In America, we define ourselves in the superlative: we are the biggest, strongest, fastest country in the world. Is it any wonder that so many of our heroes are on performance enhancing drugs? Director Christopher Bell explores America’s win-at-all-cost culture by examining how his two brothers became members of the steroid-subculture in an effort to realize their American dream.
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In this new documentary in ITV’s Crime & Punishment strand, Susanna Reid gains exclusive access to police evidence from the investigation into one of Britain’s most notorious serial killers, Joanne Dennehy, who murdered three men on a killing spree.
Thomas Hart Benton’s paintings were energetic and uncompromising. Today his works are in museums, but Benton hung them in saloons for ordinary people to appreciate.
Girl next door, activist, so-called traitor, fitness tycoon, Oscar winner: Jane Fonda has lived a life of controversy, tragedy and transformation – and she’s done it all in the public eye. An intimate look at one woman’s singular journey.
Martin Duckworth is a staunch defender of peace and justice and one of Quebec’s most important documentary filmmakers. Helped by his 47-year-old daughter, who is on the autism spectrum, the octogenarian supports his wife, photographer and activist Audrey Schirmer, through the final stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Characterized by captivating resilience and strength, this moving biography soberly directed by Jeremiah Hayes allows Duckworth to reflect candidly on the key personal and professional moments of the couple’s lives. Dear Audrey tells a story marked by incredible twists and turns and a consistent attitude toward challenges. The film takes place more in the present than the past, becoming a powerful testimonial to the growing and unshakable love of a husband for his wife.
Parents, educators, students and college admissions professionals all intimately understand the financial, emotional and intellectual burden of the SAT/ACT—tests that are not only an integral part of the college admissions process for most American students, but also can be a rite of passage for teenagers in the United States. Even as adults, few of us forget our score, or how we felt about what it took to earn it. The Test & the Art of Thinking traces the history and evolution of the SAT/ACT as a major player on the pathway to higher education in America, and it documents its current power in our culture. In so doing, it strives to support individuals who are embarking on the road to college, by examining what the SAT/ACT measures and means, and asking a range of educational leaders, admissions professionals and stakeholders in the test—from tutors to parents to test designers—to grapple with the test’s use, ramifications and future.
From filmmaker Dawn Porter (who earlier this year directed “John Lewis: Good Trouble”), the film explores the remarkable journey of Jordan from modest Southern origins to national renown as a pioneering attorney, businessman, civil rights leader, and as a fixture (could one also say a “fixer?”) on the DC scene. Jordan’s story is told principally through a chronological narration of his life and accomplishment, most of it taken from recent (2019) interviews with and narration by Jordan himself. His early life in Atlanta is limned, where Jordan describes the treasured influence of his mother Mary and his early academic successes (including a law degree from Howard University). His activities in the civil rights movement in the 1960’s and 1970’s are highlighted, culminating in his ten-year tenure as director of the Urban League.
What do a farmer in Kansas, a laid-off factory worker in Ohio, and an Uber driver in Florida have in common? All three are resourceful, positive thinkers who strive to adapt and thrive despite dehumanizing forces at play in the American economy. As the film’s heroes face these roadblocks with courage, certain ideals remain sacred: family, love, and staying strong in the face of adversity. Lush cinematography galvanizes a sense of place and, as the narrative unfolds, the intimacy with the characters results in an emotionally rich observational drama. Ultimately, “The Disrupted” reveals a collective American experience of financial challenge, family resilience, and the quest for the purpose and dignity of work.
Based on Lee Smith’s 2019 best-seller of the same name. This feature length documentary explores new information and additional interview as the case unfolds. The book debuted October 29th, 2019 and instantly became the number one best seller on Amazon across all topics, not just in political non-fiction, where it continues to top charts today.
Tragedy + Time + Comedy = Healing. From the immediate aftermath of 9/11 to today stand-up comedians, talk-show hosts, sketch performers, television animators and other entertainers have used often-controversial jokes to unite and heal in the face of tragedy.
Archival footage, animation, and music are used to look back at the eight anti-war protesters who were put on trial following the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
