THE POETS is a documentary that follows two acclaimed West African poets, and lifelong friends, Syl Cheney-Coker and Niyi Osundare as they travel through their home countries of Sierra Leone and Nigeria to explore what has shaped their art. As the film unfurls, they find answers all around them; in the stunning landscapes, the culture, the history, political strife, terrible tragedies, their family homes, and their friendship. Weaved with the poetry of Cheney-Coker and Osundare, The Poets is an exploration of how art is shaped by life experiences, and of the power and urgency of art in the face of political adversity.
CBD Nation examines the real research and evidence surrounding one of the safest, most therapeutically active medicines known to humanity. The documentary features the world's leading experts in the field of cannabis scientific research, and follows the emotional stories of several patients who bravely took control of their own medical journeys - often in the face of powerful resistance - to significantly improve their quality of life.
People from all over the world gamble on when the ice in the Tanana River melts. This hundred year old tradition in the city of Nenana, Alaska, is an important source for the small town of about 500. It's also a point of local pride and amusement.
Donald J. Trump's fervent supporters and scared opponents were affected by Trump's rhetoric and the media's interpretation, increasing a dangerous political division. Now, It's time for them to stop and listen to each other or push harder until they crash America's democracy.
"Coming Clean" examines America's opioid crisis through the eyes of the recovering addicts and political leaders on the frontlines. These unlikely allies emerge from the darkness to face their pain, bring the profiteers to justice, and rebuild in the wake of the deadliest drug epidemic in our history.
Celebrating the uniquely American musical form of gospel, local director Dan Andera and co-producer Kenny Somerville take us into some of the smallest churches in our city to meet some of the biggest voices and most talented, passionate artists you could find. Vibrantly capturing the emotional core of gospel, this film carries you into the power of music to lift and mend the spirit.
“You Asked To See The Monster…So here is the monster you made me.” Gary Green wrote these words a year after his wife filed for divorce. “There will be 5 lives taken today - me being the 5th.” Green intended to kill his ex-wife and her three children. Green’s haunting letter to ex-wife Lovetta stated “I pray the lord allows my soul to enter heaven. If not, I will burn in Hell forever.” He currently resides on Death Row, after stabbing Lovetta 27 times, before drowning her 6-year old daughter. This is the traumatic and emotional story of the two sons, then aged 9 and 12, who escaped from their stepfather with their lives.
In the 1960s, beat poet and experimental filmmaker Piero Heliczer helped shape New American Cinema, and was enmeshed with iconic filmmaker Andy Warhol and The Velvet Underground at the very start of their careers.
Through interviews with family and friends, found photos, and archival footage, Piero’s daughter, Thérèse Casper, explores the promise and perils of leading an authentic, creative life, and the impact that it can have on the people you leave behind in the process. Wondering if she can make peace with her absent father if she can find a connection to him through his art, she explores the artistic legacy and life of a man she never knew.
The unprecedented bushfire crisis that struck Australia during the 2019-2020 summer sparked numerous controversies and its abnormality revealed underlying major issues with bush management and Australia’s part in contributing to global warming. Experts in politics, ecology and land management stress the importance of adjusting to the new reality of extreme weather conditions and most importantly adopting methods to reduce global warming. Can our past save our future?
The remarkable history and legacy of one of the most important works of art to come out of the age of AIDS -- Bill T. Jones’ tour-de-force ballet "D-Man in the Waters."
This feature length documentary follows a thirty- year-old granddaughter of a Bergen-Belsen survivor as she explores her grandmother's Holocaust story. Her journey to the Bergen- Belsen grounds serves as the springboard for exploring issues and themes of memory. Voices of leading scholars and educators contribute to this unique program on the future of Holocaust memory.
The film documents Bill Bennett's journey to find the source of a mysterious voice which saved his life. It features some of the world's leading experts on intuition spanning the fields of science, religion, and spirituality.
George Floyd’s killing triggered mass demonstrations nationwide calling for racial justice and police accountability in the United States. In the wake of those protests, New Yorker writer and historian Jelani Cobb returns to a troubled police department he first visited four years ago (Policing the Police) to examine whether reform can work, and how police departments can be held accountable.
In the aftermath of Haiti’s devastating 2010 earthquake, grappling with PTSD, filmmaker Luke A. Renner set out on a healing journey. In his pursuit, Luke would eventually uncover an older, deeper, childhood trauma he had lost in time, the insidious reality of psychological damage, and a public health crisis that’s been quietly wreaking havoc on humanity.
A documentary adventure recounting the incredible life story of British-born Amazonian cowboy turned US TV star, Stan Brock, who sacrificed everything to bring free healthcare to people in need. At once a heart-warming tribute to the unifying power of volunteerism, and an exploration of a perennial outsider’s search for meaning through giving of himself. This film is a challenging and inspirational tale of an unlikely man on an improbable and unwavering mission to resolve one of the biggest social issues of our time; the US healthcare crisis.
A road movie with music. A song-soaked, foot-stomping trip straight to the heart of what it means to be Mexican, and to be American, and the complex joy of being both at the same time.
Five women experience traumatic blows to their self-image after unexpectedly losing their hair. Through the subsequent mental health, relationship, financial, and social impacts, they cope with these challenges in dramatically different ways. The Director also grapples with her own identity and what it means to be authentic.
The inspiring story of award-winning band Saffire - The Uppity Blues Women -- how they left their day jobs in mid-life and realized their dreams. With their potent combination of sassy lyrics and fierce playing styles, the trio Ann Rabson, Gaye Adegbalola, and Andra Faye have entertained audiences for over 25 years. HOT FLASH chronicles how the trio overcame personal struggles and industry stereotypes to emerge as one of the most well-known blues bands playing today. A true insider's look into the band featuring original footage and photographs from the band's personal collection, interviews with current and former band members, as well as with record company executives and music critics, and concert footage of their performance at the historic Ram's Head in Maryland and the Wolf Trap in Virgina.