Summer Documentary List - Death, Sex & Money

Summer Documentary List - Death, Sex & Money - Sheet1
Your name
Your Twitter
handle
(optional)
Documentary suggestion
Where is it available?
(optional)
"A Married Couple" (Allan

King, 1969)
Hulu Plus
corinne v
Tanya Dapkey
@tanyadapkey 180 Degrees South:

Conquerors of the Useless
Mark Gilsdorf
50 Children: The Rescue

@mgblacksmit Mission of Mr. And Mrs.
Krauss
Netflix
Rachel Aronoff
Terra Setzler
Mia Lipman
7 Up, 14 Up, etc.

(instagram)
@terrathelione A Piece of Work
ss
@editormia
After Tiller
Melina Trimarchi
American Mustang
Mido Lee
American Teen
Lauren Mitchell
An Honest Liar
Jonathan Hayter
Any and all documentaries by

BBC Documentarian Louis
Theroux
Pete Carboni
HBO GO
Netflix (for 7 Up only)
Netflix
A look at one of the final years of Joan Rivers' life - one of the hardest working
women to ever take the stage.
Netflix
Follows the only 4 doctors in middle America who openly perform late term
abortions after the death of George Tiller. Great because it shows the reality of
why women need safe late term abortions (mainly due to complex fetal anomolies
found at their 20 week anatomy scans). Important to watch at this time as
congress recently passed a bill banning abortions after 20 weeks, and the bill will
soon go to the senate.
http://anhonestliar.com/wp/
Ayahuasca: Vine of the Soul
Netflix
Beauty is Embarrassing
YouTube
Beware of Mr Baker
Netflix
Leah Morgan
Leila S.
Beyond the Lighted Stage
Lawrence Clack
Netflix
Beyond the Myth
Lori Crabtree
@twixlen
Big Shot
Netflix
Trent Pettit
n/a
Bill Cunningham New York
Netflix
Comments from others
If you like this watch Birth Story! So good!

7up has followed me throughout my life, and
grown up with me. I love it so much - Sophie
This was such an intense, thought-provoking
film. Second this! -Darby F.
Third this! - Jess F. Fourth this!! -Jess M.
Agreed. I need to go home NOW I think. And
watch documentaries. Emily
Documents James Randi's transition from stage magician to scientific skeptic of

the paranormal, all the while examining the many layers of dishonesty in society
and his own life.
Louis Theroux is a fantastic interviewer and manages to ask very tough questions
without offending his subjects -- through some magic mix of (potentially feigned)
naivety and humour. He is brilliant. Highlights include The Most Hated Family in
America (discussed above), Louis and the Brothel, Behind Bars, Extreme Love:
Dementia, and By Reason of Insanity. But they are all absolutely worth a watch.
I've been interested in exploring ayahusca (friends have tried it and had great
experiences) and this movie gives an inside peek into the reality of doing it. I
came away not sure if I want to do it or not so we shall see... Great movie.
Wayne White is an incredible artist who is from the south, moved to NYC,
became part of a motely crew who created the look of Pee Wee's Playhouse,
moved to LA, worked on the Simpsons and eventually moved back home to the
South with his equally talented cartoonist wife Mimi and their two children and
started painting on old thrift store paintings
A documentary about the angriest old man of music, drummer Ginger Baker.
Incredible.
The definitive documentary about the band Rush, it discusses the band's history,
their influence on countless musicians and how the band has generally not
received the respect it deserves. Rock musicians from Gene Simmons, to Trent
Reznor to Billy Corgan discuss the band's influence on them and how Rush has
developed one of the most passionate fan bases in all of music. If you're a Rush
fan, you must see it; and if you're a fan of rock music, you should probably watch
it anyway.
Beyond the Myth is a film about dogs commonly referred to as "pit bulls" and
those who love and defend these breeds. It explores the contributing factors
behind the public's generalized fear of "pit bulls," and examines the conflict
existing between advocates and opponents of breed discriminatory laws, as
carried out in three cities that ban pit bull-type dogs: Denver, Miami, and
Cincinnati-along with San Francisco, which requires the animals to be spayed and
neutered.
- Written by Libby Sherrill
Part of ESPN's 30 for 30 Series, and narrated by Entourage's Kevin Connolly, this
is the story of would-be billionaire John Spano, who duped the NHL into buying
the NY Islanders hockey team back in 1996. Connolly interviews former Islanders
players and management, and Spano himself to tell the story. It will make
Islanders fans pine for the glory days and realize what a mess the franchise was
at one point.
About the man who's been doing style and fashion photography for The New York
Times pretty much forever - but beyond getting to see lots of his amazing work,
you get to know this fascinating, truly one of a kind man. It's super engrossing and
totally charming. -Malissa.
Email (optional)
Genres/Tags
Great documentary! Agree!

Totally
love this one! Really surprising story behind this
company. - Melissa B
Great recommendation! Thanks!
Wonderful, inspiring, heartbreaking. A must see

- Kim C.
Netflix (DK,FI,NO,SE)
@petecarboni
Dan O
What makes it great?

Arguably the first "Real World" verite documentary film where the filmmaker
embeds himself into a marriage on a daily basis. Over time the marriage changes
and the people change. It reveals how people grow together and apart, and
makes you think about the possibility of objectivity in a documentary.
A very enjoyable film about a journey to climb the Corcovado Volcano in
Patagonia. The adventuer is set to a great soundtrack that matches the attitudes
of the fun folks we're following. I also just loved getting a glimpse into the minds of
folks who can be so determined to push their minds and bodies to the brink. Plus
it's available on Netflix!
The previously untold story of a Jewish lawyer and his wife who in 1939
embarked on an improbable plan to rescue 50 children from Nazi controlled
Vienna.
This series of documentaries follows a group of schoolchildren in England and
checks in with them every year. It's a fascinating look at the way things change
and the unexpected turns life takes.
I was about to suggest this too! So delightful.

Also started listening to that podcast, which is
equally as charming as the documentary.
This was beautifully shot. I also love adventure

stories, and this is a good one. - Lori C.
A+++. Completely changes your perspective of

Joan and who she was as a private person, and
the process of comedy. She's one of my
heroines and this documentary is fantastic!
(Rebecca)
If you don't like fashion this is still a wonderful
documentary- @FernandaZamudio
[email protected]
Chicago, Gang, peac
Your name
Your Twitter
handle
(optional)
Meredith Heil
@DJPinterest Birth Story
Eliot Thomas
@eliotcthomas
Blackfish
Blood Brother
Daria H.
Bev
@niftytastic
Born Into Brothels
Boy Interrupted
Laurence Blancha @lolb
(optional)

Your Body Is Not A Lemon! Wonderful and positive look at Ina May Gaskin and
the Farm Midwives who have brought so much to the field of midwifery. I haven't
had a kid yet but this movie makes me feel stronger and more excited about
having one someday.
Maybe you saw "Free Willy" when you were a kid, or had a memorable visit to
SeaWorld. Many of us feel an inexplicable connection to orcas, and this
Netflix
documentary seeks to explain why. The film follows the tragic lives of killer whales
in captivity and shows how conditions at SeaWorld lead to the death of a trainer a
few years ago. Essential viewing for any animal lover.
All Filmmaker Proceeds Are Donated to the Children Seen in the Film and to
HIV/AIDS Initiatives. Blood Brother is a story of friendship. Its a story of a life,
stripped down to its essence. Most of all, it is a story about love, enduring in the
Itunes, Amazon Instant, Netfli face of death.
Rocky Braat, a young man from a fractured family and a troubled past, went
traveling through India without a plan. Then he met a group of HIV positive
children living in an orphanage a meeting that changed everything for him.
A photographer visits the slums in Calcutta, India to talk to children of prostitutes
and they are captivated by her camera. Soon they get their own cameras and
Netflix
magic happens. There are updates on the Born into Brothels' site that follow the
kids and their whereabouts up until 2009.
This one is on the more depressing side (no pun intended) - but the story is
heartfelt and honest. The story draws you in from the very beginning and was
impossible to turn off. "Boy Interrupted looks at the life of Evan Perry a 15-yearold boy from New York who committed suicide in 2005. The film made by his
parents Dana and Hart examines how Evan's bipolar disorder and depression
affected his life and the life of his family."
Kimberly Anderso notrihanna
Bronies: The Extremely

Unexpected Adult Fans of My Netflix
Little Pony
Holly Edgell
Brooklyn Castle
Netflix
Buck
Netflix
@hollyedgell
Haus of Garvie
incredibly interesting, and heartwarming insight into a seemingly bizzare but

ultimately wonderful subculture
Awesome movie about kids from a low-income area that learn how to play (and
master) chess
this is a film about Buck Brannaman who was the inspiration for the novel/film
"The Horse Whisperer". He breaks colt horses without touching them . I am not
even a horse person and was not interested in this documentary when it was
recommended to me but it blew me away. i work in mental health and nonviolent
communication and the approach Brannaman takes with his horses is something i
believe is transferable to how we treat approach each other and most living
things.
I stumbled across this gem on Netflix and found myself holding my breath as the
story unfolded: Art and education squaring off against money and power. From
the website: In 1922, Dr. Albert C. Barnes formed a remarkable educational
institution around his priceless collection of art, located just five miles outside of
Philadelphia. Now, more than 50 years after Barnes death, a powerful group of
moneyed interests have gone to court for control of the art, and intend to bring it
to a new museum in Philadelphia.
Netflix
Burt (man who started Burt's Bees products) is the one of the most awkward
people I have ever seen, and I totally relate. "A good day is when no one shows
up, and you don't have to go anywhere" ~ Burt
The is a Brazilian film, incedibly suspenseful

and dramatic, provides keen insight into social
alienation and inequality in Rio. Amazing. -Emily S. Totally agree. - Melissa B
Susan Lichtenstein
Bus 174
Netflix Brazil
Heartbreaking, compelling.
only about an hour long and delightful!
In theaters Aug 2015
Directed by Bobcat Goldthwait and featuring interviews by comedians like Patton

Oswalt and Marc Maron, this documentary is about the life and career of
comedian/activist Barry Crimmins. I didn't know anything about Barry when I saw
the movie, and because of that, the reveal halfway through was all the more
Saw this in the cinema and alternated between
shocking. Recommended for those interested in comedy history and/or social
dancing in my seat to crying at the warehouse
activism.
scenes, what a rollercoaster! -Sarah
Capturing the Friedmans
Barb Kielhofer
@Barbie_Jani Chasing Ice
Netflix DVD
A look inside Britain's highest security psychiatric hospital, examining the medical
https://www.youtube.com/wat and social aspects of healthcare for the acutely and severely mentally ill.
Fandom, Gender Ess
LOVE! - I took the train to Merion Philly in the

final few days of The Barnes Museum - truly
spiritual experience. ++++++ LOVED this one.
Really good - Bruce M.
Burt's Buzz
@sbalderson
Biographical
I was going to suggest A Brony's Tale, which

covers the same subject matter, but I'll just
leave this comment instead; available on Netflix
Streaming.
Lawrence Clack
Ella Spencer
Black history
You NEED to see this. It won best doc at the

Oscars a few years ago and is the predecessor,
in many ways, to "Blackfish." --@AmyKinLA
Phenomenal, inside look at our sometimes
flawed legal system! Highly recommend. - Jess
F.
Loved this one too. It took me awhile to identify
the familiar narrator :) - Melissa B
Netflix
Home movies stitched together by Andrew Jarecki about a family accused of

molestation and what went on while the family was disintegrating.
[email protected]
Heartbreaking, in a good way. Stays with you. Shannon H.
The Art of the Steal
Call Me Lucky
Genres/Tags
This one even makes me want to go on one of

those tourist buses. -@michaeltapp
loved this one, makes you reconsider all your
physical bullshit. Seconded - this is a really
lovely film - it's great to think about other ways
of living.
Mary Saucier
Danielle Drees
Email (optional)
Yes! Yes! It's more fun than a tree full of

monkeys on nitrous oxide! As a fellow maverick
filmmaker, this is the film that truly captures the
emotion, adventure of spirit, mind and body, and
the (sometimes) pure nuttiness of living life in
the new wave of American Independent cinema.
And my mom really likes it, too. @geekpower. [email protected]
[email protected]
DIY, work ethic, film,

indiefilm, Karen
Black, Firecracker,
Mike Patton, Susan
Traylor, Debbie
Harry, Dennis
Hopper, Kansas,
filmmaking, behind
the scenes, Selene
Luna, Pleasant
Gehman, Hollywood,
Sissy Spacek,
Edward Furlong
War, politics
Your name
Ed Kuyper
Your Twitter
handle
(optional)
@DutchStallio Chasing Ice

n
Malissa O.
@maosopera
Andrea Brown
@canonicsona
Chef's Table
Country Boys
Nikki Awbery
@nikkistrawbs Crazy Love
(optional)

IF you love stunning photography and cinematography, you'll love how
photographer James Balog (full-disclosure, he's my second cousin) and his
Extreme Ice Survey team document the earth rapidly vanishing glaciers. THe
most fascinating part of the documentary is the fact that my cousin James didn't
Netflix
really believe in climate change and global warming until he started documenting
these changes in the ice. Many have criticized him for doing it for the money, but
when you see the pain, work, and money loss (much in cameras lost or breaking
in the extreme conditions) you can genuinely see a doubter change his mind
when the evidence is set before him.
Technically a docu-series. Spends each 1 hour episode behind the scenes in a
Netflix
world famous restaurant, exploring the life, style, and development of the chef,
restaurant, and cuisine.
Filmed over three years (1999-2002), "Country Boys" tracks the dramatic stories
of Chris and Cody from ages 15 to 18. With intimate cinematic technique and
sound design, the film bears witness to the two boys' struggles to overcome the
povertyand family dysfunction of their childhoods in a quest for a brighter future.
This film also offers unexpected insights into a forgotten corner of rural America
that is at once isolated and connected, a landscape dotted with roughshod trailer
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pag homes and wired with DSL.
Email (optional)
Genres/Tags
i just watched this last weekend...I kept wanting

to yell 'MORE LEVON!' at the screen -Anna
On Netflix (Loved this!) -- I also absolutely love
this documentary. - Alice
I loved this one too!- Susan
Netflix
Crazy Love is incredible...so far fetched that if it were fiction, no one would believe it. In it,
a man seduces a younger woman. she leaves him when she finds out he's married. he's so
upset by the dumping that hires a hitman to throw acid in her face. he goes to jail, she lives
a mostly independent life as a now-blind woman. when he gets out of jail they fall in love all Very well done film. Baker is a great drummer,
not a really nice guy.
over again and get married.
Netflix (FR, CH)
Documentary about underground cartoonist Robert Crumb. Fascinating, querky

look into an artists life.
One of Erroll Morris's best. I'll second this one.

Very timely - Bruce M.
Varun Adibhatla
Crumb
Amy B
Cutie and the Boxer
Jess F.
DamNation
Molly
Dark Days
Kristy M.
Dawg Fight
Chris Kenny
Day & Night: The Story of

Plaza Anibal Pinto
A fascinating documentary about two artists and their relationship. "Cutie" and the
"Boxer" emigrated from Japan and have lived a life centered around his career.
Netflix (several countries; not
The film follows Cutie's rising fame as her art gains an audience. Really
USA)
interesting to watch the power dynamics begin to shift between the two of them
(especially since Cutie's subject matter is often biographical.)
About the effect dams have on the landscape and ecology; how they do more
harm than good when poorly planned/built or obsolete; the activism being done to
Netflix
remove them. On Netflix.
An exploration of the "mole people" who inhabit the abandoned subway tunnels of
Netflix (IE, UK)
New York City.
It's so intriguing to see the difficulty that happens after an adoption. It's what
happens after "happily ever after." It takes on the point of view of existing, birthchildren who feel excited to have new siblings but then realize quickly this means
they get less time with their own parents. It's sad and heartbreaking for a lot of the
film, but amazing in the end. My favorite character was the birth-daughter who
Netflix
copes amazingly well for the crazy new situation her parents threw her in.
Doc about backyard MMA style fights that takes place in the poor areas of Miami.
Netflix
It follows a guy by the name of Da-da that used to roll with Kimbo Slice and his
quest to get to the main street stage. It's very brutal but very real.
Short student documentary filmed over 2 weeks in the winter of 2009 that focuses
on the difference vibe one plaza in the Chilean city of Valparaiso exudes between
day and night. Features 4 local businesses and interviews with artists and
https://youtu.be/D5GBicuQLh owners. Spanish audio with english subtitles.
John B
Dear Zachary
Netflix
Dhamma Brothers
Netflix and Vermont State

Colleges libraries
John B
Dark Matter of Love
Malita Jones
Varun Adibhatla
@512homesto
Diaries
Dig!
J Shannon Hollis
YouTube
YES! Absolutely a must-watch. His followup

with Rumsfeld is good, but doesn't touch The
Fog of War - RonH
Yep, love this one. They have such an
interesting, unique relationship. Cutie's artistic
frustration is palpable.
Get ready to sit and ponder life for a while after

watching this.. Its a great movie. - This was an
amazing documentary...very thought-provoking!
- Gina G
This one too! Emily (Meaning, I NEED to see it.)

Super powerful - Sheila C.
Two thumbs up! (third thumbs up, it's a classic @oneanabee)Agreed! -@michaeltapp. .......
BEST DOCUMENTARY EVER! I could not love
this more. @pasinina
Yes! A very compelling doc
A man's friend makes a documentary about his life after his murder...addressed to Fascinating and really makes you think about
the slain mans child.
the justice system - Sheila C.
One of the great docos - @stribs
Vipassina (secular) medititation is introduced into a high security prison in
Alabama. The movie tracks everyone involved, including townspeople, staff,
inmates. Be sure to watch the outtakes and extras too. Very complex and
inspiring.
Hilarious! - Jess F.
A beautifully constructed, epic family portrait by filmmaker Ed Pincus, someone
instead, Watch this errol morris segment on the
you may not know but should (his book "The Filmmaker's Handbook" was a pretty creator
frequently read title about 20 years ago, but his films are shown too rarely). It's a https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MT3JukAZl
long film, but worth the slow-burning impact that reveals something intangible in a W8
similar manner to "Boyhood" or maybe even "The Tree of Life." Except that
people laugh a lot more than in those films. You truly feel like you are a
participant in the Boston Women's Health Collective, that you are leaving the city
to move to the middle of rural Vermont in the 1970s, and that you've pushed your
own marriage through a rigorous "openness" definition when no generation before
you really had (& of course you want to experience all of these things because
they are great).
This doc covers art vs commerce by following two rocks bands (Dandy Warhols
and Brian Jonestown Massacre - Ben). An indie purist rock band/cult and another Made me kinda like David LaChapelle. band that signs to a label. The two bands become foes and you get to watch it
@MichaelTapp
play out. The filmmaker (Ondi Timoner) shot over 1500 hours of footage.
Music, entertainment
Your name
Diana Kim
Alysha Balog
CHayter
Sam Weisberg
Varun Adibhatla
Kristin
Carla P.
Your Twitter
handle
(optional)
AmyKinLA
Lori Crabtree
@twixlen
Evolution of a Criminal
Exit Through the Gift Shop

Eyes on the Prize
Amy Kaufman
AmyKinLA
Kristin
@PetSittingCo Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead
Katie Bishop
@katiebishops
Fed Up
ays
David Knecht
Michael Tapp
Fed Up
@MichaelTap Finding Vivian Maier
p
First Comes Love
CVandenberg
Jonathan Hayter
Corinna Scott
(optional)

In case you need more dinosaurs this summer -- the premise sounds like it would
just be 'okay' but I promise things escalate quickly! A documentary about the
Dinosaur 13
iTunes, Netflix DVD, Amazon discovery of the largest Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil ever found and the craziness
@missdianaki
that ensues when the US Government steps in...
Dr. Emanuel Bronner was a master soapmaker, self-proclaimed rabbi, and,
allegedly, Albert Einsteins nephew. In 1947, after escaping from a mental
institution, he invented the formula for Dr. Bronners Magic Soap, a peppermintinfused, all-natural, multi-purpose liquid that can be found today in every
@alyshaba
American health food store. On each bottle of his soap, he printed an everevolving set of teachings he called The Moral ABC. A movie about the eccentric
man who lives up to your expectations after seeing a bottle of Dr. Bronner's! "It's
Dr. Bronner's Magic Soapbox http://magicsoapbox.vhx.tv
like a peppermint in your pants!"
By Michael Roemer. Very Frederick Wiseman-esque, no commentary, just fly-onDying
NYU library
the-wall observations of three dying people and the effect this has on their
families. Wrenching stuff.
Dr. Sanjayen brings incredible energy to this multi-part documentary about how
humans affect nature/the world around us. As an animal nerd, I loved it, but my
non-animal nerd boyfriend also was fascinated by each part. At first, it's
Earth: A New Wild
discouraging to see the damage humans have done to our environment, but then
you see the incredible, innovative solutions that we've also come up with to fix it!
You can find it on demand on PBS' website.
Gustavo Proto, a Chilean living in Canada, lost his father at the age of 16 when
he took his own life. Afterward, he decided that he would also opt for suicide if he
contracted a fatal disease. Now 58 and stricken with Alzheimer's, he's determined
to follow through on his decision, but finds his will to live returning when he goes
El Hauso
back to Chile to fulfill his longtime dream of becoming a huaso (Chilean cowboy).
His family is tormented at the thought of him dying. Carlo Guillermo Proto,
Gustavo's son, films his father's uncommon journey and the family conflicts that
arise from respecting his choice. El Huaso is a meditative film that tackles the
complex ideas of individual freedom and familial duty.
I revisit this Werner Herzog film at least once a year when I need a laugh. It's full
Encounters at the End of the
of quirky observations and insights from the vastly diverse people who live in the
@PetSittingCo World
Netflix
human outposts of Antarctica. Also much beautiful footage of the continent's
unique landscapes.
https://www.youtube.com/wat nd of the Century: The Story of the Ramones is a 2003 documentary film
ch?v=qSc70sZlFy4&list=PLQ about highly influential New York punk rock band the Ramones. The film
4m3YbIPmsbpUZsNMVJJ85ZRmg22 tells the wild story of the people behind the band and isn't meant just for
hardcore fans
End of the century
-fQ
Amy Kaufman
First Position
@atotalbooker Five Broken Cameras
Netflix
Darius Clark Monroe directs this autobiographical documentary about how he

robbed a bank with a few high school friends. It documents the events through
interviews with Clark's friends and family, along with very well directed
reenactments wtih actors. This is a great story, directed with a strong sense of
style and honesty. I'd expect some great films to come from this director and
probably a narrative film version of this story, hopefully not ruined by Hollywood.
Email (optional)
Saw this a while ago, but yes amazing!!
[email protected]
[email protected]
Highly recommend! Great documentary that
explores self-determination for individuals with
disabilities. - Megan
Tremendous film. John B; I agree - Susan F.;

THANK YOU for this rec'! Fantastic film. - Lori C
Honest, interesting and memorable

Amazing documentary on the social changes
Filmmaker seeks the elusive graffiti artist Banksy, becomes a street artist himself. that can be brought about my street art and
Good twist at the end.
what happens when the world starts to take
Netflix
notice of underground art forms. - Shannon H.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/pr Groundbreaking civil rights documentary, out of print for many years but now
This changed the way I view race and racism. It
oduct/B00EE2WUKI/ref=avod
fleshed out my understanding of the civil rights
back. Wonderful interviews, excellent music, very moving.
_yvl_watch_now
movement.
Very insightful documentary about two guys from different lifestyles who want to
Netflix
change how they live and eat. Covers vegan/vegetarianism, plant based diets and This documentary inspired a family member of
juice fasting.
mine and has lost 50lbs from it
Nice doc about food in America and how the Government financially backs both So good! -- saw this recently on HBO (?),
Netflix
fantastic doc, better than 20 Feet From
the good and moreso the bad. Specifically, sugars and fast foods.
Stardom, @BenHess
The story of how corporate America is trying to poison our children in the pursuit
of profit is staggering. Most of the story is not known or understood even by
Netflix
people who are knowledgable about nutrition and the obesity epidemic. Should
be required watching for all parents and anyone concerned about their weight and
health.
Lovely documentary about an almost forgotten american artist.
saw it at Sundance in 04, it's a fantastic doc,
Netflix DVD
[email protected]
won the audience award - @BenHess
A
woman
in
her
early
40s
decides
to
have
a
child
on
her
own.
It
is
a
rivetting
www.firstcomeslovemovie.co
story of this woman's decision, and her relationships with her family, particularly
m/watch
her mother, and her amazing set of friends. Great film!
loved this one :]
follows 6 very young ballet dancers as they prepare for a prestigious world
Great film! cvandenberg
Netflix
competition. can't recommend this highly enough - it has everything!
This is a VERY good film
Palestinian's experiences of Israeli occupation is rarely represented in western
Netflix
media outlets, whose bias is typically Zionist. It is an especially relevant testimony
today given Islamaphobia in, especially, America and France.
Genres/Tags
Your name
Michelle R.
Your Twitter
handle
(optional)
@neonfoxtong
Food Chains
ue
(optional)
Netflix
free the Mind
Netflix
Free the Mind
Netflix
Ena
Pete Carboni
@petecarboni

It's on netflix! An inside view into the food justice movement happening right now,
highlighting amazing leadership and change, the Fair Food Program has
suceeded in helping farmworks (specifically tomato pickers) get a fair price and
workplace environment, most of the large restaurant chains have signed on
(Walmart, Taco Bell, Subway, etc.), but the current targets are Wendy's and
Publixit
This film follows the organization Music and Memory as they provide Alzheimer's
and dementia patients with iPod shuffles filled with their favorite songs from when
they were young. It is extremely touching to see how previously unresponsive
patients come back to life when they hear something they connect with deeply.
Explores the use of yoga and meditation on war vets with PTSD and a child with
anxiety. Powerful and inspiring.
Spencer Post
Snoop Dogg soundtrack! No really, it's a great documantary about the rise and fall
Freeway: Crack in the System Al Jazeera America or on torr of a hustler, as well as the involvement of the CIA in the crack epidemic of the
80s. Gripping moment: a former billionare crack dealer crying, remembering how
his daughter was born small enough to fit in his hand due to crack exposure.
Trent Pettit
Gates of Heaven
Michael Heintzman
Adam Lipkin
Good Ol' Freda
Netflix
Errol Morris' first film, and in some ways still his purest and most overtly
philosophical. The movie (about two pet cemeteries in California) is by turns
mysteriously beautiful, extremely funny, and achingly sad, a contemplation on the
nature of "truth" and the inevitability of death, all expressed in monologues by a
cast of characters stranger than any writer of fiction or screenplays could concoct.
Folows the struggle of 3 public defenders in the South. An official selection in the
prestigious U.S. Documentary Competition at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival,
GIDEONS ARMY was awarded the editing prize at the festival. The film
premiered on HBO in July 2013.
Fantastic girls coming of age story centered around 4 tween / teen girls at the
Rock and Roll Camp for Girls in Portland and featuring interviews with fantastic
indie rockers who teach at the camp.
A bright light is shined on the shadowy beliefs and structure of a "spiritual
philosophy" composed by a mentally-ill science fiction author whose biggest
passion was "smashing my name into the mountains of history". WIth incredible
interviews with several ex-members who held high positions of power before they
"blew" (slang for leaving without permission), what looks like a benign practice of
psychoanalysis quickly becomes an organizations that does much more than just
drain people's bank accounts.
Profiles Freda Kelly, who was a shy Liverpudlian teen when she was asked to
work as The Beatles secretary/fan club director by Brian Epstein, at the start of
their careers. She stayed with them all the way through to the end (1970) and has
some fascinating stories of each of them. A must-see for any Beatles or rock
music fan.
Grey Gardens
Netflix DVD
Wacky old ladies + Maysles brothers=hilarious, surreal, poignant
Gideon's Army
Girls Rock!
http://girlsrockmovie.com/
@tsalmoth
Going Clear: Scientology and Currently on HBO and HBO

the Prison of Belief
Go, possibly YouTube
Kim K.
Shannon H.
The House I Live
In
Netflix
Kayla G
@theroyalshe Grizzly Man
Kristin
@PetSittingCo
Happy
Leslie G.
Happy People: a year in the

Taiga
Andrea R.
Harlan County, USA
Chanah
Hava Nagila: The Movie

Helvetica
Chris Gillis
Heather Coble
Hoop Dreams
Hot Girls Wanted
Shannon H.
Strange and interesting story. Really enjoyed it!
Genres/Tags
music, 70s, mystery
The best documentary I have seen this year.

So moving
Crime, Drugs, Hustlin
In the making of Fitzcarraldo, we find a better

adaptation of Fitzcarraldo than any Fitzcarraldo
movie could hope to be.
So good! I'm barely interested in sports, but I
love a good underdog, stick-it-to-the-man story.
@lindseyosborne; Agreed! Loved this one. Shannon H.
Cinema
I LOVE this one - Good choice! @tanyadapkey

:)
A classic - Sophie D
Werner Herzog chronicles the life and death of grizzly bear fanatic Timothy
Treadwell, who died while filming a clan of bears in Alaska. The film includes
Netflix
some of Treadwell's own footage, interviews with people who knew Treadwell, as Tremendous film. John B; I agree - Susan F.;
well as professionals dealing with wild bears.
THANK YOU for this rec'! Fantastic film. - Lori C
It was really warming and uplifting! love how it shows the worlds happiest people,
and how it's community/friendship that contribute greatly to our happiness. Now I
want to gisit Denmark :) It really made me re-consider my material addictions, that
Netflix
they don't make me happy.
Werner Herzog's unparalleled vision makes you discover the remote lives of
Russian country folks. If the story is not for you, the cinematography will make
Netflix
you reconsider living in cities all together.
Love this, and the movie version @nikkistrawbs
It's kind of a depressing movie (strike at a gritty, impoverished Kentucky coal mine
http://www.snagfilms.com/film
in the 70s) but the stories they find and the people they talk to in this stunning
s/title/harlan_county_usa
(and relatively short) piece are truly inspiring. Plus, it has INCREDIBLE music.
Harry Belafonte, Leonard Nimoy, Regina Spektor, and many others discuss one
Netflix
of the world's most beloved Jewish folksongs.
As a font nerd, I loved this documentary and
"Helvetica is an independent feature-length documentary film about typography
Netflix DVD
made me look at helvetica as a default font in a
and graphic design, centered on the typeface of the same name." GREAT DOC!!
whole different way - @niftytastic
A compelling view of two inner city boys with dreams of making the NBA.
YouTube
Everything from meeting child's idol to a dad making crack deals to college
recruiting. A riveting view of life in the city and the pursuit of a dream.
A heartbreakingly well done documentary about the legions of young teenage
Netflix
girls being lured into the world of amateur porn. Life cycles of these girls' careers
usually last less than a year, but the damage done is irreperable.
Email (optional)
Music
Your name
Amy Kaufman
Your Twitter
handle
(optional)
(optional)
How to die in Oregon
Netflix
How to Survive a Plague
Netflix
I Am
Netflix
I Hate Christian Laettner
Netflix
AmyKinLA
kelsey Wiens
Robin
robinllance
Kathleen van Boer
Drew Taylor
@drewbentayl I Know That Voice

or
Alice Montague
@aecapulet
Grace Bello
@grace_land
Netflix

Email (optional)
The characters are what make this story. The way that they face death and
process what is happening. We all have this image of the person who would
choose death with dignity as a person who is strong and stoic. The subjects are
just as I would be, afraid of every option, trying to understand their day to day. It's
beautifully done and flows perfectly. The only problem is that the drug they show
in the film is no longer used. That drug was gentle and put someone into a coma
very quickly. But the state used it for executions so they European producers
stopped sending it to the US.
It focuses on the AIDS crisis in New York in the 1980s, and particularly on a
group of young activists who became experts in biomedical research. Guaranteed
to make you cry, and also to wonder why we still haven't solved this public health
problem.
The director, Tom Shadyac, documents his quest to find meaning in life after a
tramatic brain injury. This film changed my perception of the world and my place
in it.
It's a story about one of the most dislike/hated college basketball players. He was
the only player to start in four consecutive Final Fours, and was instrumental in
Duke winning two national championships. The documentary delves into the
possible reasons he is so hated. It features extensive access to Laettner,
previously unseen footage and perspectives from all sides. I loved this
I really enjoyed the episode with Francis
documentary; it was incredibly entertaining.
Mallmann! - Jess Pace
such a good choice
One of the saddest movies I've ever seen Sheila C.
Be prepared - this is heartbreaking. Amazing,
but a tough to watch - Lydia
If you're a fan of cartoons -- past or present -- this is an amazing look at the
Incredible film, but unbelieveably
people behind those classic voices. It's narrated by John DiMaggio (Bender/Jake heartwrenching. Just watch (don't read much
the Dog), and stars dozens of folks you've heard, but (with the occasional
about it beforehand), and bring some tissues. exception like Mark Hammill) might not have heard of unless you're a voicework Corina
nerd. It's both entertaining and informative.
It's been a while since I've seen this film, but the
story will stick with you for years to come. Tragic
and heartbreaking but also SO beautiful.- Jess
F. I watched this in February and still think
about it regularly. Watch this please - but be
prepared to be devastated. - Katy
A super mesmerizing look at Shopsins, a restaurant in the West Village, and its
owner and head cook for 30 years, Kenny Shopsin. Very philosophical while also
being hilarious. A glimpse into an NYC of the past.
Quick and easy: A documentary on Henry Darger, visionary artist, janitor, and
novelist.
What I love: the strange and interesting way this man saw the world. His art is
I want to see this too -- Emily
unlike anything I've ever seen. Perfect for anyone that enjoyed Marwencol or
I had to watch in small bits- the jerky camera
maybe even Finding Vivian Maier
work made my tummy hurt! -Kirsten
This movie shows you the solitary life of an indie game developer, with brilliant
direction and a wonderful soundtrack. It highlights the extreme emotional toll of
nonstop work and ex-partners screwing you over, yet remains highly inspirational.
I Like Killing Flies
Netflix DVD
In the Realms of the Unreal
YouTube
Indie Game: The Movie
Netflix
Into The Abyss
Netflix
True crime by Werner Herzog.
Netflix (AT, CA, DE, CH)
Jimmy Page, The Edge, and Jack White in a film about the electric guitar.
Jig
Netflix
the story of kids competing for the 40th Irish dancing world championship.
Fascinating and entertaining.
Kristen Meinzer
Jiro Dreams of Sushi
Netflix
Terra Setzler
Kings of Pastry
Netflix
Jennifer J.
Laura Garrett
Meredith Heil
@DJPinterest It Might Get Loud
Karla Wallace
@misswallace
Kristin
@PetSittingCo Korengal
Netflix
Lady Valor: The Kristin Beck

Johannah Berger @johannahberg Story
Netflix
Sheila C.
@szlc
Last Train Home
Perhaps too obvious so not on the list yet? Wonderfully intimate portrait of
Japan's Michelin-starred sushi maestro and the art - and obsession - behind the
craft.
About the Meilleu Ouvrier de France - a very rigorous pastry competition. A peek
into the strange world of high-level food competitions. I find this weirdly
fascinating.
Follow up to Restrepo. Follows many of the same soldiers and is just as good as
Restrepo!
Amazing story of one of the Navy's SEAL Team Six, illustrating a complex
transition about coming home from war, knowing that she also wanted to begin
her personal emotional and physical transition bringing forth Kristen. Suprising
reactions from her military buddies, to her current bid to become a
Congresswoman mixing her lifetime experiences to stand up for the outliers.
Examines the very personal and very real impact of modern day manufacturing
and the global economy on the life of one family as the parents partake in the
world's largest human migration 130 migrant workers returning from their
(largely urban) workplaces to visit their (largely rural) home villages for the New
Year holiday. Stunningly beautiful, heartbreaking, and visceral.
[email protected]
Totally amazing. His cookbook is worth a look,
too. - @libbybulloff
Loved this one! - Ann
Incredible -@michaeltapp
Moving piece about identity, race, family, and
secrets, @rosemariochoa
[email protected]
Loved it! It makes me want to go to go to Japan
ant pay $30 or more for each piece of sushi.
Just watched it the other day for the first time
and I too felt like I was late to the game.
Absolutely beautiful and mesmerizing.
@rlnewma
Genres/Tags
Your name
Pete Carboni
Your Twitter
handle
(optional)
(optional)
Life 2.0
Netflix
@petecarboni
Life in a day
Netflix
Jonathan Hayter
Rebecca Missel
@JerseyTribe Life Itself
Netflix
Little Dieter Needs to Fly

Skye Chapman
Little White lie
Holly Edgell
@hollyedgell
Lori Crabtree
@twixlen
Netflix

Facinating look at Second Life users (that alternate computer reality). I am not
into Second Life but this movie was wonderfully done. Lots of twists and turns (no
spoiler alerts, you'll have to watch it yourself to see what I mean).
On July 24, 2010, thousands of people around the world uploaded videos of their
lives to YouTube to take part in Life in a Day, a historic cinematic experiment to
create a documentary film about a single day on earth.

This was a great doc. At first I thought it was
going to be something else and then it just hits
you! I loved this.
https://www.youtube.com/user/lifeinaday
This documentary was referred to on the Chaz Ebert DSM podcast and wow. I
never felt a connection to Robert Ebert before but I sure did after. What an
incredible human being. And that Chaz! Sigh.
Werner Herzog directed both this and the fictionalized version with Christian Bale,
"Rescue Dawn." But the documentary brings the charisma of Dieter and an
interesting storytelling device where he returns to Vietnam to re-enact his escape
from prison camp. Haunting and beautiful. A must-see.
A girl grows up in a white, Jewish family believing she is white and Jewish. This,
despite the fact that she looks to be of mixed race. No one in her family talks the
elephant in the room. Lacey Schwartz tells this story with great honesty and
tenderness. Similar to "Open Secret," this documentarian takes great pains to
understand the choices of her parents, not condemn.
It embodies DS&M: Young woman lived her life under the guise of being white,
only to learn of her mother's affair with a black man, and that her bio dad as
always just an arm;s reach away at the dinner table. It speaks to the decision to
marry white for acceptance and priveledge than to follow what the heart had
wanted- leaving a child in the middle to now find her true self.
A very bromantic documentary follows Ewan Mcgregor and his best mate on a
motorcycle tour from London to NYC - the long way round - appealed to me as a
guy's guy thing coming to terms with fame / aging / family / roots - oh and also
motorcyles :D
A documentary about juveniles who are serving life in prison without parole and
their victims' families.
Contemporary musicians are brought together by music producer T-Bone Burnett
to record lost, unfinished songs of Bob Dylan's. Really interesting insight into the
creative process. Excellent music as well.
This doc is about lonely men on their quest for love through the modern mailorder bride industry of Ukraine.
New York City kids come of age through the magic of ballroom dancing. It's light
and touching, the equivalent of a summer beach read in documentary form.
Great film! - Jess F.

Great for kids- Terra S.
This made me cry on a plane. Mia L.
Loved this documentary - it's a feel good! - Ann
Netflix
Long Way Round series
Netflix
Kristy
Lost For Life
Netflix
Chris Kenny
Lost Songs: The Basement

Tapes Continued
Showtime Anytime
Love Me
Netflix
Mad Hot Ballroom
Netflix
Madonna Truth or Dare
Netflix
"Truth or Dare" captures Madonna at the heart of really understanding and

knowing herself as an artist. Her fearlessness is inspring.
Magic Camp
Netflix
Man on Wire
Netflix
David Umansky
Marwencol
Netflix DVD
Tess Malone
Mile/Mile & a Half
Netflix
Follows several kids at a summer camp for budding magicians - interesting and u Very funny/interesting
Loads of archival footage mixed with beautifully shot recreations of a tightrope
walker's walk between the WTC towers
Yup, this is brilliant
I totally agree! This film fulfills the documentary
mission to "look closely at the particular and find
the universal." The themes include relationships
between parents and children, the meaning of
family, and ways in which the "biological clock"
From the Washington Post: "A fine, delicately nuanced portrait of an artist
presents women with a different set of choices
compelled by mysterious forces to create something utterly unique."
than those available to men (and how this is
changing). And the film is hilarious. Check out
the Village Voice review:
http://www.villagevoice.com/film/first-comeslove-nina-davenport-births-a-son-and-a-greatdoc-6439107
I wanted to see this! Emily It's so good! -Anna
This is about a group of artists/film folks who take on a section of the John Muir
Such a compelling story, wonderfully told -Lydia
trail. It's beautifully shot, and shows the glory of this part of the world. It also tells
// I watched it twice, it's so good, and in theme
a story about backpacking and being on the trail for days on end.
with death sex and money - ana bee
This doc is for anyone who wants to know what it's like to be a comedian. Kevin
Pollak talks to his comic friends to help answer one question: Do you need to be A classic @michaeltapp
miserable to be a comedian?
Behind the scenes of the indie rock band The National, and the struggles of lead
singer Matt Berninger and his younger brother Tom, who lives in his shadow.
Agree!! - Melissa B
So amazing and also a really interesting look
Oh my. This movie rocked my world. Best love story ever. So heartwarming.
into the effects of Lyme disease
Re-awakened my inner riot grrl!!
Adults reading their childhood journals to an audience of strangers. Its hilarious, a true mind blower! - Ann
touching, and totally relatable.
Ena
Jonathan Hayter
Gautam Hans
@dispositive
Joe Moore
Haus of Garvie
Rich S.
Misery Loves Comedy
Matthew Murphy
@cdmatthewm
Mistaken for Strangers
urphy
Nikki Awbery
@nikkistrawbs Monica and David
Netflix
Libby Bulloff
@libbybulloff
Netflix
Mortified Nation
Genres/Tags
[email protected]
Literally just watched this, it's fascinating. Shannon H.
Little White Lie
Daria H.
Email (optional)
[email protected]
Thanks for the rec. I loved it!
Loved this- Terra Setzler // Phenomenal,

especially if your AIDS history is a bit rough Eliot // punch in a stomach, but an important one
- ana bee // Oh wow! This is one I need to check
out. - Benjamin Franklin
Education
Your name
Your Twitter
handle
(optional)
Lawrence Clack
Tania Ginoza
@mauishopgir
(optional)
Mr. Death: The Rise and Fall
of Fred A. Leuchter, Jr.
Murderball
Muscle Shoals
Netflix
Mark Campbell II
Lawrence Clack
My Winnipeg

Errol Morris documentary about execution technician, Holocaust denier, and allaround weirdo Leuchter.
the toughest, ass-kickingest band of wheelchair riding MF's you'll ever want to
see!
This documentary explores the history of Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals,
Alabama. Some of the most soulful songs of all time were recorded there -- like
Aretha Franklin's "I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)" and the Rolling
Stones' "Wild Horses." The soundtrack is amazing! But my favorite part was
learning more about Rick Hall, the founder of the studio -- whose own story is by
turns tragic and triumphant.
Email (optional)
Amazing doc-- one of the best by Herzog

Loved this one, they're one tough group of guys!
- Shannon H.
[email protected]
Is it a documentary? Guy Maddin's "docu-fantasia" about his hometown.
This film was originally released in 2003 - but it's splendid and so worth watching
if you haven't seen it. Director Ric Burns does an amazing job, weaving together
narratives from notable historians, architectural critics and urbanists. In particular,
Carling McManus @carlingmcm
I love the episodes that explore Robert Moses as well as those detailing the
horrible impact of Titles I and II of the Housing Act of 1949 (i.e., urban renewal).
New York: A Documentary
As a longtime resident of San Francisco, I've seen the aftermath of that massive
Film
Amazon, PBS Store
mistake in public policy here - much like that experienced in New York.
100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Premiered at Sundance. Topical for the current racial
tensions --Helping make this documentary changed my life. "In the 1970s Dock
Ellis pitched a no-hitter on LSD and his outspoken style courted conflict and
controversy, but his latter years were spent helping others recover from addiction.
No No: A Dockumentary weaves a surprising and moving story of a life in and out
RJ Schmidt
@rjschmidt
No No: A Dockumentary
Amazon Instant, Netflix, Goog of the spotlight."
Note by Note follows the creation of a Steinway concert grand, #L1037, from
Note by Note: The Making of
Sofia Echegaray @echegaray Steinway L1037
forest floor to concert hall. Each pianos journey is complex, spanning 12 months,
12,000 parts, 450 craftsmen, and countless hours of fine-tuned labor.
Set the tone for so many films of its kind.
Sarah Buggy
Notebook on Cities and

@notoriousbu Clothes
Kristin
@PetSittingCo
Nuerons to Nirvana
Netflix
Open Secret
Amazon
Holly Edgell
@hollyedgell
Justin S.
@jpschwingha
Our Curse
mer
Susan F.
Wim Wenders gem. It's pretty old- but will still make you ponder the world in a
different way. Wenders is good for that.
Pandora's Box
Paradise Lost
Beth Naumann
@bethnauman
Ingrid Sinclair
Karl G. Siewert
Paris is Burning
@yoyology
Erica Linc
Mia Lipman
Amazon, HBO GO
@editormia
Netflix
Rain in my heart
Restrepo
Resurrect Dead: The Mystery
of the Toynbee Tiles
It shows a different side to the uses of psychedelic drugs, which have been
shown to have a wide range of uses for our health - contrary to what our
governments have told us, that they are dangerous and highly addictive.
Family secrets can be toxic, and this doc shows how through the experiences of a
man who learned, at age 18, learned the truth about his adoption--a truth most
everyone in town already knew about. The filmmaker shows great care with his
relatives, as he tries to understand their decisions. We also learn, poignantly,
about the context in which the choices were made.
This is a short doc about young parents bringing their first child home from
hospital - where he was a bit longer than most due to suffering from Congenital
Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (aka Odine's Curse). Basicaly the ilness
causes one to stop breathing when they fall asleep. You can imagine what that
means for an infant. Mostly, this is a story of coming to terms with the curve balls
life throws our way. Bonus: you cna watch it for free on the NYT website
http://www.nytimes.com/video/opinion/100000003489430/our-curse.html
(disclosure: I might be a little biased, since I was involved with this production at
one stage, you gotta love them to work on them)
If you've never tried any Adam Curtis, start of with this series. Small 1/2 programs
to get you started.
Three installments in this docu series trace the imprisonment and eventual
release of "The West Memphis Three" -- teenage boys in rural Arkansas who
were wrongly convicted of murdering neighborhood children in satanic ritual.
Documents the drag ball culture of NYC in the late 1980s. Sad, funny, uplifting. I
could watch this again and again
Netflix
an option for the brave, who don't mind having their heart dirlled into. A doc
having as a starting point a clinique where alcoholics end up when they get into a
life threatning condition. Unflinching but extremelly compassionate. (on personal
note first time I relaized hat documentaries cna be and fallen in love with them)
One of the best war documentaries ever.
Three amateur investigators on the trail of a mysterious paranoiac who has been
placing strange tiles on streets in several northearn US cities with a sinister
message: "Toynbee idea from movie 2001, resurrect dead on planet Jupiter."
agreed! - Ann; love the surprise twist at the end

-- jonathan h.
I second this - this is an awesome look into the

art of sushi (And I third this!) (Fourthed!)(fifthed!)
(sixthed - plus Jiro is is great to
know)(seventhed! - Ann)(eighthed!!! LOVE this
movie! - Katrina) I hate sushi but found this
documentary very interesting. More about
Japanese culture for me - Bruce M. This is one
of my favorite documentaries ever. It's such a
crowd please. Everyone I've talked to about it
just loves Jiro. - Melissa B
yoyology at gmail dot com
Genres/Tags
Your name
Your Twitter
handle
(optional)
Melissa B
@melissa_bee
(optional)
Rize

I loved this movie, powerful and inspiring.Just watch it, you'll see what I mean -it's the story of the rize of crumping out of South Central LA. I first saw it 9 years
ago and it stayed with me.
Email (optional)
Genres/Tags
A rabid Death Penalty advocate/law school professor is shaken up by a

particularly erudite Death Row inmate
Robert Blecker Wants Me

Dead
Rolling Papers
Informative, very entertaining documentary, which is not just about the

legalization of pot in Denver, CO, but also about how old school media
(specifically, a newspaper) is experimenting with updating their coverage for
digital times
Salesman
B/W documentary by Albert and David Maysles about travelling door to door bible
salesmen as they travel across New England and southeast Florida trying to sell
expensive Bibles door-to-door in low-income neighborhoods.
corinne v
Sophie C
@socalixte
Laura H
@luluhutch
Errol Dunlap
Sans Soleil
Hulu Plus
Searching For Sugar Man
Netflix
Shakespeare Behind Bars
Netflix
Sherman's March
Netflix
Shut Up and Play the Hits
Netflix
@erroldunlap
Jess Pace
Robert Stribley
@stribs
Sick: The Life and Death of

Bob Flanagan,
Supermasochist
Thomas Jara
@MrWoobers Slaying the Badger (30 for 30) Netflix
Jena M
martinberg.jen Somewhere Between
Itunes
Somewhere Between
Netflix
Somm
Amazon, Vudu, Google Play
Kiara Douds
Joe Morgan
@egonull
Poetic and Philosophical, Chris Marker's Sans Soleil explores

the differences between western,European culture and the
cultures of Guinea-Bissau and Japan. Includes amazing
sequences depicting television, cultural views of sexuality, death,
oppression, and leadership. All filmed as a travelogue using the
Bealieu r-1 16mm camera.
Two South Africans set out to find out what happened to a virtually unknown
(except in South Africa) American musician from the 1970s. A great story and
great music.
A group of prisoners in a Kentucky prison stage Shakespeare's The Tempest.
They talk about their crimes and how the story and its themes of forgiveness
relates to their situations. Absolutely fantastic and pretty heart-breaking.
or, A Meditation On Possibility Of Romantic Love In The South During An Era Of
Nuclear Weapons Proliferation. In 1981, documentarian Ross McElwee sets out
to explore the lasting effects of Sherman's march to the sea during the Civil War,
but a romantic break-up causes him to turn his attention to personal matters.
Notable and fascinating in part for his first-person filmmaking style in a time
before the proliferation of inexpensive video devices. It's amazing the intimate
moments he captures using what would ordinarlly be an obstrusive 16mm camera
and audio recording device. "Time Indefinite", also on this list, could be
considered the sequel to "Sherman's March."
Chronicles the last concert (and the morning after) performed by LCD
Soundystem. Beautiful, fascinating look behind the scenes at an odd band, that
started when its members were already a bit older, initially never planned to play
concerts, and decided to disband and move on to other projects at the height of
their popularity.
It's difficult to watch this film about the life of Bob Flanagan, who lived with cystic
fibrosis for 43 years of constant pain. Rather than enduring, he made pain his
passion, turning his masochistic tendencies into a long-standing relationship with
Sheree Rose and a career as a performance artist. It's hard to imagine something
that better encapsulates Death, Sex, and Money. It used to be on Netflix, but
appears not to be easily obtained at this time. Check library holdings or request
through Interlibrary Loan!
The story of Greg LeMond's Tour de France wins, particularly 1986. I'm not a
cycle-head or sports buff, but have really enjoyed most of the 30 for 30's I've
watched. This is a compelling story.
A nice flow between science, politics, history,

and real life stories.- Terra Setzler
New documentary I saw at SXSW this year
[email protected]
This really got to me. Holly
This film follows the lives of four teenaged girls adopted from China and now living in the United States. Nuanced portrayal of the lives of 4 Chinese adoptees as teenagers. Gripping plot twists and i
This film is about identity formation, family, adoption, and race. The film focuses
on the intersection of all of these themes through the coming-of-age stories of
four girls who were adopted from China by American parents.
Four wine stewards prepare to take the Master Sommelier Exam, one of the
world's most-difficult tests, presided over by the notoriously secretive Court of
Master Sommeliers. Over the past 40 years only 200 or so people have ever
passed the test to become a Master Sommelier
Your name
Laura Garrett
Your Twitter
handle
(optional)
(optional)
speed sisters
Follows the struggle and successes of the Palistinian
Lewis Erskine
Kids preparing for national spelling bee.
Antony B.
@mauishopgir Stanley Kubrick's Boxes
Stevie
Stories We Tell
Jon Ronson at his best with an intriging subject and a compelling main character.
Director revisits the troubled boy, now grown up and accused of a sex offense
crime, that he met in the Big Brother program 10 years ago. Dour, very long, but
http://www.videobash.com/vid amazingly complex
eo_show/stevie-20022251991
Netflix
Sarah Polley dredges up family secrets of who her real birth father is. This is
fascinating look at family, memory, and storytelling.
CHayter
Laura Cardon
@lauracardon
Stranger with a Camera
23
Benjamin Franklin
@namoneuge
Streetwise
ne
Netflix DVD
Vivi
Loved this-LaBrea: I agree and think it's actually

a good documentary and the strengths and
limitations of documentaries. #2 - I agree. Just
watched it over the weekend and it provides an
interesting perspective on memory and
perspective.
Morgan Spurlock tries to eat McDonald's for 30 days and quickly sees the
reprocussions that has on his body. It's a fun experiment to watch, but it also
makes you think about how messed up the fast food business really is.
The man behind everything in entertaiment that I highly doubt you've heard of.
Direceted by Mike Myers this is a film style documentary that shows you the story
Brenna Ellis
of the man who went from managing Alice Cooper to helping create The Food
Network and more. A humanitarian and one of the most interesting people I've
Supermensch: The Legend of Netflix, Amazon, Google Play heard of in a long time. It's one of those stories that you find yourself saying
Shep Gordon
Store, Itunes
"seriously? he did that, that was him?"
Everything Alex Gibney does is gold in my book. This is one of his early
documentaries and it is one of his best (in my option) and it won him an Academy
Award in 2007. It examines the USA's policy on torture and interrogation in
Fiona
general, specifically the CIA's use of torture and their research into sensory
deprivation. Like all Gibney films it has a definite point of view but is fair and
balanced and looks at the topic from many sides. Warning: it is gut-wrenching and
Taxi To The Dark Side
Netflix
a total tear jerker and will (potentially) make you very angry at our military system.
You know when you see an actor in a TV show or a movie that you recognize but
can't remember their name or what you recognize them from? This documentary
That Guy . . . Who Was In
Tessa Morefield
talks to a bunch of those actors about what it's like to be a working actor without
That Thing
name recognition. They also talk about money - having it, not having it, having it
again.
Heart breaking and eye-opening, takes a look into the mass executions of
accused communists in Indonesia by challenging the former death squad leaders
Savannah McCas (instagram) @ The Act of Killing
Netflix
to renact the killings in any cinematic styling of their chosing. The documentary
also sheads light on the corrupt government systems still in place today.
Jonathan Demme befriends a truth-to-power radio host in Haiti, Jean Dominique,
@MaddyMadd
Maddy Burns
The Agronomist
follows/revisits him with a camera for a decade before Jean is assassinated. The
yBurns
man is part Ed Murrow, part Bob Marley, and totally captivating.
Using hidden cameras, filmmaker Mads Brugger exposes the ease with which he
obtained a fake passport and smuggled blood diamonds out of the Central African
Michael Tapp
@MichaelTap The Ambassador
Amazon
Republic.
Nora Loughry
Yes, this is a remarkable movie, one of my

favorites.
This documentary tells the story of a murder of a photographer in eastern

Kentucky in 1967. I saw it in college and I think back a lot on the important
questions it asks about about storytellers and the impacts they have on
the people they cover.
This is about homeless kids squatting in abandoned places in Seattle in
1980s. I like that this is a portrait of a city that I don't know much about
https://www.youtube.com/w the
beyond Nirvana, coffee brands and Microsoft. It didn't feel too
atch?v=5lTQgfXb87k
editorialized. It was just their voices. Oh -- I liked this one too, James!
Emily
Sam Weisberg
Super Size Me
[email protected]
A thinking person's sports documentary, plus a

wonderful portrayal of people with disabilities in
a way that isn't pedantic or condescending, but
rather empowering and fun
Spellbound
Tania Ginoza
Email (optional)
The Aristocrats
Dozens of comics do a different take on the world's dirtiest joke.
The Art of the Steal
I stumbled across this gem on Netflix and found myself holding my breath as the
story unfolded: Art and education squaring off against money and power. From
the website: In 1922, Dr. Albert C. Barnes formed a remarkable educational
institution around his priceless collection of art, located just five miles outside of
Philadelphia. Now, more than 50 years after Barnes death, a powerful group of
moneyed interests have gone to court for control of the art, and intend to bring it
to a new museum in Philadelphia.
Netflix
10
Totally agree. If you're into music at all, or know

anything about the music industry, this
documentary is amazing. Plus Shep Gordon
really is just an amazingly nice guy. - Shannon
This documentary was JAWDROPPING. Shep's
life is so unbelievable it reads like fiction.
@rlnewma
[email protected]
This is perfect for summer watching!

[email protected]
Genres/Tags
Your name
Your Twitter
handle
(optional)
(optional)
The Artist Is Present
Netflix
Documentary about the life of Marina Abramovich, eccentric and true believer of
performance art. Well directed, great love story, great story of an artist chasing a
dream.
The Battered Bastards of

Baseball
Netflix
A great look at minor league baseball! Superb.
Theresa B
Sophie C
@socalixte
Lawrence Clack
Joe Toeben
The Battered Bastards of

Baseball
Netflix
The Black Power Mixtape
Netflix
The Boys: The Sherman

Brothers' Story
Netflix
@toejben
Chanah
This was so interesting! - Katie I added below

Independant baseball in Portland. The story of the battle Bing Russell fought to
"The Myster of Vivian Maier." She was a
get an independant baseball team in Portland, it features all the pre-hipster's
fascinating lady - Bruce M.
beards and bad boy behavior you'd expect from Portland.
A+++ -@MichaelTApp
Swedish journalists document the evolution of the American Black Power
Movement from 1967 - 1975. Includes interviews and commentaries from Black
American figures from Stokely Carmichael and Angela Davis to Erykah Badu and
Talib Kweli. It's interesting to see journalists from another country document such
a pivotal time in American history.
The composers of the songs we've grown up with share their story of fame,
accomplishment, and estrangement. Directed/produced by cousins Gregory
Sherman (Richard's son) and Jeffrey Sherman (Robert's son). Especially
interesting in light of the "Siblinghood" DS&M episode.
This film is about the Golden Gate bridge and about the suicides that happen. It
really left an impression on me. The fact that a lot of those who ended up not
jumping saying that all it took was someone to smile at them, it makes you realize
how a nice gesture can really affect strangers. The footage is a bit creepy but it
was really thought-provoking.
Bev
@niftytastic
Ana Bee
@oneanabee The Business of Being Born
Netflix DVD
The "Inconvenient Truth" of modern, birthing practices.
Alejandra S.
@alesierra242 The Case Against 8
HBO GO
It's the story of taking the fight against California Prop 8 (banning same sex
marriage) to the Supreme Court. A very real story of love, equility and the Court
system. Won at Sundance. And directed by my former roommate doesn't hurt
either.
Kristin H.
@kdronimo
The Central Park Five
Netflix
The Clash: Westway to the

World
Tina Cook
Sheila Collins
The Bridge
@szlc
The Cove
Andrea R.
The Crash Reel
Netflix DVD, HBO GO
The Cruise
Jonathan Hayter
The Decline of Western

Civilization Part II: The Metal
Years
The Devil and Daniel
Johnston
Stefani P.
The Dog
Gabrielle Rosenfel @cestmoigab The Flat
Netflix

Email (optional)
Love these! Binge watched them one weekend
(from beginning to end). So deliciously
satisfying! ~Kristin M. Agree! I had never heard
of this series and uncovered it while housesitting. Transcendent stuff. - Melissa B
In addition to shifting power dynamics, it shows

how love and tenderness shifts in a couple
Unbelivable documentary about 5 young, black teenagers from Harlem accused constantly. Also shows how difficult it is to work
of the rape and murder of a white wall street businesswoman. Great looks of NYC as an artist who's relatively well known but not
in the 1980s. Speaks to the racial discussions we're still having in America today. financial successful. Artists sacrifice their entire
lives, at significiant cost. Devestating, honest,
and tender. - Leif Fairfield
A well-done doc that takes you right back to the Clash as they were just hitting
NYC.
super sweet!
This is an amazing documentary. What is so
sad is that two years after I saw it I found out a
Hardhitting docu about destructive fishing methods
friend had been in this situation. Some progress
has been made but it is still a problem.- Terra S.
Not exactly summer themed, but the best documentary i've seen. Chronicles
olympic-bound snowboarder Kevin Pearce and his family as they try to make
sense of their lives after Kevin's traumatic brain injury. The family profile is
exquisite. Especially poignant are Kevin's conversations with his brother who has
Down syndrome. Get the tissues ready.
I agree, this was awesome.-Susan
Similar to I Like Killing Flies, another bizzaro portrait of one definitely bizzaro NYC
Sightseeing Guide and his existential take on life, his work and NYC. This one
might change your life... or at least make you want to take a trip on a double
decker bus.
Funnier than Spinal Tap (and forever proving that Spinal Tap was way ahead of
its time); also heartbreaking and eerily prophetic look at the waning days of LA's
hair metal scene. Alternately hilarious and poignant interviews with members of
Aerosmith, Poison, Megadeth, W.A.S.P., Motorhead and metal bands both
famous and obscure.
"Daniel Johnston, manic-depressive genius singer/songwriter/artist is revealed in
this portrait of madness, creativity and love."
Described as : "In 1972, John Wojtowicz attempted to rob a Brooklyn bank to pay
for his lovers sex change operation. The story was the basis for the film Dog Day
Afternoon. The Dog captures John, for the first time, telling his story in his own
unique, offensive, hilarious and heartbreaking way." This documentary is both
enticing and disturbing; an extremely charistmatic and infamous man tells his
story. I find that it fits in really well with DS&M because not only does the
documentary broach topics that we are often unwilling to talk about, but it lets the
main "character" talk about his experiences in any way that he wants, often in
ways that we would be unwilling to talk
A documentarian cleans out his grandparent's apartment in Israel to find a
Excellent! -@michaeltapp
complicated Nazi connection - great story telling!
So funny! One of my favorites- Jess F.
11
Genres/Tags
Your name
Your Twitter
handle
(optional)
Ana Bee
The Fog of War: Eleven
Lessons from the Life of
Robert S. McNamara
The Galapagos Affair: Satan
Came to Eden
Holly Edgell
@hollyedgell
Michael Tapp
@MichaelTap
The Ghost Army
p
Andy Sauer
@AndySauer
Bill (New Zealand)
The Great Happiness Space
The Green Prince
(optional)
Netflix DVD
Robert McNamara confides/ confesses / reflects on his tenure as Defense Secy.

during the Vietnam War
Netflix & Amazon
In the late 1920s, a European couple decides to chuck it all and live alone on an
unihabited island. What could go wrong? I love the storytelling here, made even
better by contrasting historical images and footage with present-day interviews of
people affected by how all this played out.
Amazon
Wonderful film with archival footage about an unknown unit in WWII the Army
23rd who used visual, sonic, and radio deception to mislead the Germans.
The Great Happiness Space explores Osaka's underground love scene. The doc
centers around a host club, which is a basibally a strip club for women, but the
http://www.tudou.com/progra
boys in the host club sell companionship to women, not sex. There's a twist in the
ms/view/JShRlvagXmk
middle of the movie that makes it incredibly fascinating. This is by far one of the
most fascinating docs I've ever seen.
Follows the son of a founding leader in the Palestinian organization, Hamas, who
becomes a spy for the Israelis. This documentary film about Mosab Hassan
Yousef from his childhood in Hamas controlled region, imprisonment in Isreal,
Netflix, Amazon
being flipped as an Isreali spy working within the heart of Hamas, and resulting in
the most unexpected friendship and deep trust that develops between Mosab and
his Shin Bet handler. It is absolutely captivating and deeply insightful into both
sides of the Isreal / Palistine divide. (2014)
Kevin Bush
The King of Kong: A Fistful of

Netflix DVD
Quarters
Great unlikely true story about a genuinely appealing, yet darkly tragic Spanish m
who impersonated a teenage boy from America who went missing. The story has
three incredible acts, great interviews, great reenactments and is masterfully direc
I work in Open Knowledge & Creative Commons and for years I struggle with how
to explain what I do to my Mom. I showed her this and she finally understood!
This is the tale of the Open Movement and of The story of programming prodigy
and information activist Aaron Swartz, who took his own life at the age of 26. Wait
for the last 10 min to see Cory Doctorow's speech that will bring you to tears.
Bonus points it's licensed under CC-BY-NC-SA so you can download it legally
from The Internet Archive.
Steve James is one of the respective documentary director in the U.S. He spent
years on the street of Chicago to document a group of activist they called The
Interupters. Ameena Matthews is one of the works. She is the daughter of Jeff
Fort, who was a notorious Chicago gang leader. To see her grown up in a violent
enviroment and now working in promoting peace is the most inspiring moment in
the movie.
The story of a man's quest to beat the world record high score for the donkey
kong arcade game. Lots of nostalgia for the video game boom of the eighties and
some really amazing characters.
John Serino
The Last Waltz
I watch this, like soaking in a hot bathtub. Calgon, take me away.....
Mike Y
The Imposter
Netflix
The Internet's Own Boy

Sam Weisberg
Alysha Balog
@alyshaba
The Interrupters
Netflix DVD
Netflix
The Look of Silence
In this followup documentary to The Act of Killing, an Indonesian man confronts

his brother's killers and those who enabled them, including his own uncle
The Lottery
The Most Hated Family in
America
Netflix DVD
This film follows families in Harlem as they enter the lottery for their children to get
into one of the few and highly coveted spots in Harlem Success Academy. It
touches on the controversy surrounding public and charter schools in the US and
the education reform movement.
BBC documentary film written and presented by Louis Theroux about the family at
the core of the Westboro Baptist Church, focusing on Shirley Phelps-Roper.
Netflix, YouTube
This quirky film is full of surprises about this fascinating fowl and about the
unusual characters that keep them. I am a total documentary freak and this is
one of my faves.
Gail Kim
Kelsey Wiens
@bella_velo
Brittany C.
The Natural History of the

Chicken
Stefani P.
The Optimistis
Alannah Massey
Susan St. Laurent
@alannahmas The Other F Word
The Punk Singer
Netflix DVD
Netflix
Email (optional)
Genres/Tags
If you're interested in finding out more I can link

you up with the filmmaker. -MT
Phenomenal! Unique look at a soldiers
perspective on war. - Jess F.
[email protected]
Oh Yeah!
- this was fascinating, taking a look at the "love
industry" in Japan. Sidenote: if you like this, you
should read the book by Jake Adelstein called
"Tokyo Vice" - @niftytastic
[email protected]
Palistine, Isreal,
Hamas, Shin Bet, spy
And unsparing - @oneanabee Watch American

Splendor is fantastic compainon piece.
@michaeltapp
[email protected]
Love! Emily The best verite film out there. @MichaelTapp -- Someone put the entire film
on YT, just added URL - @BenHess
Thanks everyone for all these great
recommendations. And thanks to Anna for such
a wonderful podcast and for starting this list!
~Kristin
LOVED this! Couldn't get enough of it even

though it was several episodes. Found myself
googling the main character over the years to
see what happened to him. - One of my
favorites!! This documentary was riveting. - Gina
G
Excellent doco, I agree - @stribs; Me, too.
Moving and inspiring.
I was definitely entertained by this 1 hour long
documentary. I enjoyed the variety of stories,
birds and people showcased. I also enjoyed the
special effects implemented in this film from
2000. Thanks for suggesting it - Donna B.
Absolutely delightful. Described as: "A moving, humorous and absorbing documentary film about an extraordinary volleyball team from the town of Hamar, consisting of ladies between 66 and 98 yea
I loved this documentary. It's one of the few that
I have been able to watch more than once. I find
The documentary looks at the other side of some of my punk rock favorites and
how their music lives and home lives overlap. I love seeing how they make it work when I'm feeling creatively uninspired, or just a
little down, watching Wayne share the joy he
in a space that can feel hypocrytical at times.
has for his work and his family really picks me
up. -Akilah C.
Filmmaker Sini Anderson explores the life and career of punk rocker Kathleen
Hanna, the Bikini Kill frontwoman who became a pioneer of the "riot grrrl"
movement of the 1990s.
12
Your name
Your Twitter
handle
(optional)
Elzemieke
The Queen of Versailles
The Rape of Europa
Jess Pace
Barbara S.
The Salt of the Earth
Emily Botein
The Staircase
Anna Sale
@annasale
The Stories We Tell
Laura Garrett
The Thin Blue Line
Vivi
The Unknown Known

The Vivian Maier Mystery
Mike Andrick
@MikeAndrick
Johannah Berger @johannahberg The Wild and Wonderful

Whites of West Virginia
Sheila C.
@szlc
The Yes Men
(optional)

Email (optional)
Agreed, this doc is amazing, heartbreaking and
fascinating all at once. The extreme lack of selfawareness exhibited by this couple is shocking,
This film follows the story of an incredibly wealthy family living in Florida who have and comes along with a mind-blowing level of
the dream of building their own Versailles -- a tacky, over-the-top mansion. But
cognitive dissonance on their part. Has taken on
when money troubles plague the family business, building stalls, and the family's a tragic turn since their eldest daughter recently
Netflix
Real Housewives-esque matriarch struggles to tone down her spending.
OD'd. - Shannon H.
"The story of Nazi Germany's plundering of Europe's great works of art during
World War II and Allied efforts to minimize the damage." The Monuments Men
Netflix
was a poor adaption of this story. Doc is one million times better. On Netflix.
http://www.pelis7.com/2015/0 Beautiful documentary about the work of photographer Sebastio Salgado (has
4/le-sel-de-la-terre-la-sal-de- done social documentary photography, war photography, as well as doing
la-tierra-2014.html#tab2
projects on nature), done by Wim Wenders & Salgado's son.
Follows the courtroom drama in a high-profile murder trial with unprecedented
Just finished watching this one. Loved it! (Kristy)
Youtube
access to lawyers and backroom strategizing.
A documentary that is part old footage, part re-enactments, part interviews, about
Sarah Polley's search for her biological father. It's very Canadian, as one would
expect from an actress who has been considered Canada's sweetheart. It makes
Netflix, Amazon
my heart ache when I watch it, both as a Canadian transplant who misses home, This was amazing!-Susan; Agreed, very
interesting, heartfelt and fascinating. and as someone who can empathize with love and loss. Also, it has sex and
Shannon H.
death in it, which Anna should like.
A masterpiece by Errol Morris.
Netflix
[email protected]
Donald Rumsfield's facial expressions and charisma. Plus, you learn more about I also agree! I was just about to post about
Love this one too!! [email protected]
Netflix
him, Iraq War, and the Bush Administration
these.
Uncover the story behind the woman behind the camera in this fascinating doc
Good one!; Such an amazing documentary
Amazon
that chronicles the life of a street photographer who remained unknown until after about an endlessly complex and fascinating
her death, when thousands of negatives were discovered.
woman. - Shannon H.
A documentary by director Julien Nitzberg, this film focuses on the renowned
West Virginia outlaw Jesco White and his eccentric backwoods family. In addition
Netflix DVD
to getting in trouble with the law, the Whites, who live deep within Appalachia,
uphold a time-honored dancing style, even as they contend with poverty, drugs
and other issues.
Netflix
Commentary and comedy in one bundle.
Chris Kenny
@yochriskenn
y
There's Something Wrong
with Aunt Diane
yes! - Ann
Akilah C.
A suburban mother drove the wrong way on the Taconic Parkway in upstate New
York and crashed head-on into an SUV, killing herself and seven others.
Portrait of a New Zealand family working to build a self-sustaining life and be
This is a good one! Well done movie about tech,
This Way of Life
Hulu
good to one another. Very inspiring.
which is really hard to do. @michaeltapp
Details the case of Gilberto Valle and explores the issues surrounding
prosecuting individuals for thoughts and ideas. While it seems easy to want to
find him guilty of something, the film makes it clear that his actions aren't so
clearly criminal. For people who live outside of New York, where this case may
Thought Crimes: The Case of
be well known and the issue it raises thoroughly discussed within the context of
the Cannibal Cop
HBO (Maybe HBO Go)
the case, it's a facinating test of our dedication to personal freedom.
I was going to suggest this. Great soundtrack Michael Newman (@dvdmon). I love this, too.
Amazing how compelling it is, even though we
know he survived the walk -- Terry C. Definitely
@yochriskenn
worth a watch - Bruce M.
y
Agree - amazing, beautiful piece of work @stribs// I want to give an honest review, hated
this movie. I've seen it twice. Its a man who
Tim Minchin Rock'n'roll nerd
Every 20 something who is struggling professionally can learn a thing or two from screwed over all of his friends, telling a story,
(2008)
https://www.youtube.com/wat Minchin's story. Or at least get inspired :) I loved it.
glorifying himself.-Terra S.
From Wikipedia: "Tim's Vermeer is a documentary film, directed by Teller,
produced by his stage partner Penn Jillette and Farley Ziegler, about inventor Tim
Jenison's efforts to duplicate the painting techniques of Johannes Vermeer, in
Tim's Vermeer
Netflix DVD
order to test his theory that Vermeer painted with the help of optical devices." This
movie blew my mind. I immediately wanted to learn to paint. It's inspiring,
hilarious, and emotional.
Mark
@mhgatti
Cody Mims
Stephanie B.
Chris Kenny
Alexandra Florea @alleyah
Netflix
Time Indefinite
Times of Harvey Milk
Amazon Instant or DVD
I love the use of archival tape

Won the Oscar for best Documentary in 1984. Narrated by the great Harvey
Fierstein. It's a really well done film by Rob Epstein. Very moving with a
wonderful haunting score.
13
Genres/Tags
Your name
Your Twitter
handle
(optional)
John Serino
(optional)
Tiny
Netflix
Luke
@midnightskyt To Spring From the Hand
Lori Crabtree
@twixlen
Touching the Void
Kira Foley
@kiraoceanf
Trekkies / Trekkies 2
Laura Hadden
@alauraboreal Triage: Dr. James Orbinski's

is
Humanitarian Dilemma
Twenty Feet from Stardom

Katie Hopkinas
@katiesue102
Juan Escalante
@nerdwich
Del Tashlin
@sexgodsrock
Unfinished Spaces
stars
Stefanie Atwood

Minimalism in the most intense form: building a tiny house that's pretty much selfsustaining. If you've ever had that dream of moving out to the middle of nowhere
and going off the grid, this is a great way to indulge for a bit.
"It's not a way of making a living, it's a way of making a life." - Paulus Berensohn.
I find it inspiring to see another artists process. To get inside how they balance
http://www.springfromthehand their drive to create with the need to take care of basic things like food and
shelter. It's an excellent insight into the "life and philosophy of an acclaimed artist
who, for the last 40 years, has chosen not to sell his work."
Two climbers on a remote mountain in the Andes. When one breaks his leg and is
Netflix
accidently lowered over a crevass, his partner is left with a terrible decision of
whether to cut the rope.
Netflix
Netflix
Typeface
iTunes, Amazon, Hulu
University of Sing-Sing
HBO
Vernon, Florida
Amazon
Charlotte S.
Robert Stribley
@stribs
Visitors
Nick Andersen
@nicktheande
Waiting for 'Superman'
rsen
Clare Frey
@clareyfrey
Amazon
WAMEGO: Making Movies

Anywhere (and the two
Vimeo for FREE
sequels making up the entire
WAMEGO TRILOGY)
a look into star trek fandom that is both hilarious and life affirming
A very well done film. It follows Dr. Orbinski as he returns to locations in Africa
where he once worked with Doctors Without Boarders. He meets with friends he
made while working there and tells the story of what it was like to work in such
hard environments. He explores how we adress humanitarian issues around the
world.
Email (optional)
Artists, Biography, Art
This is a very well done film, really shows the

plight of the migrant workers.
[email protected]
I really enjoyed this one! My personal take: how
challenge the music industry is on artists; As
someone who works in the music industry, this
doc is incredibly on point. And the women in it
are amazing in their own right, such an inspiring
and tender story. - Shannon H.
Another vote for this powerful, poignant backstage look at the women (and the
occasional man) who spend their careers using their glorious voices to back up
other performers.
A small living museum up in Two Rivers, Wisconsin trying to survive and keep the
rich history of Woodtype and letterpress printing alive. It talks about why this part
of history is so important and why it needs to studied and preserved. The
documentary ends on a bit of a sad note, and should be know that someone else
has since taken over as director of museum, and they even have hired others as
it grows! I actually think they need to do a follow up documentary (I'm a member
of this museum and good friends with the Director and assitant director). Their
story continues to become more fascinating as they fight to survive in a town that
isn't entirely sure they want the museum at all and the people from all over the
world to visit (and in the case of the annual Wayzgoose invade the town with
Glad you recommended this! I've been thinking
~300 people).
about watching it for quite some time.
It tells the story of the unfinished National Art Schools in Cuba, begun in the early
60s, under the durection of architect Ricardo Porro. The idea for the school, built
on the grounds of a formerly exclusive golf course, was hatched by Castro and
Guevara during a game of golf at said course. Porro sought to develop a truly
Cuban architectural vocabulary that would express the headiness of the early
days of the revolution. Due to changes in the political climate in Cuba, only two of
the five planned school buildings were completed. The two that were finished are
some of the most unique and interesting buildings you'll ever see. The
documentary does a good job of presenting a balanced view of the history of the
school, the conflicts around it, as well as the positive and negative aspects of the
Cuban project in general.
awesome.del@
A touching look into the education of inmates at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in
NY. This movie shows how the power of knowledge can create transformations
within, often, violent criminals and give them second chances.
A puzzling, awful/lovely portrait of a small Florida town by Errol Morris. It
simultaneously presents a bubble containing a group of very strange people but
also has that sense of universality and human connection that really intimate
documentary makers can capture.
Explores "humanity's trancelike relationship with technology." The most recent
Also seen at SXSW this year
Philip Glass & Godfrey Reggio collaboration.
Double LOVE. Emily / The best working
people/labor movie of all-time! - @Ian_CNY;
The lives of five Harlem and Bronx families in the high stakes lottery for access to Same here, lots of love for this doc! - Shannon
New York City's best charter schools
H.
WINNER: BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM in over 10+ film festivals. Original
release 2004. 10th year anniversary re-release 2014.From the majestic prairie
fires of Kansas, through the neon glow of a carnival, to a year-in-the-life journey
on making a dream come true, this documentary follows The Balderson Family on
their pursuit to prove anyone can make motion pictures anywhere. "Both
entertaining and also highly inspirational," (planB magazine) this movie reveals
independent cinema as it really is, on the set and off - a family of artists,
celebrities and icons taking part of the process. "WAMEGO isn't just about
On Netflix. Tough to swallow but a must-watch
dreams though, it's a statement to people that think movies can only be made in
for any animal lovers interested in changing
[email protected]
Hollywood. It's proof that the same product, if not better, can be made in
legislation.
Wamego, KS or Fayetteville, AR or even Xenia, Ohio." (All About Town
magazine) The documentary, more than any other movie-in-process film, actually
demonstrates how to make a movie. Its not a tedious and silly art school
exercise, but a deep look into the thinking, perspective and determination that a
filmmaker has to have in order to get a vision on the screen. Wamego is good
story telling A rich tale with fully developed characters, a well-developed plot
and layers of conflict Wamego is recommended viewing Shows those
professionals from LA how things should be done. DISCOVERY PUBLICATIONS
14
Genres/Tags
Iraqi War, Afganistan,
Your name
Your Twitter
handle
(optional)
Susan Lichtenstein
Ann
purlingswine
(optional)
Waste Land
Netflix
We Were Here
Netflix
Jeanine T. Abraha @jeaninetyree What Happened? Miss

Simone
Netflix, in the theater
What I Want My Words to

Do to You
Susan L.
Amy Kaufman
AmyKinLA
Netflix
Witch Hunt
http://witchhuntmovie.com/
Word Wars
Amazon
Johannah Berger @johannahberger
Jules Tompkins
Trouble The Water
A story of the people in the beginning of the AIDS epidemic. This one is about the
community in San Fransico and how it handled the emotional and social aspects
of the epidemic. It is so beautiful that watching the trailer again made me cry.
A look into the life of Nina Simone that broke my heart. Shows the impact of
being an outspoken civil rights activist verses a commercial artist. This is a
cautionary tale that resonates today.
This was a great film! - [email protected]
This is a personal film about Alan Berliner's struggle with insomnia and its
effects on his life. Alan has made a handful of other docs, and I highly
recommend all of them.
Exec Produced / Narrated by Sean Penn, this film features a 1980's McArthtyism
in Bakersfield, CA and centers on a wrongly accused man and who served over
20 years in prison.
Scrabble! And the bizarre folks who play it extremely well. They're not cultured
literary types but obsessive puzzle solvers with all sorts of psychological issues. Hands down my favorite doc. Nice pick! // This
Fascinating and made me feel much better about being a mediocre player (I'm an one stuck with me for weeks. -@michaeltapp
editor, not a programmer).
This one haunted me! - Melissa B
Charming film about a woman who purchases a random painting at a thrift store
only to later find out that it may be a Jackson Pollack painting. The film follows her
journey to try and authentic the piece. Parts of the film feel like a CSI episode with
the forensic art experts comparing finger prints in Pollacks studio to those found
on her painting. It also makes you think about why certain artists are considered
"greats" while others are quickly forgotten. I work at an art museum and I've
always found it interesting to see how some people look at the name plate first
versus the piece of work and vice versa.
A critical, heart-breaking look at the American war on drugs. With contribution
from David Simon (The Wire) and others.
A first-hand camcorder account of Hurricane Katrina intermingled with B-roll,
lower-thirds, and information documenting the plight of the underprivileged
who couldn't (or wouldn't) escape New Orleans before the storm.
15
Email (optional)
Genres/Tags
[email protected]
Blues, jazz, artists , C
It's just. so. good -Malissa O. It stays with you

as you wander the streets with so many fonts
that define our lives, our relationships with
brands, and our feelings--@rosemariochoa
Eve Ensler, of Vagina Monologues, helping female inmates put their narratives
into words for a shot at something self-defined
Wide Awake
James Ramsay

Artist travels and exposes a way of life not known to many. Inspiring moments
are met with feelings of uncertainty and pain as you begin to question yourself,
your lust for things and betterment and what it means to have versus not.
16
17
18

Summer Documentary List - Death, Sex & Money

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Summer Documentary List - Death, Sex & Money

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Summer Documentary List - Death, Sex & Money

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

What documentary examines the impact of being an outspoken civil rights activist versus a commercial artist?

What documentary examines the impact of being an outspoken civil rights activist versus a commercial artist?

What documentary follows the lives of schoolchildren in England every year?

What documentary follows the lives of schoolchildren in England every year?

Summer Documentary List - Death, Sex & Money - Sheet1

"A Married Couple" (Allan

@tanyadapkey 180 Degrees South:

50 Children: The Rescue

7 Up, 14 Up, etc.

Any and all documentaries by

Ayahuasca: Vine of the Soul

Beyond the Lighted Stage

Beyond the Myth

Bill Cunningham New York

Comments from others

If you like this watch Birth Story! So good!

Documents James Randi's transition from stage magician to scientific skeptic of

Great documentary! Agree!

Wonderful, inspiring, heartbreaking. A must see

What makes it great?

I was about to suggest this too! So delightful.

This was beautifully shot. I also love adventure

A+++. Completely changes your perspective of

Chicago, Gang, peac