Survey New Bay Area Docs
by David L. Brown
Eagles Dance in "Reclaiming their Voice," by Dorothy Fadiman, about Native Americans getting the right to vote. photo courtesy D. FadimanOur sterling local documentary community has been prolific despite the recession. Here are the Bay Area docs that have been released in late 2009 or early 2010. Special kudos to the local filmmakers who made the feature-doc Oscar short-list of 15: Rick Goldsmith and Judy Ehrlich for "The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers" (see article above); Bill Guttentag and Dan Sturman for "Soundtrack for a Revolution;" and Andy Abrahams Wilson for "Under Our Skin." Bravo!
After Happily Ever After by Kate Schermerhorn
This doc is about a filmmaker's quest to discover how to make a marriage thrive, why 95% of us marry, and whether the institution is becoming outdated or just evolving into a new phase. The funny and moving search for answers runs parallel to the start and quick demise of the filmmaker's second marriage, the couple working side by side all the while. http://www.afterhappilyeverafter.net
Always Been a Rambler by Yasha Aginsky
An hour-long doc celebrating fifty years of the New Lost City Ramblers (Mike Seeger, John Cohen, Tracy Schwarz and Tom Paley.) Among the first urban musicians to seriously pursue the old-timey traditions of the American South, they became stars of the 1960s folk revival and inspired generations of younger musicians. http://www.alwaysbeenarambler.org
Atomic Mom by MT Silvia
A moving and personal story of the filmmaker and her relationship with her mother, who was involved with A-bomb testing in the 1950s. http://www.atomicmom.org
The Bass Player by Niall McKay
An eloquent, witty homage to the filmmaker's father, a jazz bass player, in which McKay wrestles with his family's unsettling past to overcome his fear of commitment. http://www.thebassplayermovie.com
Beard Club by Laura J. Lukitsch
One woman's journey into the world of facial hair, with surprising realizations about the social politics of it. Editors: Jeff Springer, Laura J. Lukitsch; Animation: Chelsea Walton, Heather Crank. http://www.beardclub.com
Camera, Camera by Malcolm Murray
Westerners young and old arrive in Laos, and so do their cameras, documenting a fragile and sadly brutal world, and revealing themselves in the process. "Camera, Camera" quietly calls upon viewers to ponder the multifaceted and often ambiguous impacts of travel and photography on the citizens of both worlds.
Deep Down: A Story from the Heart of Coal Country by Sally Rubin & Jen Gilomen
Follows one small Kentucky community as mountaintop removal - a new, aggressive form of mining - draws nearer to their homes. Through this story of people deeply connected to the mountains and to each other, we learn about Appalachia's complex struggle with the black rock that fuels nearly half of America's electricity. deepdownfilm.org
Ed Hardy: Tattoo the World by Emiko Omori
A stunningly visual portrait of Don Ed Hardy, who was best known for being one of the first American tattooists to raise the craft to a fine art. http://www.needlesandsins.com/2009/10/ed-hardy-tattoo-the-world.html
Ella es el Matador (She is the Matador) by Gemma Cubero and Celeste Carrasco
Nothing expresses Spain's rigid gender roles more powerfully than the image of the male matador, which was so sacred a 1908 law barred women from the sport. "Ella Es el Matador" reveals the surprising history of the women who made such a law necessary and offers fascinating profiles of two contemporary female matadors. http://www.pbs.org/pov/matador/
Extreme Ice by Noel Dockstader
This beautiful movie follows National Geographic photojournalist James Balog to some of the most dangerous places on Earth to document the disappearance of an icy landscape that took thousands of years to form. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/extremeice
Five Variations on a Long String by Peter Esmonde
An intense investigation of the creative process of Bay Area composer/performer Ellen Fullman, focusing on her extraordinary 'long string instrument', which she has developed over a quarter century. Edited by Maureen Gosling, shot by Peter Strietmann. Info:
From Badlands to Alcatraz by Nancy Iverson
Chronicles the journey of five young Lakota Sioux as they travel from Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota to San Francisco for the extreme challenge of swimming from Alcatraz Island to San Francisco. Premiering at the SFOFF in Feb. badlandstoalcatraz.com
Hard Problems: The Road to the World's Toughest Math Contest by George Csicsery
Profiles the gifted students who represented the United States in 2006 at the world's toughest math competition, the International Mathematical Olympiad. The film shows the dedication of these remarkable students, their rigorous preparation, and the joy of solving challenging problems (see article p2). http://www.zalafilms.com/hardproblems/hardproblems.html
Have You Heard from Johannesburg by Connie Field
A six-part documentary series chronicling the global anti-apartheid movement that took on South Africa's apartheid regime and its international supporters, who considered it an important ally in the Cold War. Edited by Gregory Scharpen. http://www.clarityfilms.org/joburg/
Houston, We Have a Problem by Nicole Torre
"Houston" steps inside the energy capital of the world to hear the hard truths about oil from the oilmen themselves, uncovering the truth that US energy policy has been mostly defense, not offense. Produced by Eric Mofford. http://www.houstonwehaveaproblemfilm.com/index.html
In The Matter of Cha Jung Hee by Deann Borshay Liem
In the 1960s, while being adopted by an American family from a Korean orphanage, the filmmaker's identity was switched with a girl named Cha Jung Hee. This personal essay chronicles the journey to find her "double" while exploring the ethical and social dimensions of international transracial adoption. Produced by Charlotte Lagarde, edited by Vivien Hilgrove, premiering at Asian American Film Festival. http://www.mufilms.org/films/matter-of-cha-jung-hee/
Jim Thorpe by Tom Weidlinger
A biography of the Native American athlete who became a sports icon. Beginning with Thorpe's boyhood in Indian Territory, it chronicles his rise to stardom at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, two gold medals at the 1912 Summer Olympics, fall from grace, and rebound in professional baseball and football. http://www.jimthorpefilm.com/
What's the Word, Johannesburg? Get the full picture in "Have You Heard," by Connie Field, indeed, the film comes in six parts. photo courtesy Connie FieldJourney from Zanskar by Frederick Marx
To help save their people and their culture, two Tibetan monks take 17 poor children from Zanskar in an epic hike over the mountains to get them into Tibetan schools in India. warriorproductions.tv/JourneyFromZanskarProjectPg.asp
Keeping Score by David Kennard
Created in high definition surround sound, the second series on Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony features lavish locations across the globe, as well as memorable live performances. http://www.keepingscore.org
Kicking the Notes the Toradze Way by Linda Schaller
A one-hour performance doc featuring Alexander Toradze, head of the Toradze Piano Studio at Indiana University, and following his life from childhood listening to Soviet-prohibited Voice of America to his defection, concert career, and founding of the Toradze Piano Studio in 1991.
Loretanos, Designing the Future of the Ocean by Ana Salceda
Incorporates the voices of all the major stakeholders of the Loreto Marine Park in Baja California Sur. The film highlights both the benefits and challenges of development and invites civic engagement in preservation.
The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers by Judith Ehrlich and Rick Goldsmith
An arty and edgy exploration of this seminal figure in the 60s anti-war movement. See article page one. Short-listed for Best Feature Documentary Oscar. http://www.mostdangerousman.org
Music Makes a City by Owsley Brown and Jerome Hiler
Details the early years of the small, struggling, semi-professional Louisville Orchestra which, in 1948, began a novel project to commission new works from contemporary composers around the world - and made modern musical history. musicmakesacity.com
Mustang - Journey of Transformation by Will Parrinello
A 30-minute doc that tells the remarkable story of a Tibetan culture pulled back from the brink of extinction through the restoration of its most sacred sites. Narrated by Richard Gere, the film features His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the King of Mustang, and Luigi Fieni, the art conservator of Mustang's Buddhist masterpieces. http://www.pbs.org/mustang
Our Summer In Tehran by Justine Shapiro
Takes Jewish-American filmmaker Justine Shapiro and her six-year old son on a remarkable journey into the lives of three Iranian families: a religious, conservative family with ties to the government; a modern, secular family; and a single mom who is also an actress. It introduces American audiences to the fascinating, yet strikingly familiar home of our "enemy." http://www.oursummerintehran.com
Pete McCloskey: Leading from the Front by Robert Caughlan
Narrated by Paul Newman, this hour-long inspirational story of the legendary Bay Area Congressman - a war hero during the Korean War, one of the nation's first environmental lawyers, and one of the first to integrate his firm. McCloskey ran against Richard Nixon for the Republican presidential nomination in 1972 in an attempt to end the Vietnam War. Co-produced and edited by Steven Baigel; Executive Producer, David L. Brown [author of this article]. http://www.petemccloskeymovie.com
Power Paths by Bo Boudart
Depicts the struggle of Native American leaders and their allies to harness the abundant natural forces of sun and wind found on tribal lands, and to forge an energy agenda that benefits both the futures of their people and America at large. powerpaths.org/what.html
Rabbit Fever by Amy Do
Follows the annual competition at the National American Rabbit Convention where more than 20,000 rabbits and their adorably quirky breeders gather to celebrate their passion. http://www.rabbitfever.com
Race to Nowhere by Vicki Ables
Turns the personal political by igniting a national conversation about the pressures American schoolchildren and their teachers face today. "Race to Nowhere" is a call to families, educators, experts, and policymakers to examine current assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America. Edited and co-directed by Jessica Congdon. http://www.racetonowhere.com
Read Me Differently by Sarah Entine
Paints a portrait of three women bound by blood, but divided by a lack of understanding, in a family whose complicated relationships stem from unidentified learning disabilities. http://www.readmedifferently.com
Reclaiming their Voice: Native American Vote in New Mexico by Dorothy Fadiman
The film shows Native Americans - abused and disenfranchised over centuries and the last ethnic minority granted the right to vote - becoming politically active, stepping forward, and speaking out against injustice. http://www.unaff.org/2009/f_reclaiming.html
Recreating America: Creativity and Learning by David Kennard
Follows the Creative Oklahoma project as it impacts education, research, commerce and the arts following its launch at a major event in Oklahoma City in February 2008. http://www.inca-productions.com/filmgallery/recreate.html
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Live! by Bob Sarles and Christina Keating
Time-Life just released this 9 DVD set of rockin' induction ceremonies: 'Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Live!' Edited by Bob Sarles. http://www.ravinfilms.com
Sam Cooke: Crossing Over by John Antonelli
A moving portrait of a great artist, with both the film and the subject beset by difficulties. (See article in upcoming Mar09 CS). http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/episodes/sam-cooke/crossing-over/1506/
Saving the Bay by Ronald Blatman
Narrated by Robert Redford and shot in HD, "Saving the Bay" is a lively and timely public television series about one of America's greatest natural resources - the San Francisco Bay - and how a community rallied to save this once endangered body of water. http://www.savingthebay.org/
Soundtrack for a Revolution by Bill Guttentag and Dan Sturman
The story of the American civil rights movement through its powerful music - the freedom songs protesters sang on picket lines, in mass meetings, in paddy wagons, and jail cells as they fought for justice and equality. Features new performances by top artists, riveting archival footage, and great interviews. Short-listed for Best Feature Documentary Oscar. http://www.soundtrackforarevolutionfilm.com/Home.html
Sound Tracks: Music Without Borders by Steven Talbot
A pilot for a new PBS series, "Sound Tracks: Music Without Borders," travels to the heart of international music, tracing the legend of Afrobeat creator and superstar Fela Kuti; examining the raging popularity of Vladimir Putin's sexy propaganda song; and exploring if music can help the creators of Borat make amends with the insulted people of Kazakhstan. Airing on KQED and nationally on PBS. http://www.talbotplayers.com/soundtracks.html
Stories to Tell by Nancy Kelly and Kenji Yamamoto
Set in Chicago, "Stories to Tell" is a 90-minute film about a 17-year-old Honduran immigrant with a secret that has nearly destroyed her. She tells her story to a neighborhood teen theater company which creates an original play and helpps her regain power over the narrative of her life. http://www.motionmedia.org/filmography/storiestotelldreamstolive.html
A Simple Question: the Story of STRAW by Kevin White
The 35-minute film, narrated by Peter Coyote, tells the story of STRAW - Students and Teachers Restoring A Watershed - from its origins as a fourth grade class-project into the restoration of over 20 miles of habitat by the local community.
Strong by Julie Wyman
An experimental documentary following US Olympic weightlifter Cheryl Haworth as she tries to win the title of 'strongest woman in the world.' The film begins with the 2004 Olympics in Athens and follows Haworth through several injuries, comebacks and personal struggles, culminating at the 2008 games in Beijing. Produced by Vivian Kleiman.
Trimpin: The Sound of Invention by Peter Esmonde
Artist/inventor/engineer/composer Trimpin has never been represented by a gallery or dealer, and doesn't have a cellphone or a website, yet he is cherished by artists, musicians, and museums all over the planet. The doc shows him building a 60-foot tower of self-tuning electric guitars, experimenting with the Kronos Quartet; and creating a marimba ensemble that converts real-time earthquake data into music. Edited by Rick Tejada-Flores. http://www.trimpinmovie.com
A Jewish American filmmaker and her six-year old child follow (and even push) three Iranian families in "Our Summer in Tehran" by J. Shapiro. photo courtesy Justine ShapiroUnder Our Skin by Andy Abrahams Wilson
A gripping documentary about the devastating bacterial affliction known as Lyme disease, an ailment brought to the attention of public health officials in 1960 and still without a known cure. Short-listed for Best Feature Documentary Oscar. http://www.underourskin.com
Utopia in Four Movements by Sam Green and David Cerf
With a powerful sense of poetry, "Utopia in Four Movements," uses the collective experience of cinema to explore the battered state of the utopian impulse at the dawn of the 21st century. Screened at Sundance 2010. http://www.utopiainfourmovements.com
Virtuoso: The Olga Samaroff Story by Donna Kline
A century ago, any American who aspired to an international concert career had to acquire a European education and reputation. Stifled by Old World prejudices and anti-American sentiments, Lucy Hickenlooper reinvented herself as Olga Samaroff and became one of America's most famous female concert artists. Edited by Wendy Slick. http://olgasamaroffthefilm.com/about.php
Why Isn't Chris von Sneiden Famous? by Kathleen McNamara
20 years after an upstate New York teenager heads to California to play rock 'n roll, he continues to play small clubs and is little known outside small pockets of fans, despite critical acclaim and 12 albums. This doc takes a deep look at the rocky road for artists seeking success. http://www.academyavenuefilms.com
David L. Brown is a Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker and filmmaking instructor. Posted on Mar 08, 2010 - 04:25 PM
by David L. Brown
Eagles Dance in "Reclaiming their Voice," by Dorothy Fadiman, about Native Americans getting the right to vote. photo courtesy D. FadimanAfter Happily Ever After by Kate Schermerhorn
This doc is about a filmmaker's quest to discover how to make a marriage thrive, why 95% of us marry, and whether the institution is becoming outdated or just evolving into a new phase. The funny and moving search for answers runs parallel to the start and quick demise of the filmmaker's second marriage, the couple working side by side all the while. http://www.afterhappilyeverafter.net
Always Been a Rambler by Yasha Aginsky
An hour-long doc celebrating fifty years of the New Lost City Ramblers (Mike Seeger, John Cohen, Tracy Schwarz and Tom Paley.) Among the first urban musicians to seriously pursue the old-timey traditions of the American South, they became stars of the 1960s folk revival and inspired generations of younger musicians. http://www.alwaysbeenarambler.org
Atomic Mom by MT Silvia
A moving and personal story of the filmmaker and her relationship with her mother, who was involved with A-bomb testing in the 1950s. http://www.atomicmom.org
The Bass Player by Niall McKay
An eloquent, witty homage to the filmmaker's father, a jazz bass player, in which McKay wrestles with his family's unsettling past to overcome his fear of commitment. http://www.thebassplayermovie.com
Beard Club by Laura J. Lukitsch
One woman's journey into the world of facial hair, with surprising realizations about the social politics of it. Editors: Jeff Springer, Laura J. Lukitsch; Animation: Chelsea Walton, Heather Crank. http://www.beardclub.com
Camera, Camera by Malcolm Murray
Westerners young and old arrive in Laos, and so do their cameras, documenting a fragile and sadly brutal world, and revealing themselves in the process. "Camera, Camera" quietly calls upon viewers to ponder the multifaceted and often ambiguous impacts of travel and photography on the citizens of both worlds.
Deep Down: A Story from the Heart of Coal Country by Sally Rubin & Jen Gilomen
Follows one small Kentucky community as mountaintop removal - a new, aggressive form of mining - draws nearer to their homes. Through this story of people deeply connected to the mountains and to each other, we learn about Appalachia's complex struggle with the black rock that fuels nearly half of America's electricity. deepdownfilm.org
Ed Hardy: Tattoo the World by Emiko Omori
A stunningly visual portrait of Don Ed Hardy, who was best known for being one of the first American tattooists to raise the craft to a fine art. http://www.needlesandsins.com/2009/10/ed-hardy-tattoo-the-world.html
Ella es el Matador (She is the Matador) by Gemma Cubero and Celeste Carrasco
Nothing expresses Spain's rigid gender roles more powerfully than the image of the male matador, which was so sacred a 1908 law barred women from the sport. "Ella Es el Matador" reveals the surprising history of the women who made such a law necessary and offers fascinating profiles of two contemporary female matadors. http://www.pbs.org/pov/matador/
Extreme Ice by Noel Dockstader
This beautiful movie follows National Geographic photojournalist James Balog to some of the most dangerous places on Earth to document the disappearance of an icy landscape that took thousands of years to form. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/extremeice
Five Variations on a Long String by Peter Esmonde
An intense investigation of the creative process of Bay Area composer/performer Ellen Fullman, focusing on her extraordinary 'long string instrument', which she has developed over a quarter century. Edited by Maureen Gosling, shot by Peter Strietmann. Info:
From Badlands to Alcatraz by Nancy Iverson
Chronicles the journey of five young Lakota Sioux as they travel from Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota to San Francisco for the extreme challenge of swimming from Alcatraz Island to San Francisco. Premiering at the SFOFF in Feb. badlandstoalcatraz.com
Hard Problems: The Road to the World's Toughest Math Contest by George Csicsery
Profiles the gifted students who represented the United States in 2006 at the world's toughest math competition, the International Mathematical Olympiad. The film shows the dedication of these remarkable students, their rigorous preparation, and the joy of solving challenging problems (see article p2). http://www.zalafilms.com/hardproblems/hardproblems.html
Have You Heard from Johannesburg by Connie Field
A six-part documentary series chronicling the global anti-apartheid movement that took on South Africa's apartheid regime and its international supporters, who considered it an important ally in the Cold War. Edited by Gregory Scharpen. http://www.clarityfilms.org/joburg/
Houston, We Have a Problem by Nicole Torre
"Houston" steps inside the energy capital of the world to hear the hard truths about oil from the oilmen themselves, uncovering the truth that US energy policy has been mostly defense, not offense. Produced by Eric Mofford. http://www.houstonwehaveaproblemfilm.com/index.html
In The Matter of Cha Jung Hee by Deann Borshay Liem
In the 1960s, while being adopted by an American family from a Korean orphanage, the filmmaker's identity was switched with a girl named Cha Jung Hee. This personal essay chronicles the journey to find her "double" while exploring the ethical and social dimensions of international transracial adoption. Produced by Charlotte Lagarde, edited by Vivien Hilgrove, premiering at Asian American Film Festival. http://www.mufilms.org/films/matter-of-cha-jung-hee/
Jim Thorpe by Tom Weidlinger
A biography of the Native American athlete who became a sports icon. Beginning with Thorpe's boyhood in Indian Territory, it chronicles his rise to stardom at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, two gold medals at the 1912 Summer Olympics, fall from grace, and rebound in professional baseball and football. http://www.jimthorpefilm.com/
What's the Word, Johannesburg? Get the full picture in "Have You Heard," by Connie Field, indeed, the film comes in six parts. photo courtesy Connie FieldTo help save their people and their culture, two Tibetan monks take 17 poor children from Zanskar in an epic hike over the mountains to get them into Tibetan schools in India. warriorproductions.tv/JourneyFromZanskarProjectPg.asp
Keeping Score by David Kennard
Created in high definition surround sound, the second series on Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony features lavish locations across the globe, as well as memorable live performances. http://www.keepingscore.org
Kicking the Notes the Toradze Way by Linda Schaller
A one-hour performance doc featuring Alexander Toradze, head of the Toradze Piano Studio at Indiana University, and following his life from childhood listening to Soviet-prohibited Voice of America to his defection, concert career, and founding of the Toradze Piano Studio in 1991.
Loretanos, Designing the Future of the Ocean by Ana Salceda
Incorporates the voices of all the major stakeholders of the Loreto Marine Park in Baja California Sur. The film highlights both the benefits and challenges of development and invites civic engagement in preservation.
The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers by Judith Ehrlich and Rick Goldsmith
An arty and edgy exploration of this seminal figure in the 60s anti-war movement. See article page one. Short-listed for Best Feature Documentary Oscar. http://www.mostdangerousman.org
Music Makes a City by Owsley Brown and Jerome Hiler
Details the early years of the small, struggling, semi-professional Louisville Orchestra which, in 1948, began a novel project to commission new works from contemporary composers around the world - and made modern musical history. musicmakesacity.com
Mustang - Journey of Transformation by Will Parrinello
A 30-minute doc that tells the remarkable story of a Tibetan culture pulled back from the brink of extinction through the restoration of its most sacred sites. Narrated by Richard Gere, the film features His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the King of Mustang, and Luigi Fieni, the art conservator of Mustang's Buddhist masterpieces. http://www.pbs.org/mustang
Our Summer In Tehran by Justine Shapiro
Takes Jewish-American filmmaker Justine Shapiro and her six-year old son on a remarkable journey into the lives of three Iranian families: a religious, conservative family with ties to the government; a modern, secular family; and a single mom who is also an actress. It introduces American audiences to the fascinating, yet strikingly familiar home of our "enemy." http://www.oursummerintehran.com
Pete McCloskey: Leading from the Front by Robert Caughlan
Narrated by Paul Newman, this hour-long inspirational story of the legendary Bay Area Congressman - a war hero during the Korean War, one of the nation's first environmental lawyers, and one of the first to integrate his firm. McCloskey ran against Richard Nixon for the Republican presidential nomination in 1972 in an attempt to end the Vietnam War. Co-produced and edited by Steven Baigel; Executive Producer, David L. Brown [author of this article]. http://www.petemccloskeymovie.com
Power Paths by Bo Boudart
Depicts the struggle of Native American leaders and their allies to harness the abundant natural forces of sun and wind found on tribal lands, and to forge an energy agenda that benefits both the futures of their people and America at large. powerpaths.org/what.html
Rabbit Fever by Amy Do
Follows the annual competition at the National American Rabbit Convention where more than 20,000 rabbits and their adorably quirky breeders gather to celebrate their passion. http://www.rabbitfever.com
Race to Nowhere by Vicki Ables
Turns the personal political by igniting a national conversation about the pressures American schoolchildren and their teachers face today. "Race to Nowhere" is a call to families, educators, experts, and policymakers to examine current assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America. Edited and co-directed by Jessica Congdon. http://www.racetonowhere.com
Read Me Differently by Sarah Entine
Paints a portrait of three women bound by blood, but divided by a lack of understanding, in a family whose complicated relationships stem from unidentified learning disabilities. http://www.readmedifferently.com
Reclaiming their Voice: Native American Vote in New Mexico by Dorothy Fadiman
The film shows Native Americans - abused and disenfranchised over centuries and the last ethnic minority granted the right to vote - becoming politically active, stepping forward, and speaking out against injustice. http://www.unaff.org/2009/f_reclaiming.html
Recreating America: Creativity and Learning by David Kennard
Follows the Creative Oklahoma project as it impacts education, research, commerce and the arts following its launch at a major event in Oklahoma City in February 2008. http://www.inca-productions.com/filmgallery/recreate.html
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Live! by Bob Sarles and Christina Keating
Time-Life just released this 9 DVD set of rockin' induction ceremonies: 'Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Live!' Edited by Bob Sarles. http://www.ravinfilms.com
Sam Cooke: Crossing Over by John Antonelli
A moving portrait of a great artist, with both the film and the subject beset by difficulties. (See article in upcoming Mar09 CS). http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/episodes/sam-cooke/crossing-over/1506/
Saving the Bay by Ronald Blatman
Narrated by Robert Redford and shot in HD, "Saving the Bay" is a lively and timely public television series about one of America's greatest natural resources - the San Francisco Bay - and how a community rallied to save this once endangered body of water. http://www.savingthebay.org/
Soundtrack for a Revolution by Bill Guttentag and Dan Sturman
The story of the American civil rights movement through its powerful music - the freedom songs protesters sang on picket lines, in mass meetings, in paddy wagons, and jail cells as they fought for justice and equality. Features new performances by top artists, riveting archival footage, and great interviews. Short-listed for Best Feature Documentary Oscar. http://www.soundtrackforarevolutionfilm.com/Home.html
Sound Tracks: Music Without Borders by Steven Talbot
A pilot for a new PBS series, "Sound Tracks: Music Without Borders," travels to the heart of international music, tracing the legend of Afrobeat creator and superstar Fela Kuti; examining the raging popularity of Vladimir Putin's sexy propaganda song; and exploring if music can help the creators of Borat make amends with the insulted people of Kazakhstan. Airing on KQED and nationally on PBS. http://www.talbotplayers.com/soundtracks.html
Stories to Tell by Nancy Kelly and Kenji Yamamoto
Set in Chicago, "Stories to Tell" is a 90-minute film about a 17-year-old Honduran immigrant with a secret that has nearly destroyed her. She tells her story to a neighborhood teen theater company which creates an original play and helpps her regain power over the narrative of her life. http://www.motionmedia.org/filmography/storiestotelldreamstolive.html
A Simple Question: the Story of STRAW by Kevin White
The 35-minute film, narrated by Peter Coyote, tells the story of STRAW - Students and Teachers Restoring A Watershed - from its origins as a fourth grade class-project into the restoration of over 20 miles of habitat by the local community.
Strong by Julie Wyman
An experimental documentary following US Olympic weightlifter Cheryl Haworth as she tries to win the title of 'strongest woman in the world.' The film begins with the 2004 Olympics in Athens and follows Haworth through several injuries, comebacks and personal struggles, culminating at the 2008 games in Beijing. Produced by Vivian Kleiman.
Trimpin: The Sound of Invention by Peter Esmonde
Artist/inventor/engineer/composer Trimpin has never been represented by a gallery or dealer, and doesn't have a cellphone or a website, yet he is cherished by artists, musicians, and museums all over the planet. The doc shows him building a 60-foot tower of self-tuning electric guitars, experimenting with the Kronos Quartet; and creating a marimba ensemble that converts real-time earthquake data into music. Edited by Rick Tejada-Flores. http://www.trimpinmovie.com
A Jewish American filmmaker and her six-year old child follow (and even push) three Iranian families in "Our Summer in Tehran" by J. Shapiro. photo courtesy Justine ShapiroA gripping documentary about the devastating bacterial affliction known as Lyme disease, an ailment brought to the attention of public health officials in 1960 and still without a known cure. Short-listed for Best Feature Documentary Oscar. http://www.underourskin.com
Utopia in Four Movements by Sam Green and David Cerf
With a powerful sense of poetry, "Utopia in Four Movements," uses the collective experience of cinema to explore the battered state of the utopian impulse at the dawn of the 21st century. Screened at Sundance 2010. http://www.utopiainfourmovements.com
Virtuoso: The Olga Samaroff Story by Donna Kline
A century ago, any American who aspired to an international concert career had to acquire a European education and reputation. Stifled by Old World prejudices and anti-American sentiments, Lucy Hickenlooper reinvented herself as Olga Samaroff and became one of America's most famous female concert artists. Edited by Wendy Slick. http://olgasamaroffthefilm.com/about.php
Why Isn't Chris von Sneiden Famous? by Kathleen McNamara
20 years after an upstate New York teenager heads to California to play rock 'n roll, he continues to play small clubs and is little known outside small pockets of fans, despite critical acclaim and 12 albums. This doc takes a deep look at the rocky road for artists seeking success. http://www.academyavenuefilms.com
David L. Brown is a Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker and filmmaking instructor. Posted on Mar 08, 2010 - 04:25 PM
