The new trailer debuted today for Sex, Drugs & Bicycles, a topnotch documentary that digs deep into the nightmare of paid vacations, universal healthcare and windmills. Directed by Jonathan Blank, Sex, Drugs & Bicycles will air as part of PBS’ Link Voices series on February 26th, 2021
HBO released the trailer for the documentary Fake Famous debuting Tuesday, February 2 (9:00-10:30 p.m. ET/PT), from first-time director and veteran journalist Nick Bilton, that explores the industry of social media influencers through an innovative social experiment. The film’s journey into this world is driven by the casting of three people in Los Angeles who all have relatively small social followings and the attempt to grow them into famous influencers. By purchasing fake followers and an army of bots to “engage” with their social media, the newly made “influencers” discover both the wonders and costs of this unlikely, immersive lifestyle.
Voice of Freedom is a new documentary about singer Marian Anderson, whose talent broke down barriers around the world. Hailed as a voice that “comes around once in 100 years” and widely celebrated by both white and Black audiences at home, her fame wasn’t enough to insulate her from the indignities and trauma of racism and segregation. On Easter Sunday, 1939, she stepped up to a microphone in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Inscribed on the walls of the monument behind her were the words “all men are created equal.” Barred from performing in Constitution Hall because of her race, Anderson would sing for the American people in the open air. Narrated by Renée Elise Goldsberry (Hamilton), Voice of Freedom interweaves Anderson’s rich life story with this landmark moment in history, exploring fundamental questions about talent, race, fame, democracy and the American soul. Produced by Rob Rapley and executive produced by Cameo George, Voice of Freedom premieres Monday, February 15, 9:00-11:00 p.m. ET on American Experience on PBS, PBS.org and the PBS Video App.
Inspired by the late artist and curator David Driskell’s landmark exhibit, “Two Centuries of Black American Art,” the documentary Black Art: In the Absence of Light features several celebrated African American artists working today.
Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution, directed by Nicole Newnham and James LeBrecht won the top prize for Best Feature at the 36th annual IDA Documentary Awards. The Netflix documentary film produced under Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions also won the ABC News VideoSource Award, which is given for the best use of news footage in a documentary.
The music documentary film Bleeding Audio by Chelsea Christer on the rise and fall story on the alternative punk band from Oakland “The Matches” has been selected to screen at Slamdance Film Festival 2021. The film is one of 25 features, one of 8 documentaries, and the ONLY music documentary in the festival lineup. The virtual festival will run February 12-25, 2021 with a two-night drive-in presentation in Joshua Tree, CA open to the public February 13-14, and closing in Los Angeles February 25, 2021.
The documentary short subject film Draw With Me tells the story of trans youth – Brendon Scholl – who despite life’s challenges used their art as an important tool to walk through life’s hurdles with their family. The documentary features a special introduction by their aunt Jennifer Lopez. The film, an official Oscar entry for Documentary Short Subject runs theatrically now at ArenaScreen through February 9th.
Oscilloscope released the new trailer for Truth To Power, the documentary on Serj Tankian, the Grammy-winning lead singer of System Of A Down. Written, directed and produced by Garin K. Hovannisian, the documentary will be released in virtual cinemas and selected theaters on Friday February 19th, 2021.
Netflix released the trailer for the new documentary Strip Down, Rise Up from Academy Award–nominated director/producer Michèle Ohayon about women who come together to heal through sensual movement, specifically pole dance. The documentary featuring Sheila Kelley, Amy Bond, Jenyne Butterfly, Patricia Buck, and Evelyn Oshita, among others will debut on February 5, 2021.
Apollo 11: Quarantine, the new short film from director/producer Todd Douglas Miller (Apollo 11, Dinosaur 13), will be released exclusively in IMAX® beginning January 29th in select locations. Created by the award-winning filmmakers behind the cinematic event Apollo 11, and co-presented by NEON and CNN Films, Apollo 11: Quarantine will feature never-before-seen 70mm footage sourced from the National Archives and NASA. NEON and CNN Films will be forging a full Academy campaign on behalf of the film for this year’s, 93rd Academy Awards®.
YouTube Originals’ documentary, “Life In A Day 2020,” will debut February 6 and be available for audiences worldwide for free on the film’s YouTube channel following its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on February 1.
The People vs Agent Orange, a documentary film by Kate Taverna and Alan Adelson – winner of the Jury Award at the 2020 Eugene Environmental Film Festival, will have a virtual release at the New Plaza Cinema in New York, at Laemmle Theaters in Los Angeles and in other cities on March 5, 2021.