Hold Me Tight, Let Me Go

2007

Award-winning filmmaker Kim Longinotto goes behind the walls of England's Mulberry Bush School, an experimental boarding school and treatment facility that serves as a last-resort destination for emotionally traumatized children. The film examines the school's unique approach to rehabilitation -- restrain and console, never punish -- as it follows a year in the lives of four boys, their families and the teachers who strive to heal them.

2.8 Average Rating

*Single

2008

For the first time in American history, single people make up the majority of heads of households. This compelling documentary explores the sociological changes that have caused such an increase in unwed adults. Delving beyond the easy explanations that Americans live longer, marry later and divorce more, the film examines the complexities of modern life, the changing roles of women and increased choices for both genders.

2.8 Average Rating

Alicia Bustamente

2008

An iconic figure in New German Cinema, Hanna Schygulla brings her heroine instinct to bear in this homage to kindred spirit Alicia Bustamante -- herself a legend of Cuban theater and film -- whom Schygulla met on the set of a 1992 production. Through spontaneous moments caught on celluloid, she captures the personality, charm and infectious humor of the multifaceted Bustamante, who has been Schygulla's colleague and companion for nearly 20 years.

2.8 Average Rating

Freedom on My Mind

1994

This powerful documentary chronicles the Mississippi Voter Registration Project during the Civil Rights movement of the early 1960s. Archival footage and contemporary interviews explore early efforts to register disenfranchised blacks, the Freedom Summer drive and the formation of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party. Freedom on My Mind garnered a Best Documentary Oscar nomination and won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.

2.8 Average Rating

14 Women

2008

Exploring the lives of the 14 female U.S. senators, this compelling documentary looks at the challenges they face, including the sometimes difficult balance between their roles as public servants and as wives and mothers. When the 109th Congress opened in 2005, it included more women senators than had served in the entire history of the Senate. With some of the senators' relatives producing and directing, the film offers a true insider's view.

2.8 Average Rating

The Truth About Cancer

2008

Using her husband's struggle with cancer as a case in point, filmmaker Linda Garmon explores the status of the fight against the devastating disease and looks at the lives of the medical professionals dedicated curing it. Interweaving personal testimony with science, this compelling documentary also includes a panel discussion with cancer experts led by broadcast journalist and cancer survivor Linda Ellerbee.

2.8 Average Rating

War & Truth

2007

Since World War II, war correspondents have played an important role in bringing the face of conflict to the public. This documentary reveals the dedication of reporters who risk their lives for the story, including more than 2,000 embedded in Iraq. Noted correspondents such as Helen Thomas, Joe Galloway and Norman T. Hatch share their experiences in reporting on the truth of war despite mortal danger and political opposition.

2.8 Average Rating

5 Girls

2001

Five teen girls, including a Vietnamese immigrant wanting to return home and an honors student in love with a drug dealer, open up their lives to filmmaker Maria Finitzo in this documentary that explores the trials and tribulations of adolescence. While the girls come from widely different economic backgrounds and situations, they all adapt to the challenges in their lives the same way -- by believing in themselves.

2.8 Average Rating

Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo

2009

Jessica Oreck -- a past contributor to PBS' "Nature" -- turns her lens on the insect world in this documentary, but her true focus is on the hold the creepy-crawly creatures exert on the collective imagination of the Japanese people. Tracing the connection all the way back to that country's first emperor -- who dubbed Japan "Isle of the Dragonflies" -- the film shows how bugs have wormed their way into every aspect of Japanese culture.

2.8 Average Rating

The Little Travelers: Bali

2008

Come along for a magical adventure as American youngsters Chantelle Hart and Nakia Hart continue their journey, greeting new friends, learning a new culture and exploring the beauty of Bali, Indonesia, in this award-winning documentary. Enchanted by the island's lush landscape, vivid colors and theatrical customs, the sisters hunt for coconuts, play in the rice fields and even encounter a mischievous monkey along the way.

2.8 Average Rating

On the Downlow

2007

In this fascinating 2007 documentary, experimental filmmaker Abigail Child and cinematographer Arthur Jafa shadow four African-American males who are living dichotomous sexual lifestyles in Cleveland. Tending to their sexual needs "on the downlow" while maintaining a veneer of being straight, these conflicted men are ultimately forced to confront the realities of their sexual choices and the subsequent effects on their lives.

2.8 Average Rating

Home

2006

As Irish immigrant and filmmaker Alan Cooke meditates on his new life in New York City, his sentimental journey explores such themes as nostalgia and the meaning of home. Along the way, other New Yorkers share their reflections on the Big Apple. The impressive roster of interviewees includes Liam Neeson, Susan Sarandon, Frank McCourt, Rosie Perez, Colin Quinn, Alfred Molina, Mike Myers and Fran Lebowitz.

2.8 Average Rating

Hollywood's Hot Wheels

1999

Here's a fast-paced joyride that takes a colorful look at some of Hollywood's most famous automobiles. From the Batmobile to the time-traveling DeLorean of Back to the Future, you'll race through nearly a century of celebrities, cars and pop culture. Join narrator Adam West for this insider's look at some of the hottest, most imaginative cars ever, featuring dynamic footage and exclusive interviews with legendary customizers.

2.8 Average Rating

Arctic Mission

2003

Scientists explore the impact of climate change on the Arctic in this series of five films. A team of scientists and filmmakers board the sailboat SEDNA IV for a breathtaking data-gathering expedition through the Arctic. Not only does the series reveal the impact of climate change on the Arctic's sensitive ecosystems, wildlife and indigenous Inuits, it also explores the potential impact of global warming on the entire planet.

2.8 Average Rating

Listening to the Judge

2011

Edited down from a more than six-hour conversation between director Isabel Coixet and her subject, this documentary portrait gives controversial Spanish judge Baltasar Garzón free reign to discuss his highest-profile public actions.

2.8 Average Rating

SoleJourney

2008

Chronicling a 65-mile protest march to the headquarters of Focus on the Family, an outspoken, anti-gay Christian organization, this compelling documentary follows a group of gay-rights activists that embraces nonviolent means to advance their cause. Interviews with high-profile participants such as former evangelical pastor Mel White shed light on the group's efforts to see equal rights established for Americans of every sexual orientation.

2.8 Average Rating