Tag: Documentary

Movie Review

“3 Years in Pakistan: The Erik Audé Story” Is An Pulse Pounding Suspense Thriller Documentary

  By William Engel “3 Years in Pakistan: The Erik Audé Story” documents the story of a Hollywood stuntman who got roped into a drug smuggling operation in Pakistan, leading to him being placed on death row for a crime he wasn’t responsible for. We’re taken though his desperate struggle to survive and prove his innocence to a court who seems determined to find him … Continue reading “3 Years in Pakistan: The Erik Audé Story” Is An Pulse Pounding Suspense Thriller Documentary

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Movie Review

The Documentary “Virgin Blacktop: A New York Skate Odyssey” Is A Chronicle Of Passion, Life And Skateboarding

  By William Engel “Virgin Blacktop: A New York Skate Odyssey” is a documentary chronicling the genesis, peak and dissolution of The Wizards, a team of nine New York teenagers united by their passion for skateboarding. The film is comprised of footage, news articles and stories spanning more than thirty years, compiled by Charlie Samuels, one of the Wizards’ most prominent members. The film has … Continue reading The Documentary “Virgin Blacktop: A New York Skate Odyssey” Is A Chronicle Of Passion, Life And Skateboarding

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Movie Review

Caught Between Two Identities The Documentary “Transformer” Tries To Find The Balance

By William Engel “Transformer” is a documentary following the life of Janae Kroczaleski (née Matt), a world champion weightlifter and bodybuilder who came out as a trans woman in 2015. The film chronicles her life leading up to that point, and her trials and tribulations as a person in the process of transitioning, caught between her two identities. (“I’m not comfortable as an extremely muscular … Continue reading Caught Between Two Identities The Documentary “Transformer” Tries To Find The Balance

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Movie Review

“To a More Perfect Union: U.S. v. Windsor” A Documentary About Love And Perseverance In A Age Of Intolerance

By William Engel “To a More Perfect Union: U.S. v. Windsor” is an hour-long documentary telling the life story of Edith Windsor, the plaintiff in the Supreme Court case that ruled the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional, allowing same-sex unions to receive the same protections as heterosexual unions under federal law. The film takes us through Edith’s life story, as she moves to New … Continue reading “To a More Perfect Union: U.S. v. Windsor” A Documentary About Love And Perseverance In A Age Of Intolerance

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Movie Review, Social Issues

“The Chinese Exclusion Act” Shows The true Cost And Exploitation Of The Chinese Immigrants

By William Engel The PBS  broadcast of  “The Chinese Exclusion Act”, was  a daring, sobering documentary about the titular law that prevented Chinese-Americans from being recognized as citizens for more than half a century. Through multiple accounts and both primary and secondary sources, the film provides an in-depth look at the history of the Chinese in America, beginning in the early 19th century with the … Continue reading “The Chinese Exclusion Act” Shows The true Cost And Exploitation Of The Chinese Immigrants

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Introduction to the Artist, Social Issues

Filmmakers Li-Shin Yu and Ric Burns Talk About [The Chinese Exclusion Act] A Forgotten Part Of Our History

By William Engel Tomorrow, PBS will be airing “The Chinese Exclusion Act”, a documentary about one of the most heinous yet oft-forgotten eras in American history. From the late 19th century up until World War II, it was legally impossible for Chinese-Americans to obtain citizenship, making them an arbitrary exception to the regulations mandated by the Fourteenth Amendment. Last week, I sat down with the … Continue reading Filmmakers Li-Shin Yu and Ric Burns Talk About [The Chinese Exclusion Act] A Forgotten Part Of Our History

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Introduction to the Artist

Jeremie Battaglia Is A Filmmaker With A Vision

    By William Engel Jeremie Battaglia’s aim is to shine the spotlight of the “everyday heroes” of the world, or the people who accomplish incredible feats that go unrecognized by the public. One of his most recent films, “Perfect”, is a documentary about one of the most unappreciated and underrated sports in the world – synchronized swimming – and the athleticism and artistry involved … Continue reading Jeremie Battaglia Is A Filmmaker With A Vision

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Introduction to the Artist

Director George Russell Has Been Making Waves In The World Of Film With His Short, But Striking New Documentary, “Troll Inc.”

  By William Engel  “Troll Inc.” gives us an inside look at one of the most notorious and reviled subcultures in America today – the internet trolling community. Particular focus is given to Andrew “Weav” Auernheimer, one of the most notorious and dangerous trolls in the history of the internet. I recently sat down with Mr. Russell to get a better idea of what he … Continue reading Director George Russell Has Been Making Waves In The World Of Film With His Short, But Striking New Documentary, “Troll Inc.”

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Movie Review

With “Troll Inc.”, Filmmaker George Russell Gives Us A Provocative Tour Of The World Of Internet Trolling

  By William Engel It is a world that proves to be more intricate, more fascinating and even more disturbing than it appears on the surface. The film focuses on Andrew “Weev” Auernheimer, one of the most accomplished and notorious trolls in the history of the net. The prodigious provocateur has, to date, publicly revealed a flaw in AT&T’s programming that allowed him to leak … Continue reading With “Troll Inc.”, Filmmaker George Russell Gives Us A Provocative Tour Of The World Of Internet Trolling

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Movie Review

“Roll With Me” Film Review: A Transcendent Journey That Touches Everyone Along The way

By William Engel Director Lisa France captivated  the  2018 Slamdance Film Festival audiences with “Roll With Me”, a sobering yet inspiring look at a disabled man’s attempt to overcome his limitations and accomplish something extraordinary.   The documentary follows Gabriel Cordell, a newly sober paraplegic who sets out to be the first person to roll across the United States in a wheelchair. He’s joined by … Continue reading “Roll With Me” Film Review: A Transcendent Journey That Touches Everyone Along The way

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Movie Review, The Environment

“Food Evolution” A Film Which Has Something Important To Add To The Conversation

By: Lori Hoffman  “Food Evolution” is a documentary From Academy Award®-nominated director Scott Hamilton Kennedy (THE GARDEN, FAME HIGH, OT: OUR TOWN) and narrated by Neil DeGrasse Tyson showing both sides of the GMO debate around the world. The film portrays the idea that people develop beliefs based on their gut and due to this, non-GMO advocates are challenging empirical scientific evidence. When results are … Continue reading “Food Evolution” A Film Which Has Something Important To Add To The Conversation

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Arts

Newness and TRUMPED: Inside The Greatest Political Upset of All Time Join 2017 Sundance Festival Lineup

       (L-R) Newness. Credit: Courtesy of Production; TRUMPED: Inside The Greatest Political Upset of All Time. Credit:Laura Hudock/Courtesy of SHOWTIME. Park City, UT — Sundance Institute augments the 2017 Sundance Film Festival program with two new independent films, announced today: Newness, from director Drake Doremus, and TRUMPED: Inside The Greatest Political Upset of All Time, from directors Banks Tarver, Ted Bourne and Mary … Continue reading Newness and TRUMPED: Inside The Greatest Political Upset of All Time Join 2017 Sundance Festival Lineup

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Movie Review

Anatomy Of A Broken System: Eve Manson’s Documentary, Dr. Feelgood

By: Vernon Nickerson Director Eve Marson’s documentary, Dr. Feelgood chronicles the life of Dr. William Hurwitz, M.D. a pain management specialist who was convicted of over 50 counts of narcotics distribution and subsequently sentenced to 25 years in prison. Early in the film, it is revealed that Dr. Hurwitz had never illegally treated or illegally prescribed medications to any of his patients and had been … Continue reading Anatomy Of A Broken System: Eve Manson’s Documentary, Dr. Feelgood

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Movie Review

TROUBLING THE STILL WATERS OF DENIAL: Writer/Director Derek Hallquist’s Beautifully Crafted Telling of His Father’s Journey

By: Vernon Nickerson Still waters run deep is a proverb of Latin origin now commonly taken to mean that a placid exterior hides a passionate or subtle nature.” (Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)   “Denial” Writer and Director Derek Hallquist’s exquisitely composed story of his parent Christine Hallquist’s (nee David Hallquist) life, is the ultimate 21st Century story of speaking truth to power.  The feature film … Continue reading TROUBLING THE STILL WATERS OF DENIAL: Writer/Director Derek Hallquist’s Beautifully Crafted Telling of His Father’s Journey

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Movie Review

A Review of 2016 LA Film Festival Film “Little Hero”

  By:  Erica Summers Because He Is Awesome   “Little  Hero” will have it’s  Los Angeles premiere at 2016 LA Film Festival on June 6th. “Little  Hero” is a  short documentary film  which is touching and deeply emotionally engaging.  This film takes it deeply personal and reflective look at how six year old twins Avery and Xande  perceives the world around them. Avery explains their … Continue reading A Review of 2016 LA Film Festival Film “Little Hero”

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Movie Review

A Review of the 2016 Slamdance Film “Fursonas”

  By: Alystar McKenneh-O’Neil   and Danielle McCormick   “Fursonas” is a documentary about people who dress up in animal costumes. Oddly, sex comes up a lot and it appears to be just another fantasy game put on by young gay men. With 80% of Furries are made up of men. Of that 80%, 80% of the men are bisexual or homosexual. There were of … Continue reading A Review of the 2016 Slamdance Film “Fursonas”

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Movie Review

A Review Of the 2016 Sundance Film “For Everyone Net”

  By : Alystar McKenneh-O’Neil   For Everyone.Net connects the future of the web with the little-known story of its birth. In 1989, 33-year-old computer programmer  Sir Tim Berners-Lee created the World Wide Web and his visionary decision to make it a free and accessible resource sparked a global revolution in communication. Tim has declared internet access a human right and has called for an … Continue reading A Review Of the 2016 Sundance Film “For Everyone Net”

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Movie Review

A Review Of 2016 Slamdance Film “Peanut Gallery”

By : Alystar McKenneh-O’Neil   “Peanut Gallery” is a documentary about revisiting and reexamining the death of a child in a family. Even though the director Molly Gandour was there when her sister died, her parents dealt with the death of their eldest daughter Aimee, Molly’s sister, in a very congenial and dignified way. Icing over the entire thing so as not to upset Molly … Continue reading A Review Of 2016 Slamdance Film “Peanut Gallery”

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Introduction to the Artist

A conversation With Director Ido Mizrahy Who Has A Passion For His Art

    By: Vernon Nickerson Edited By Colleen Page   Director Ido Mizrahy is a masterful storyteller. Whether it is fiction or nonfiction he interweaves his stories masterfully with humility and modesty. Director Ido Mizrahy storytelling is refreshing yet it is a powerful investigative force that shine a light  on the heart and conflicts  of his subjects. The particular subject Director Ido Mizrahy has chosen to … Continue reading A conversation With Director Ido Mizrahy Who Has A Passion For His Art

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Movie Review

A review Of “Gored” A Life And Death Defying Dance Of Love

  By : Alystar McKenneh-O’Neil   Gored is a feature length documentary about Antonio Barrera, the most gored matador in modern history. Antonio Barrera takes us through his life and explains why he became a matador.  While Antonio describes his relationship with the bull as his closest relationship even more so than his wife. He becomes more relatable, even if you are against bullfighting every … Continue reading A review Of “Gored” A Life And Death Defying Dance Of Love

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