Documentary Feature

Addiction Incorporated

Documentary Feature - USA - 01:40:00
Executive Produced by Charmaine Parcero
Produced and Directed by Charles Jr Evans

Tobacco companies produced the most deadly product on earth while they maintained a perfect record of defeating those who tried to reign them in. The public revelation of long held tobacco industry secrets leads journalists, politicians, attorneys and whistle blowers into an unexpected alliance and leads to the first ever federal regulations of tobacco.

Canine Instinct

Documentary Feature - USA - 01:00:00
Written by Nicholas Goodman
Directed by Nicholas Goodman

What can we learn from dogs? How is it we best get along with them? What is the way to handle a dog when their temper is overrun by aggression? This film answers those questions and more as we see the world through the eyes of dog handler and Search & Rescue volunteer Kyle Warren, the oft-called “Dog Man of Ulster County, NY.”

At the age of 27 he has built an impressive life centered on caring for and training dogs and the dogs of his students. He has worked with over 3,000 of them so far. It seems like a lot until you know that he has been training dogs since he was 10 years old.

China: Rebirth of an Empire

Documentary Feature - USA - 01:26:00
Directed by Jeremy Veverka, Jesse Veverka

China’s unprecedented growth has placed it on the verge of overtaking the United States as the world’s preeminent power. Meanwhile, Chalmers Johnson, author of 'Blowback' and 'The Sorrows of Empire', argues that America’s preoccupation with militarism has all but sealed its fate as a nation in long-term decline. But if China surpasses the United States, what type of power will it become? In today’s interconnected and globalized world, the answer effects each and every one of us.

Whether it’s a peaceful rise or potential threat, China's 21st century emergence as a great world power will change the lives of everyone.

Death by Medicine

Documentary Feature - USA - 01:33:00
Produced by Gary Null, Valerie Van Cleve
Directed by Gary Null

The film explores the dominant medical paradigm, the current health crisis, and a healthier, more holistic system. Based on Gary Nulls groundbreaking book with statistical evidence of hundreds of thousands of injuries and deaths due to conventional medicine. It looks at the pharmaceutical industry, drug reps, medical schools, medical journals and the absence of real medical science. The lack of oversight by our regulatory agencies, private insurance firms and lobbying influence upon our legislators. The result is the American medical system is broken and it is time to create a new medical paradigm.

Disappearance of McKinley Nolan

Documentary Feature - Cambodia, USA, Viet Nam - 01:25:00
Produced by Celia Maysles, Danny Glover, David Alcaro, Jeremy Amar, Joslyn Barnes
Directed by Henry Corra

US Army Private McKinley Nolan vanished forty years ago in Vietnam on the Cambodian frontier. Some say he was captured, some say he was a traitor, others claim he was killed in the Khmer Rouge genocide, and some even say he was an American operative. In 2005 a Vietnam Vet sighted him alive near Tay Ninh, Vietnam. The Disappearance of McKinley Nolan follows one family's journey into the heart of darkness to find the truth.

Egypt: The Story Behind the Revolution

Documentary Feature - USA - 01:00:00
Produced by David Green, Khaled Sayed
Directed by Khaled Sayed

Filmed primarily in Egypt in March of 2011, soon after the January revolution, this film introduces you to Egyptians who lived under Mubarak and helped to bring him down. Included are interviews with many young revolutionaries fighting for a new start for Egypt.

Gang Girl

Documentary Feature - USA - 01:30:00
Produced by LeMonde Goodloe, Valerie Goodloe
Directed by Valerie Goodloe
Written by LeMonde Goodloe, Valerie Goodloe

A middle class mother, photojournalist for a National Magazine, finds that her youngest daughter is a gang member. All of the concepts of what a parent should do to raise a health young person is challenged. She goes on a journey to find out why her daughter made such a choice, and who are these Gang Girls, and why they put themselves at risk. her journey becomes uncomfortable because family and parenting cannot be ignored. She also discovers that her daughter is a lesbian and blames her family for being in the closet.

Gus: An American Icon

Documentary Feature - USA - 01:29:15
Produced by Pedro Brenner
Directed by Pedro Brenner

Gus an American Icon is a honest look at the life and times of Gus Giordano in a biographical / testimonial way, mixing outstanding still photography from his life , several extracts of his choreography, a full performance of "Wings" (one of Gus Giordano's most powerful choreography's), The documentary is enriched with the words of 50 of Gus's closest friends, family, artists and collaborators, who were interviewed to share their own memories of the moments they shared with this amazing artist, which strongly influenced their lives and careers. Tony Mockus, Collen Zenk Pinter, Margo Sappington, Jimmy Locust, Randy Duncan and Homer Bryant are among the dance personalities interviewed who will give us an inside look at the quality and talent of the man who is considered by many to be the father of American jazz dance.

Hollywood to Dollywood

Documentary Feature - USA - 01:21:00
Produced by Gary Lane, Larry Lane
Directed by John Lavin

On the fumes of a dream, twin brothers Gary and Larry Lane have written a script with a plum roll for their idols, Dolly Parton. Having had no luck getting the screenplay into her hands, they embark on a cross-country journey to personally deliver it to her. They set off from Dolly's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame heading East for Pigeon Forge, TN. Driving an RV they (named Jolene) is friend and partner Mike Bowen. All along Interstate 40 at rest stops, RV parks, bars, and hair salons our intrepid band of travelers meet everyday Americans, as the encounter everything from Floods in Nashville to an Oklahoma Tornado. The journey is also one of discovery for the brothers, as well: their relationship with their parents; their hopes, fears and ambitions; the bigotry they've encountered; as they search for tolerance and acceptance and the joy of realizing their biggest dream handing their screenplay to Dolly Parton. Featuring appearances by Leslie Jordan, Chad Allen, Beth Grant, Dustin Lance Black, Ann walker, and maybe even Dolly herself! Hollywood to Dollywood is a documentary of chasing dreams down the road of life.

In God We Teach

Documentary Feature - USA - 01:02:30
Produced by Rebecca Losick, Vic Losick
Directed by Vic Losick

In God We Teach,' is the controversial story of Matthew LaClair, a student at Kearny (NJ) public high school who secretly recorded his history teacher, David Paszkiewicz in class, and accused him of proselytizing for Jesus.

Off the Rez

Documentary Feature - USA - 01:30:00
Produced by Albert Bianchini, Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos, Nelson Hernandez, Philip Aromando
Directed by Jonathan Hock
Written by Jonathan Hock

The story of a Native American family in Oregon that leaves the reservation in pursuit of the American dream on behalf of one of their 8 children, a 16 year-old girl who is one of the best high school basketball players in the country. Four generations of strong Native American women from the Umatilla Nation struggle together to preserve their traditions with the unforgiving world of big-time American high school sports.

Patriot Guard Riders

Documentary Feature - USA - 01:15:00
Produced by Ellen Frick
Directed by Ellen Frick

Patriot Guard Riders takes us on a solemn ride to funerals of young soldiers killed in action. Our guides are a 200,000-strong motorcycle group formed to protect grieving families from members of the Westboro Baptist Church, who harass them for allowing their sons and daughters to serve. The riders escort the fallen soldiers from the airfield to the burial grounds, where they form a protective shield of honor and respect.

The film underscores a tragic truth: Soldiers are dying and their families are suffering. It reveals an unlikely but powerful bond between the riders, the grieving families and the military. Their poignant stories chronicle the emergence of a new kind of patriotism in America, where we honor the troops even if we don't believe in the war.

Question One

Documentary Feature - USA - 01:53:00
Directed by James Nubile, Joseph Fox

A Documentary Film on the Battle for Same-Sex Marriage in America
On May 6th, 2009 Maine became the first state in this country to legislatively grant same-sex couples the right to marry.
Seven months later, on November 3rd 2009 Maine reversed, becoming the thirty-first state in this country to say 'no' to gay and lesbian marriage.
Filmed from within both campaigns, 'Question One' chronicles the fierce and emotional battle that took place in Maine during that time, a battle whose political symbolism is a bellwether for the greater ideological battlefield in American politics.

Rap Arabe

Documentary Feature - Canada - 00:52:00
Produced by Yves Bisaillon, Jacques W. Lina
Directed by Bachir Bensaddek
Written by Bechir Bensaddek

Numerous artists, three countries, and a single language Arabic. With a single style hip hop. From Casablanca to Aleppo, young voices are being heard. Their words are the fuel for their vehicle of choice: rap a well oiled machine comprised of a mixing console and sampled sounds. Their names include Malikah, Ashekman, Lil Zac and Don Bigg. Painting a clear eyed portrait of the societies of their roots, these youths strive to bridge the gap between east and west, tradition and modernity, determined to be heard come what may.

Reflections of the Past

Documentary Feature - USA - 01:29:00
Produced by Alexander Roman
Directed by Alexander Roman
Written by Alexander Roman

On June 22, 1954, two teenage girls Pauline Yvonne Parker and Juliet Marion Hulme murdered Honora Parker, the mother of Pauline Parker in Victoria Park outside the city of Christchurch, New Zealand. This crime continues to fascinate the world. In 1994, Peter Jackson created a film based on the events called 'Heavenly Creatures' with Kate Winslet & Melanie Lynskey. This documentary will examine the relationship of Pauline & Juliet and the murder case.

See Ya Sunday

Documentary Feature - USA - 01:00:20
Produced by Jason Gammel, Kenny Reynolds
Directed by Jason Gammel, Kenny Reynolds

See ya Sunday' tells the story of the Little Rock Kickball Association (LRKA). This documentary chronicles the rise of the Atomic Catsicles (a first-year team looking to make its mark on the league) while at the same time taking you inside the LRKA. Founder Larry Betz describes his creation of the LRKA, the league's purpose, the game in detail, and what kickball means to the community and its members. You'll experience an entire season of kickball - from the first team meeting through the quest for the 'Poo's Cup' - the crowning of the ultimate kings of the kickball universe.

7 Years Underground: A 60's Tale

Documentary Feature - USA - 01:27:00
Produced by Candice Solomon, Elly Solomon, Eric Zimmerman, Frank Gonzalez, Jack Chouchanian, Jason M. Solomon, Josh Batts, Marco Cuadros, Sheppard Solomon
Directed by Jason M. Solomon
Written by Jason M. Solomon

In 1964, after spending a one year protracted legal battle, co-club owners, Howard and Elly Solomon were finally granted a 'unique' cabaret license and the Cafe Au Go Go opened its doors on February 7.
Six weeks later with mounting legal bills and depleting funds the couple were quickly going out of business. With few options, Howard and Elly made a desperate, late minute attempt to keep the club open and reached out to popular comedian, Lenny Bruce. Two days into Lenny's performance he was arrested and booked for obscenity charges, alone with Howard and Elly. That historic arrest, and the international press it garnered would put the Cafe Au Go Go on the entertainment world map.

She Had Some Horses

Documentary Feature - USA - 00:48:42
Produced by David J. Kitts, Donna Wells, Nancy Benkof
Directed by Donna Wells
Written by Donna Wells

"She had some horses" is a lyrical documentary about the heart-felt connection between women and horses. This film follows Lynne Pomeranz, award-winning equine photographer, as she leads her Wild Horse Workshop participants among the wild horses in scenic locations around New Mexico; Professional equine photographer, Rachel Waller, takes her eight-year old daughter, Cheyenne, out to see the wild horses while they are still running free on public land; Shelly Gibbs, a gifted equine body-worker and animal communicator, tells us how her horse, Copper, led her on a journey of self-discovery; Jackie Fleming of Cimarron Sky-Dog Wild Horse Sanctuary and Sandi Claypool of the Monero Mustang Sanctuary share with us the wonderful horses that have found refuge at their sanctuaries. "She had some horses" will remind you of the special bond that exists between humans and equines and will inform you of the threats that our nation's wild horses are facing in today's world.

Silenced Voices, Quiet Voices

Documentary Feature - USA - 01:33:00
Produced by Tadeusz Fundalinski
Directed by Tadeusz Fundalinski

What started out as cross-country trip on a motorcycle turned into a profound and personal look into the lives of American soldiers and their parents. Silenced Voices, Quiet Voices is an independent documentary produced by Central New York resident Tad Fundalinski. The documentary reveals the intimate and often emotional reflections of the parents of eight soldiers who were killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The parents share with the viewer, the character of their child, their child's decision to enlist in the armed forces, the changes in their child, their last contacts with their child, how they received the news of their child's death, and how they managed to cope with their loss.

So What Does Your MP Do?

Documentary Feature - United Kingdom - 01:02:30
Produced by Claude Green
Directed by Claude Green
Written by Calude Green

Before the expenses scandal blew up, in which British Members of Parliament replaced investment bankers as hate figures in the eyes of the public, a liberal democrat MP, Ed Davey, agreed to take part in a documentary that would explore the question of what an MP actually does. This strictly non partisan film observes his work from September 2009 to May 2010 and finishes with his appointment as a Minister in the new Coalition Government. With unprecedented access, it is the first film to give a real flavour of the extraordinary range of problems that MPs encounter at their constituency surgery advice sessions and the issues they have to grapple with as 'representatives of the people'

The Gray Seasons

Documentary Feature - USA - 01:26:06
Produced by Andrea Wall, David Rocco, Richard Weil, Robert Herrera
Directed by Robert Herrera

Saint Louis University women's basketball is a longstanding Division I program with a lack of tradition and success. Despite the seemingly insurmountable odds of overcoming the losing culture of the program, Shimmy Gray-Miller, a young, dynamic coach with a personal history of playing and coaching success, is brought in to turn things around. She embarks on her first head-coaching position and is armed with her first class of determined recruits. Driven to change the trajectory of the basketball program, the team sets their sights on success, attempting to pull SLU from its last place conference standings to a conference contender.

The Power of Two

Documentary Feature - USA - 01:33:22
Produced by Andrew Byrnes, Chris Kelly, Jennifer Schmidt, Marc Smolowitz
Directed by Marc Smolowitz

THE POWER OF TWO is a feature documentary that tells the remarkable story of twin sisters, two cultures, and two new chances at life. Inspired by their 2007 memoir, the film offers an intimate portrayal of the bond between half-Japanese twin sisters Anabel Stenzel and Isabel Stenzel Byrnes, their lifelong battle with the fatal genetic disease Cystic Fibrosis, survival through miraculous double lung transplants, and improbable emergence as authors, athletes and global advocates for organ donation. Featuring expert interviews, archival footage and deeply personal testimony from the twins and others whose lives have been impacted by organ transplantation from the U.S. and Japan, the film provides unprecedented insight into the personal and societal aspects of this modern medical miracle affecting millions worldwide. 

The Reconstruction of Asa Carter

Documentary Feature - USA - 00:57:30
Produced by Douglas Newman, Laura Browder
Directed by Marco Ricci

Forrest Carter, best-selling author of The Outlaw Josey Wales and The Education of Little Tree, was an exalted Cherokee hero of New Age wisdom. As a leader in the Native American cultural revival of the 1970's, Forrest touched millions of readers with his gentle and earthy tales of Indian life. Twelve years after his death, however, the public learned that Forrest had a hidden past. Forrest Carter was actually Asa 'Ace' Cater, violent Ku Klux Klansman and Alabama Governor George Wallace's principal speechwriter; author of the infamous 1963 inaugural address, 'Segregation Now! Segregation Tomorrow! Segregation Forever!'

These Amazing Shadows

Documentary Feature - USA - 01:26:00
Produced by Christine O'Malley, Kurt Norton, Paul Mariano
Directed by Kurt Norton, Paul Mariano

What do the films Casablanca, Blazing Saddles, and West Side Story have in common? Besides being popular, they have also been deemed 'culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant' by the Library of Congress and listed in the National Film Registry. 'These Amazing Shadows' tells the history and importance of The Registry, a roll call of American cinema treasures that reflect the diversity of film, and indeed the American experience itself. The current list of 525 films includes selections from every genre-documentaries, home movies, Hollywood classics, avant-garde, newsreels and silent films. American movies tell us so much about ourselves...not just what we did, but what we thought, what we felt, what we imagined, what we aspired to...and the lies we told ourselves.