Documentary
Oceans
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Oceans

2008
Taking viewers deep beneath the ocean's surface, this riveting nature series captures the uncommon beauty of aquatic plant and animal life along with one intrepid team's attempts to fully understand it. The team includes expedition leader Paul Rose, marine biologist Tooni Mahto, maritime archaeologist Lucy Blue, and conservationist Philippe Cousteau Jr., the grandson of famed ocean researcher Jacques Cousteau.

Directed by:

  • Matthew Gyves
  • Penny Allen
  • Milla Harrison-Hansley
  • Daniel Barry
  • Matthew Dyas
    • rating:3.3.png 3.3 Average Rating


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    Last Stand at Little Big Horn: American Experience
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    Last Stand at Little Big Horn: American Experience

    1992
    In this documentary for PBS's acclaimed "American Experience" series, filmmaker Paul Stekler and Native American novelist James Welch use journals, oral accounts and archival feature films to examine the controversial Battle of Little Big Horn. It's a watershed moment in U.S. history that continues to foster heated debate to this very day. Pulitzer Prize-winning Native American writer Scott Momaday narrates.

    Directed by:

  • Jacqueline Shearer
    • rating:3.3.png 3.3 Average Rating


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    To Be Heard
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    To Be Heard

    2010
    Power Writers is a creative oasis in the hustle and violence of New York's public schools. This documentary chronicles four years in the lives of three young poets who've found the transformative magic of the written word through this unique program.

    Directed by:

  • Amy Sultan
  • Roland Legiardi-Laura
  • Edwin Martinez
  • Deborah Shaffer
    • rating:3.3.png 3.3 Average Rating


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    Korean Wedding Chest
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    Korean Wedding Chest

    2008
    Capturing in detail the elaborate blend of old and new wedding customs in Korea, filmmaker Ulrike Ottinger provides a thoughtful -- and, at times, humorous -- documentary centered on the ancient tradition of the wedding chest. The groom carries this chest, which contains specifically stipulated valuables, on his back to the parents of his bride. Meanwhile, modern wedding assistants meticulously make sure everything is perfect on the special day.

    Directed by:

  • Ulrike Ottinger
    • rating:3.3.png 3.3 Average Rating


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    Rudolf Nureyev: A Documentary
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    Rudolf Nureyev: A Documentary

    1991
    Rudolf Nureyev rose from a humble childhood in Siberia to become one of the world's most acclaimed ballet dancers. Filmmaker Patricia Foy's documentary explores his life, work and legacy. Rarely seen footage is interspersed with interviews with friends and fellow dance luminaries, including Merle Park, Roland Petit, Cliff Morgan, Margot Fonteyn and David Wall, to create a fascinating portrait of a dance legend.

    Directed by:

  • Patricia Foy
    • rating:3.3.png 3.3 Average Rating


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    Facing the Habit
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    Facing the Habit

    2007
    Junkie and former millionaire stockbroker Dave starts looking for more experimental treatments after 10 years of failing to kick his heroin habit. He journeys to Mexico to undergo treatment with Ibogaine, a controversial drug made from a mysterious West African root known as iboga. Filmmaker Magnolia Martin's searing portrait of addiction won Best Short Documentary at the 2007 San Francisco Frozen Film Festival.

    Directed by:

  • Magnolia Martin
    • rating:3.3.png 3.3 Average Rating


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    Shaolin Ulysses: Kung Fu Monks in America
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    Shaolin Ulysses: Kung Fu Monks in America

    2004
    If you get a kick out of kung fu, you'll love this exhilarating film that traces the journey of five kung fu monks in search of the American dream. Hailing from China's legendary Shaolin Temple, these Zen masters and kung fu stars have left their homeland to forge a new life and bring their special brand of martial arts to the west. Hear their personal stories (narrated by Beau Bridges) and watch in awe as they display some of their best moves.

    Directed by:

  • Martha Burr
    • rating:3.3.png 3.3 Average Rating


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    Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater
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    Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater

    2005
    Learn the history of Fallingwater -- the iconic Pennsylvania home custom-designed for the Kaufmann family by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935 -- in this fascinating documentary film. Highlights include interviews with Fallingwater director Lynda Waggoner and architectural historian Richard Cleary, who explain Wright's concept of "organic architecture" and the qualities that make the structure so exceptional.

    Directed by:

  • Lynda Waggoner
    • rating:3.3.png 3.3 Average Rating


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    American Experience: The Summer of Love
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    American Experience: The Summer of Love

    2007
    In the summer of 1967, thousands of young people arrived at San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury neighborhood to join in on the celebrated hippie experience. But all was not peace and love, and by 1968, the movement had developed some very bad vibes. Using archival footage and interviews with the people who experienced that historic season firsthand, "American Experience" takes a trip back to the Summer of Love.

    Directed by:

  • Gail Dolgin
    • rating:3.3.png 3.3 Average Rating


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    My Country, My Country
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    My Country, My Country

    2006
    Filmmaker Laura Poitras's fascinating Oscar-nominated documentary provides an inside look at war-torn Iraq from the perspective of a Baghdad citizen. The film follows Dr. Riyadh, a physician who serves the people in his community both as a health care provider and as an advocate in numerous areas of their lives. A critic of the U.S. occupation, Riyadh nonetheless supports democracy in Iraq and decides to run as a candidate in the tumultuous 2005 elections.

    Directed by:

  • Laura Poitras
    • rating:3.3.png 3.3 Average Rating


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    Wheedle's Groove
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    Wheedle's Groove

    2009
    Seattle's vigorous soul music scene of the early 1970s is showcased in this beat-rich documentary, featuring interviews and archival performances. Musicians who make an appearance include Quincy Jones, Kenny G and Mark Arm.

    Directed by:

  • Jennifer Maas
    • rating:3.3.png 3.3 Average Rating


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    Friends of God: A Road Trip with Alexandra Pelosi
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    Friends of God: A Road Trip with Alexandra Pelosi

    2006
    Filmmaker Alexandra Pelosi takes a remarkable journey across the heartland to uncover the religious, cultural and political beliefs of evangelical Christians, including Jerry Falwell, Ted Haggard and best-selling author Joel Osteen. Interviewing both leaders and rank-and-file believers and attending events such as a Christian wrestling match, Pelosi reveals a vibrant subculture whose convictions may surprise and possibly bewilder you.

    Directed by:

  • Alexandra Pelosi
    • rating:3.3.png 3.3 Average Rating


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    The Betrayal
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    The Betrayal

    2008
    During the Vietnam War, the United States performed secret operations in Laos, which led to much destruction in that country. After the war, the fallout of U.S. foreign policy remained, forcing Thavisouk Phrasavath and his family to flee the country. This documentary -- more than 20 years in the making -- follows Phrasavath's journey from war-torn Laos to his painful reunion with his family in Brooklyn years later, and netted an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary.

    Directed by:

  • Ellen Kuras
    • rating:3.3.png 3.3 Average Rating


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    Something to Cheer About
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    Something to Cheer About

    2002
    In 1955, the Crispus Attucks Tigers of Indiana became the first all-black high school basketball team to win a state championship. A half century later, documentarian Betsy Blankenbaker catches up with the original team members, including NBA great Oscar Robertson and former Harlem Globetrotter Hallie Bryant. Between the inspiring interviews are clips from the famed event, which shows the young men at the top of their historic game.

    Directed by:

  • Betsy Blankenbaker
    • rating:3.3.png 3.3 Average Rating


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    By the People: The Election of Barack Obama
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    By the People: The Election of Barack Obama

    2009
    Filmed during the historic 2008 presidential election campaign, this documentary goes behind the scenes to trace the journey of Barack Obama from his seat in the United States Senate to his inauguration as America's first biracial president. Filmmakers Amy Rice and Alicia Sams offer candid footage of Obama and his aides from inside the campaign and also examine the fervent grassroots movement that helped propel Obama to the White House.

    Directed by:

  • Amy Rice
    • rating:3.3.png 3.3 Average Rating


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    African Leaders: Frantz Fanon: His Life, His Struggle, His Work
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    African Leaders: Frantz Fanon: His Life, His Struggle, His Work

    2001
    These absorbing documentaries profile two African leaders whose courage and defiance of colonial forces changed the lives of millions. Via archival footage and interviews with scholars and colleagues, both men take their rightful places in history. Renaissance man Frantz Fanon spearheaded the Algerian revolution against France, while Amílcar Cabral founded a political party to foster the independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde from Portugal.

    Directed by:

  • Cheikh Djemai
  • Ana Lucia Ramos Lisboa
    • rating:3.3.png 3.3 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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