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Only When I Dance
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Only When I Dance

2009
To achieve their shared dream of becoming ballet superstars, two young black dancers from the slums of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, must overcome poverty, prejudice and incredible odds -- a journey captured in this inspiring documentary. Filmmaker Beadie Finzi chronicles the day-to-day struggles of these gifted performers as they challenge the notion that ballet is the province of the wealthy, white elite.

Directed by:

  • Beadie Finzi
    • rating:3.8.png 3.8 Average Rating


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    Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire
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    Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire

    2004
    As Europeans worked to conquer the world and extend their reach to other parts of the globe -- at times imposing their beliefs on citizens of other countries -- the people of Japan were decidedly isolationist, advocating separation as it nurtured its culture and traditions under its leader, Tokugawa Ieyasu. This documentary spotlights 16th and 17th century Japan as seen through the eyes of the samurai, the artist, the foreigner and many others.

    Directed by:

  • Lyn Goldfarb
  • Deborah Ann DeSnoo
    • rating:3.8.png 3.8 Average Rating


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    Frontline: Facing Death
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    Frontline: Facing Death

    2010
    This powerful installment of the long-running PBS series takes a look at the complex -- and often agonizing -- end-of-life decisions that must be made by physicians, those facing the prospect of death and their loved ones. Doctors, patients and families discuss key issues such as when to disconnect a breathing tube, when to continue treatment, when to bring in hospice and the affordability of the mounting costs associated with end-of-life care.

    Directed by:

  • Miri Navasky
  • Karen O'Connor
    • rating:3.8.png 3.8 Average Rating


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    Mapping Stem Cell Research: Terra Incognita
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    Mapping Stem Cell Research: Terra Incognita

    2007
    This documentary follows the journey of neurologist Dr. Jack Kessler, who was inspired to apply stem cell research to find a cure for spinal cord injuries after his daughter Allison was paralyzed in a skiing accident. Exploring the science of modern stem cell research through a personal prism, the film offers a candid look at the bioethical issues and puts a human face to those living with injuries like Allison's.

    Directed by:

  • Maria Finitzo
    • rating:3.8.png 3.8 Average Rating


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    Flow: For Love of Water
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    Flow: For Love of Water

    2008
    From both local and global perspectives, this documentary examines the harsh realities behind the mounting water crisis. Learn how politics, pollution and human rights are intertwined in this important issue that affects every being on Earth. With water drying up around the world and the future of human lives at stake, the film urges a call to arms before more of our most precious natural resource evaporates.

    Directed by:

  • Irena Salina
    • rating:3.8.png 3.8 Average Rating


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    Been Rich All My Life
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    Been Rich All My Life

    2006
    Join the Silver Belles, a group of five former Harlem showgirls now aged 84 to 96, as they continue to entertain in this documentary by Heather MacDonald. From dancing together in the hottest venues such as the Cotton Club to performing with world-renowned bandleaders Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington, the gallivanting gals were the toast of the town during the 1930s; in 1985, they renounced retirement and reunited to grace the stage once again.

    Directed by:

  • Heather MacDonald
    • rating:3.8.png 3.8 Average Rating


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    Panama Deception
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    Panama Deception

    1992
    Filmmakers Barbara Trent and David Kasper explain the untold truths behind the United States' 1989 invasion of Panama in this hard-hitting documentary that illuminates the complex relationship between Gen. Manuel Noriega and the U.S. government. Juxtaposing interviews with experts and eyewitnesses with historical media reports, the film shows how the press helped win the American public's approval despite widespread condemnation abroad.

    Directed by:

  • Barbara Trent
    • rating:3.8.png 3.8 Average Rating


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    Mario's Story
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    Mario's Story

    2007
    Shot over the course of seven years, this documentary from filmmakers Susan Koch and Jeff Werner relates the inspiring true story of Mario Rocha, an East L.A. teen who unlocked his talent for writing while serving out a murder sentence behind bars. As his family and a team of pro bono attorneys labor on the outside to clear his name for a crime he didn't commit, Mario keeps himself grounded on the inside by writing poems, short stories and plays.

    Directed by:

  • Susan Koch
    • rating:3.8.png 3.8 Average Rating


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    The Future We Will Create: Inside the World of TED
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    The Future We Will Create: Inside the World of TED

    2007
    Hailed "the hottest gathering in the world" by Wired magazine, TED is an annual event where an eclectic group of brilliant minds exchange bold ideas for the future. Actress Daphne Zuniga is your host on this all-access tour of the conference.

    Directed by:

  • Daphne Zuniga
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    Egypt's Golden Empire
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    Egypt's Golden Empire

    2002
    This three-part program tracks the development of Egypt's glorious New Kingdom, a majestic era marked by the rise of powerful rulers, the birth of a sophisticated civilization and advances in art, culture and politics that would influence the world for years to come. Originally broadcast on PBS, the series blends archival documents and ancient artifacts with on-location footage and expert interviews to weave a complex but compelling narrative.

    Directed by:

  • Richard Bradley
  • James Hawes
  • Ciara Byrne
    • rating:3.8.png 3.8 Average Rating


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    The Devil Came on Horseback
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    The Devil Came on Horseback

    2007
    In this unflinching documentary chronicling the genocide in Darfur, former Marine Capt. Brian Steidle is forever transformed by the atrocities he witnesses as a military observer for the African Union.

    Directed by:

  • Ricki Stern
    • rating:3.8.png 3.8 Average Rating


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    Countdown to Zero
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    Countdown to Zero

    2009
    Since the first atomic bomb exploded in 1945, scientists and world leaders have grappled with the apocalyptic dangers and paradoxes posed by nuclear weapons. Lucy Walker's documentary presents an unblinking look at humanity's lethal predicament.

    Directed by:

  • Lucy Walker
    • rating:3.8.png 3.8 Average Rating


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    Frontline: The Madoff Affair
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    Frontline: The Madoff Affair

    2009
    Sentenced to 150 years in federal prison, Bernie Madoff perpetrated the largest financial fraud in history. Following a timeline dating back to the 1960s, Frontline takes you inside the web of deception that snagged investors for $65 billion.

    Directed by:

  • Martin Smith
  • Marcela Gaviria
    • rating:3.8.png 3.8 Average Rating


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    Ballets Russes
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    Ballets Russes

    2005
    The legendary Ballets Russes troupe gave Russian dancers who were never allowed to grace the stage in their home country a chance to shine, especially in the 1930s and '40s, when the company achieved worldwide renown. But even as early as the 1900s, it had been a showcase for such big-name talents as George Balanchine and Vaslav Nijinsky. When the '50s hit, though, the enchantment began to fade in the harsh light of fiscal realities.

    Directed by:

  • Daniel Geller
  • Dayna Goldfine
    • rating:3.8.png 3.8 Average Rating


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    Paris Is Burning
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    Paris Is Burning

    1990
    Penetrating the tight-knit community of minority drag queens living in New York City, Jennie Livingston's acclaimed documentary offers an early glimpse at the art of "voguing," the underground dance style later popularized by Madonna in her hit song. The film also explores issues such as racism, homophobia and AIDS, while offering a detailed examination of the intricate Ball culture, in which queens are judged for their style and expression.

    Directed by:

  • Jennie Livingston
    • rating:3.8.png 3.8 Average Rating


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    Through Deaf Eyes
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    Through Deaf Eyes

    2007
    Emmy-winning actress Stockard Channing narrates this documentary that chronicles the history of deaf culture in America from the 19th century to the present day. Interviews with actress Marlee Matlin, community leaders and other deaf Americans provide an up-front and diverse perspective of this segment of society. Short films created by deaf artists are interspersed throughout the in-depth program.

    Directed by:

  • Diane Garey
    • rating:3.8.png 3.8 Average Rating


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    Now and Then
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    Now and Then

    1995
    Waxing nostalgic about the bittersweet passage from childhood to puberty in this tender coming-of-age tale, four childhood girlfriends -- Teeny, Chrissy, Samantha and Roberta -- recall the magical summer of 1970. During their walk down memory lane, they reconcile experiences with boys, secrets, bullies and more. Lesli Linka Glatter directs; Gaby Hoffmann, Ashleigh Aston Moore, Cloris Leachman, Thora Birch and Christina Ricci co-star.

    Directed by:

  • Lesli Linka Glatter
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    Now and Then (1995)
    A heartwarming movie about four childhood girlfriends who, in adulthood reunion, relive their experience of the life-changing summer of 1970, including a mystery death, divorce, standing up to the boys, first kiss, and the meaning of true friendship. Each explores her unique identity amidst family and friends. Beautifully directed by Lesli Linka Glatter.
    - Frances   
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