Runner Up: Audience Award DOC NYC 2020 An intimate, inspiring, and timely portrait of Congresswoman Barbara Lee, a true pioneer of American civil rights who was the lone voice in opposition to the authorization of military force after the September 11th attacks. A unique selection of political commentators, activists, politicians, and family members add depth […]
Filmmaker Bruno Santamaría crafts an exquisite, ephemeral profile of a Mexican teenager on the cusp of adulthood. In the humble coastal village of El Roblito, Ñoño’s family and community live a seemingly idyllic existence. Ñoño spends time staging dance productions with local kids, but, when able to find time alone, travels to a secret place […]
How open are we to changing our beliefs? Acclaimed filmmaker Ra’anan Alexandrowicz (The Law in These Parts) explores this question through a cinematic experiment. He asks Maia, a Jewish-American student and ardent supporter of Israel, to view footage of life in the occupied West Bank, some from official Israeli government sources and others from the progressive […]
Artists Steina and Woody Vasulka escaped the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia to find refuge in New York City. There, they founded the legendary art and performance gallery The Kitchen. Their groundbreaking installations were at the heart of New York’s art scene in the 1960s, where they shared wild nights with the likes of Andy Warhol, […]
In an increasingly common scheme to steal their land, land-owning Kenyan elders are being accused of witchcraft by younger family members and sent away. Responding to a bizarre Facebook message that his beloved grandmother is killing children, Karisa visits his family compound in rural Kenya to investigate. This unhurriedly paced, visually engaging story explores complex […]
In this timely and radical film about female desire, gender politics, and sexuality, director Maria Finitzo invites us to share intimate conversations with women on a mission to reverse a patriarchal legacy that excludes female empowerment through omissions and distortions. Sophia Wallace’s artwork on “cliteracy” acts as a powerful framing device as the film explores […]
With debates on income inequality and healthcare becoming increasingly prevalent, and figures like Senator Bernie Sanders rising to prominence, socialism has found a new relevance. As Americans confront 21st century issues, the allure of the economic system attracts politicians and everyday citizens alike to its cause. Through a comprehensive history and expert interviews, Yael Bridge’s […]
US PREMIERE | Ukraine has been at war with Russia since 2014. In response, its ultranationalists have organized paramilitary summer camps to prepare children to one day take up arms to defend their homeland. This film follows two campers over a session as uber-patriotic teen Jasmin revels in the military-style maneuvers and gun training, while younger […]
At the edge of Venezuela’s Lake Maracaibo is the small floating village of Congo Mirador. Now sinking into sediment, this once-prosperous fishing community is unraveling after years of criminal pollution and government neglect. Focusing on two fierce, independent women who epitomize opposing sides of this vulnerable community, Anabel Rodríguez Ríos’s film is a stunning microcosm […]
US PREMIERE | In a dilapidated corner of Alexandria, an exceptional community of young female weightlifters is trained by the grumpy yet charismatic Captain Ramadan. His precarious but prestigious makeshift gym has been a breeding ground for Egypt’s world champions and Olympic athletes. Filmmaker Mayye Zayed intimately follows Zebiba and her coach in their challenging quest […]