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Dancing Across Borders
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Dancing Across Borders

2010
Art enthusiast and philanthropist Anne Bass makes her first foray into filmmaking with this moving documentary that traces the journey of a talented young Cambodian man in his transformation from street performer to classically trained ballet dancer. Discovered by Bass in his native land, Sokvannara "Sy" Sar must learn to assimilate to the rigid structures of Western ballet to fulfill his dream of becoming a professional dancer.

Directed by:

  • Anne Bass
    • rating:3.6.png 3.6 Average Rating


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    Everything's Cool
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    Everything's Cool

    2007
    In this documentary, filmmakers Daniel B. Gold and Judith Helfand (Blue Vinyl) follow a troupe of self-proclaimed global warming "warriors" on a mission to get the world to care about rising temperatures and melting polar ice caps. Taking a topic that's inherently serious and applying their signature blend of humor and emotional heft, Gold and Helfand advance the environmental dialogue in a surprisingly entertaining way.

    Directed by:

  • Daniel B. Gold
  • Judith Helfand
    • rating:3.5.png 3.5 Average Rating


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    Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired
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    Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired

    2008
    This penetrating documentary explores the tumultuous events of director Roman Polanski's personal life, including the murder of his pregnant wife, Sharon Tate, and the controversial sex scandal that prompted him to flee the United States for France. Highlights include an interview with Polanski's victim, Samantha Geimer, as well as candid conversations with Chinatown screenwriter Robert Towne and actress Mia Farrow.

    Directed by:

  • Marina Zenovich
    • rating:3.5.png 3.5 Average Rating


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    Fire on the Mountain
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    Fire on the Mountain

    1996
    An elite group of champion skiers, mountain climbers and European mountaineers become the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division, America's only mountain and winter warfare fighting unit. From the intensive training atop the Colorado Rockies to the spectacular night climb of Italy's Riva Ridge -- where the 10th scored their biggest victory against Hitler's troops -- the exploits of this famous division are scrupulously chronicled.

    Directed by:

  • Beth Gage
    • rating:3.5.png 3.5 Average Rating


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    The Best of the Real West
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    The Best of the Real West

    1992
    The myths, legends and realities of the Old West come alive in "The Real West" with Kenny Rogers. Through authentic diaries, paintings, photos and expert commentary, this History Channel series reawakens the adventure of our most fabled era.

    Directed by:

  • Donna E. Lusitana
    • rating:3.5.png 3.5 Average Rating


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    Triumph of the Will
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    Triumph of the Will

    1934
    Leni Riefenstahl's infamous propaganda film documenting the Third Reich's 1934 Nuremberg Party Rally features a cast of thousands -- including Adolf Hitler, Heinrich Himmler, Joseph Goebbels, Rudolf Hess, Hermann Goering and other top officials. Images of cheering crowds, precision marching, military bands, banners lining Nuremberg's streets and Hitler's climactic speech illustrate with chilling clarity how Germany fell under his spell.

    Directed by:

  • Leni Riefenstahl
    • rating:3.5.png 3.5 Average Rating


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    The Ecological Footprint
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    The Ecological Footprint

    2005
    In an effort to promote dialogue on the future of our planet, Dr. Mathis Wackernagel outlines the Ecological Footprint, an accounting tool that he co-created to measure Earth's supply of natural resources and how much of that supply we are using. With most countries currently running on ecological deficits, consuming more resources than the planet generates, Wackernagel emphasizes the need for a global commitment to sustainability.

    Directed by:

  • Patsy Northcutt
    • rating:3.5.png 3.5 Average Rating


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    National Geographic: Inside American Power: The Pentagon
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    National Geographic: Inside American Power: The Pentagon

    2002
    The Pentagon is the military nerve center of the United States, reaching out to far-flung battlefields with information, technology and a culture that permeates more of America and the world than many realize. This film depicts the Pentagon's 58-year history, taking viewers into the restricted inner workings of the Pentagon, and includes coverage of the response following the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001.

    Directed by:

  • Nancy LeBrun
    • rating:3.5.png 3.5 Average Rating


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    The Second City: The First Family of Comedy
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    The Second City: The First Family of Comedy

    2006
    A behind-the-scenes look at the Second City comedy club and troupe, this retrospective spans from the early days to the hit "SCTV" series and beyond. Dan Aykroyd, Tina Fey, Martin Short, Alan Arkin and Mike Myers share their stories.

    Directed by:

  • Sharon Bartlett
    • rating:3.5.png 3.5 Average Rating


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    Behind the Burly Q
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    Behind the Burly Q

    2010
    Dive into more than a century of decadence with this tantalizing look at the evolution of burlesque. Cabaret star Leslie Zemeckis traces the art form from vaudeville-style variety show through its extinction and contemporary rebirth. Vintage photos, film clips and ads illustrate burlesque's resilient history and how the public's sexual appetite kept it alive amid moral and legal ado. Zemeckis's husband, Robert, executive produces.

    Directed by:

  • Leslie Zemeckis
    • rating:3.5.png 3.5 Average Rating


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    The Best of the Real West
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    The Best of the Real West

    1992
    The myths, legends and realities of the Old West come alive in The Real West with Kenny Rogers. Through original footage, authentic diaries, paintings, photos and expert commentary, this award-winning History Channel series reawakens the adventure of our most fabled era, exposing the truth behind some of America's most celebrated stories and figures.

    Directed by:

  • Donna E. Lusitana
    • rating:3.5.png 3.5 Average Rating


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    The Brandon Teena Story
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    The Brandon Teena Story

    1998
    Brandon Teena -- a Nebraska woman who was born Teena Brandon but identified and dressed as a man -- is the focus of this absorbing documentary that uses interviews, reenactments and news footage to tell the story. Although Brandon found happiness with a girlfriend and made a number of friends, he was brutally attacked -- and later murdered -- when his secret was discovered. Brandon's life served as the basis for the 1999 film Boys Don't Cry.

    Directed by:

  • Susan Muska
    • rating:3.5.png 3.5 Average Rating


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    National Geographic: The FBI
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    National Geographic: The FBI

    2003
    With worries about the state of our national security increasing, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has been under more intense scrutiny than ever. This penetrating documentary offers high-security access behind the scenes at the FBI. Rare footage and interviews with agents combine to offer insight as to how the Bureau really operates.

    Directed by:

  • Barbara Leibovitz
    • rating:3.5.png 3.5 Average Rating


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    Aileen: Life and Death of a Serial Killer
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    Aileen: Life and Death of a Serial Killer

    2003
    Documentarian Nick Broomfield trains his lens on infamous serial killer Aileen Wuornos, who began her murder spree in 1992. A highway prostitute at the age of 13, Wuornos was convicted of killing six truck drivers who she insisted tried to rape her.

    Directed by:

  • Nick Broomfield
  • Joan Churchill
    • rating:3.5.png 3.5 Average Rating


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    Abel Raises Cain
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    Abel Raises Cain

    2005
    After launching a phony crusade to clothe animals using the slogan "A nude horse is a rude horse," Alan Abel ended up on the front pages of newspapers across America. He became a legendary professional prankster -- and the nightmare of reporters everywhere. In this touching and amusing documentary, Abel's daughter, Jenny, turns a critical lens on her father to reveal the truth behind his gleeful exploitation of the media's gullibility.

    Directed by:

  • Jeff Hockett
  • Jenny Abel
    • rating:3.4.png 3.4 Average Rating


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    Absolute Wilson
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    Absolute Wilson

    2006
    This provocative documentary from Katharina Otto pays homage to famed stage designer Robert Wilson, who overcame childhood learning disabilities growing up in Waco, Texas, and rose to become one of the most respected avant-garde artists in late 1960s New York. As much a tale of social injustice as a portrait of an artist, this mix of interviews and live performance is testimony to how Wilson's early challenges influenced his creative expression.

    Directed by:

  • Katharina Otto
    • rating:3.4.png 3.4 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
    • rating:3.8.png 3.8 Average Rating


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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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