WORLD PREMIERE JT LeRoy burst onto the literary scene in the late 1990s, attracting a devoted following through stark tales of poverty, abuse and underage prostitution in books like Sarah and The Heart is Deceitful Above All Things. His was a rags-to-riches story, with his own tortured life inspiring his writing—or so he claimed. Drawn into LeRoy’s inner […]
NYC PREMIERE In George Hencken’s impressively constructed portrait, Spandau Ballet, one of the bands that defined the 1980s, tell their own story, set against a backdrop of evocative period footage, including never-before-seen home movies. Bandmates reveal how a group of working-class Brits came to conquer music and influence fashion around the world, only to break […]
WORLD PREMIERE Every year, thousands of children swarm Hollywood in search of fame, but what they often find under the surface is a deep and disturbing underbelly of manipulation and abuse. An Open Secret, directed by Oscar®-nominated filmmaker Amy Berg (West of Memphis; Deliver Us From Evil), is a sobering look at the lives of […]
NYC PREMIERE Sesame Street’s Big Bird may be one of the world’s most recognizable characters, but far less familiar is Caroll Spinney, the man who has brought to life the yellow- feathered Muppet—as well as the irascible Oscar the Grouch—since 1969. Through Spinney’s rich personal archive and behind-the-scenes show footage, this endearing film celebrates a […]
NYC PREMIERE Serving up a sensational expose in line with his juicy subject, acclaimed multiple Emmy-Award winner Ric Burns uncovers the strange history of the National Enquirer and the tabloid’s legendary publisher, Generoso Pope Jr. Purchasing the paper in 1952— allegedly with Mob financing—Pope showed an uncanny knack for assessing what the public wanted, using […]
NYC PREMIERE Last October, when infamous street artist Banksy revealed his New York City residency, he set off a daily scavenger hunt among curious fans, would-be art collectors and, of course, the police. With camera phones at the ready, everyone wanted a piece of his ephemeral works before they were destroyed—or removed for profit. Chris […]
NYC PREMIERE This strikingly candid profile explores the triumphs and tragedies of Greg Louganis, considered by many the greatest diver of all time. A four-time Olympian, Louganis became a household name and an inspiration to countless athletes, but after he publicly revealed his sexuality and HIV status, the backlash cost him dearly. Back on Board […]
NYC PREMIERE As Israel was fighting to establish a nation in 1948, it was badly wanting for an air force. Using secret means in defiance of the US Neutrality Act, Israel recruited American pilots who had fought in WWII. Above and Beyond recounts this hidden chapter of history, interviewing pilots and making skillful use of […]
OPENING NIGHT FILM US PREMIERE After a breakup with his boyfriend, journalist David Thorpe embarks on a hilarious and touching journey of self-discovery, confronting his anxiety about “sounding gay.” Enlisting acting coaches, linguists, friends, family, total strangers and celebrities, he quickly learns that many people—both gay and straight—often wish for a different voice. What starts […]
Every veteran doc maker has a project they couldn’t finish due to money, access, legalities, creative differences or other impediments. We may never have a chance to see these films, but in this conversation, we’ll hear esteemed directors tell their stories of the ones that got away. Panelists include: Nelson George (Good Hair, Brooklyn Boheme); […]