of the Puerto Rican government. Centered on resistance and collective care among communities, this inaugural documentary produced by the Oral History Lab at UPRM and funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities showcases how community work by projects like Aula en la Montaña and organizations like Impacto Juventud GC Inc. demonstrate that strength lies in union and that true healing occurs through mutual accompaniment between community and volunteers.
In late 1934, a bright green locomotive, the Flying Scotsman, made history and became the most famous steam train in the world. In this documentary, we find out how it came to be, and what happened to it once it passed into private ownership. Featuring interviews from Alan Pelger, Sir William McAlpine and the engineers who help keep the magnificent machine running. Narrated by Tony Robinson.
Eight Super Grandmasters battle it out in the strongest chess tournament in history. This inside scoop covers all 14 grueling rounds while delving into cultural experiences including chess boxing, visual artists and top chess legends.
On the night of February 24-25, 1942, amid terror and neurosis caused by the terrible Pearl Harbor attack only two months earlier, a huge flying object of unknown origin appears in the sky over Los Angeles. The military reacts by imposing a total blackout in the area and firing more than 1440 artillery rounds. However, despite the firepower, no object was shot down. We will try to understand what actually happened and who or what flew over the skies of Los Angeles that night of February 24, 1942.
Amy Winehouse is one of the most iconic artists of the 21st century. Her sound, style and honesty set her apart from the rest as truly one of a kind. Thanks to her monumental album Back To Black in 2006, she went on to be one of the most award-winning superstars and the face of British music. But the constant fame and attention came at a price. With the non-stop, year-in, year-out war between her and the media, Amy Winehouse found herself caught up in life-threatening addictions, class A substance abuse, self-harm and toxic relationships. Witness the rise and fall of Britain's most iconic star and the lead-up to her devastating death. Her drinking continued to get worse, causing her career to suffer and causing an addiction that controlled her daily routine. A fatal addiction that would eventually take her life.
The fears and resiliencies within a group of teenage refugees from Ukraine are uncovered in this film that brings the camera steps away from the front lines to the Ukraine-Poland border.
Van Jones navigates increasingly tense and isolating political and racial divides in his attempt to become a “bridge builder” during the Trump administration.
Dave Stevens created The Rocketeer and reintroduced the world to 50's pin-up model Bettie Page. While carving out his own unique corner of importance in comic book and illustration art, Dave showed the world what it's like to pursue the life of a creative individual.
This hybrid documentary follows Isabella Grosso, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. In her quest to heal, Isabella discovered a sense of empowerment through dance and founded She-Is, a nonprofit combining the art of dance with therapy. As she embraces the experience of self-love through movement, we follow Isabella on an international journey to help other survivors of sexual abuse and sex trafficking find healing.
The logical thing, the sane thing, is to stay on land. But they paddle out. Why do these big wave surfers risk their lives to ride these mountain-sized waves? The answer is overcoming fear. "Ground Swell: The Other Side of Fear" is an in-depth look at the 2021-22 big wave season through the eyes of Nic Von Rupp, Kai Lenny, Matt Bromley, Torrey Meister and pioneering female surfer Bianca Valenti. They all push past their fear and find out what is on the other side as they tackle monstrous waves in locations from Nazare in Portugal, Jaws and Pipeline in Hawaii and Mavericks in Northern California.
The extraordinary story of a world-renowned patent attorney in Sugar Land, Texas who, at 57, came out as a trans woman and is now navigating LGBTQ+ issues and fighting for trans rights in the vortex of Texas conservatism, as she and her family challenge the idea of what modern love looks like.
Madeleine McCann was only three years old. She was a few days away from celebrating her fourth birthday. After discovering an empty bed, Kate and Gerry alerted the authorities and an investigation was swiftly in effect. Within days of Madeleine going missing, the McCanns had gathered international media attention. Their story was known nationwide and touched the hearts of parents across the country. The support received was like no other for a missing child. Several suspects were investigated by the Portuguese police, however, no charges were ever made due to lack of evidence. With new recent developments, the search for Madeleine continues.
The Beanie Bubble follows the unbelievable tale of America’s most fascinating phenomenon – Beanie Babies. Flashing back to the 90’s and early 2000’s, we take an in-depth look at how the era-defining zeitgeist came to be, the mysterious man behind the mania, and the lives that were forever changed in its wake. This is not simply a retelling, but rather an exploration of the American Dream and what makes all people susceptible to buying into a fantasy.
A tiny, 100-year-old Catholic school in Fitchburg, Massachusetts is struggling with insolvency. We follow the dramatic campaigns to raise money and enrollment as well as a magical football season that together saved a beloved institution.