Documentary

Political Documentaries For The Undecided Voter

The election is upon us, and with two front- running candidates – Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump – who have often been described as the two most unlikeable presidential candidates in over 30 years, it’s understandable that this election has majority of voters unsure or uneasy about who they plan to vote for. Before you make a decision of monumental proportions, knowing just who you’re voting for is imperative and may help steady your lever-pulling arm to know that you’re making the right decision for yourself and America. Here are some free and informative documentaries on the pros and cons of both the Democratic and Republican nominees. Make America Hate Again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rGxqP0X4Qc Draws irrefutable comparisons of Trump to Hitler and KKK leader David Duke, diagnoses trump with the classic symptoms of narcissism and the effects it can have putting a narcissist in a position of power. The doc also shows the violence of Trump supporters. Clinton Cash https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LYRUOd_QoM Discusses in depth the financial suspicions Clinton has. While the doc is clearly condemning Clintons past actions, it is more factual than mudslinging. The tone of this documentary is more informative than damning to Clinton’s campaign and is probably a good watch even for those committed to voting Clinton. What Hilary Clinton Really Represents https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PV_PLCC6jeI Unlike Clinton Cash, the tone of this doc is strongly biased against Clinton from the get-go, starting with host Abby Martin’s voice that’s dripping with distain as well as all the subjects being interviewed. Yet it is still interesting to see the arguments they make, particularly how most of the people endorsing Hilary are working for the clinton campaign. Fire Breather https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3B4lgV1IxQ A slightly more agressive tone against Trump than the other documentaries, yet still remains professional. This doc goes over the long history of Trump rather than focusing solely on the campaign. Informational, and fact checking timeline of Trump as well as well known and credible sources like Tom Brokow. How Powerful is Trump https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8B284suwIo A well rounded biography documentary that focuses evenly on Trump’s life before the campaign, his success as a business man, as well and his rise to be the Republican candidate and how he gained so much popularity with his supporters. The doc is almost purely factual with the slightest lean to the left. CNN The Essential Hilary Clinton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qEVy3QlQHE Out of all the documentaries this is the strongest biographically informing the viewer on Hilary’s childhood, motivation for becoming a lawyer, long political career as well as her strength during her husbands scandalous presidency. The documentary interviews Clinton herself as well as Chelsea Clinton, and does a good job in attempting to improve her like ability and relatability.
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Five Documentaries You Might Want to See This Weekend
[caption id="attachment_17784" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Oasis: Supersonic[/caption] Halloween might not be your thing. That’s cool. Razor-laden apples. Knife-wielding clowns. Butterfingers. There’s a lot to be scared of out there, and if Hostage to the Devil doesn’t sound like your idea of a good time, here are five new documentaries that might offer some respite from the spookiest week of the year. 1. Oasis: Supersonic If you could find it in your heart to forgive Oasis for birthing a generation of cheesy white dudes who play “Wonderwall” on their acoustic guitar at every party, this documentary – comprised of previously unreleased archival footage and interviews with the Gallagher Bros themselves – might end up being pretty enjoyable. Two decades later, Oasis represents an idea of what the music industry was at the peak of their fame. Even if you can’t stand their music (I can’t claim to be one of those people as I’m listening to “Champagne Supernova” while writing this list), there’s something to be said for how quickly Oasis was on course to define a generation, and this film aims to understand the cultural landscape that allowed such a rapid ascent to superstardom. Unfortunately, Oasis: Supersonic will only be featured in theaters for one night on October 26th, but a VOD release is sure to follow pretty soon after. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wZJqUrJyDs 2. Gimme Danger And while the millennials go see Oasis: Supersonic, their parents can go see Gimme Danger, the second of the weekend’s two music documentaries. Directed by Jim Jarmusch, this ode to The Stooges and its endlessly fascinating frontman, Iggy Pop, is clearly a labor of love from its director, who featured “Down on the Street” in his 2003 film Coffee and Cigarettes. Gimme Danger opens in New York on October 28th and expands nationwide on November 4th. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fgiW_S2Hgk 3. Before the Flood In addition to being one of the most successful and handsome actors in the history of mankind, Leonardo DiCaprio is also an environmentalist – as if he couldn’t get any dreamier! Featuring conversations with Barack Obama, Elon Musk, and Pope Francis, DiCaprio’s quest for environmental awareness culminates in a speech to the UN. It’s kind of like The Revenant with less knife-fighting. Before the Flood opened in theaters on October 21st and will have an October 30th, worldwide premiere on National Geographic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UGsRcxaSAI 4. By Sidney Lumet Some people argue that a director’s last handful of films is often his or her worst. The evidence in favor of that theory is actually pretty damning. We’ve all borne witness to Woody Allen’s heartbreaking decline in recent years. John Cassavetes’ last, Big Trouble, was also his worst. The list goes on and on. However, looking back at the films of Sidney Lumet – which include 12 Angry Men, Serpico, Network, Dog Day Afternoon, and Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead – what you have is a director who let himself change with the world around him, try new things, succeed, fail, and then try again. Even his lesser work (read: much of the late 80s through the 90s) is constructed with the care of someone who really loves what he does. By Sidney Lumet, a never-before-seen 2008 interview, in which the director takes viewers through his expansive career of over 50 years, hits theaters for the first time this week. By Sidney Lumet hits theaters on October 28th. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnS1NrKRri8 5. Finding Babel In 1940, a Russian-Ukrainian writer named Isaac Babel was executed. 75 years later, his grandson set out to learn more about grandpa Babel’s life, the world he lived in, and the circumstances that led to his execution. Featuring Liev Schreiber as the voice of Isaac Babel – as well as animated sequences set to stories of the writer’s life – Finding Babel aims to resurrect one of the great Russian novelists of the 20th century, whose life and legacy were cut short by a totalitarian government that did what it could to silence its people, its artists, and its creators. Finding Babel hits NY/LA theaters on October 28th. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9VQ-UZi-lU Honorable Mentions:
- Portrait of a Garden: In a historical vegetable garden on a Dutch estate, the 85 year-old pruning master and the gardener tend to the espaliers. As they prune, the men chat about food, the weather, the world and they share their knowledge of horticulture. Fifteen years they have spent working on the pear arbour. Will it finally close over this year? (Source)
- A Billion Lives: A true story of the vaping revolution and tragic corruption leading to a billion deaths around the world. (Source) [side note: this looks incredibly stupid and I can’t wait to watch it.]
- You’ve Been Trumped, Too: A timely film exploring the confrontation between a feisty 92-year-old Scottish widow and her family and a billionaire trying to become the most powerful man in the world. (Source)
- An Eye for an Eye: A true story of hate, revenge, understanding, remorse and redemption as lived by Mark Stroman on the Texas Death Row. (Source)
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Watch TRAILER for Basketball Doc MANCHILD: THE SCHEA COTTON STORY

[caption id="attachment_14133" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Manchild: The Schea Cotton Story[/caption] Check out the trailer for the documentary film Manchild: The Schea Cotton Story, about a Los Angeles basketball legend by the name of Schea Cotton, described as “the Lebron before Lebron”. Manchild will World Premiere at the upcoming 2016 LA Film Festival. In Manchild, directed by Eric “Ptah” Herbert, Baron Davis, Tyson Chandler, Elton Brand, Paul Pierce, Randy Moss and others share their tales about Cotton. Schea Cotton is the subject of one of the biggest mysteries in basketball’s history. Described as “the Lebron before Lebron,” Inglewood-native Cotton dominated the likes of Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce and was one of the most highly touted high school athletes of a pre-social media era. Yet he never made it to the NBA. What happened? NBA players, journalists, coaches and Cotton’s family recount with an almost pained nostalgia Cotton’s unmatched prowess as a player and the out-of-bounds emotions behind his story. First-time director Eric “Ptah” Herbert delivers a cautionary tale about the harsh reality of unfulfilled expectations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S05f_MF2Dx0
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OPEN YOUR EYES Documentary to Premiere on HBO on July 18th

[caption id="attachment_14122" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] OPEN YOUR EYES[/caption] The documentary OPEN YOUR EYES which follows a husband and wife who are both blind in rural Nepal and the Seva Outreach Team that restores their sight will premiere on HBO on on July 18th. Told through the intimate lens of an elderly blind couple from Nepal, the film, executive produced by Laurene Powell Jobs, brings vital attention to cataract blindness and the shockingly cheap surgery (only three U.S. dollars!) that is restoring eyesight to thousands in rural poverty stricken areas. OPEN YOUR EYES is directed by Irene Taylor Brodsky (Beware the Slenderman, Peabody Award-winning Hear and Now) and produced by Dr. Larry Brilliant, the pioneering physician who served as the director of Google’s philanthropy division. The film follows the extraordinary journey of Manisara and Durga, an elderly couple in a remote mountain village in Nepal. Living for decades under the Himalayan sun, their eyes have slowly turned milky white with cataracts that have left them completely blind. When a team of eye specialists combing the mountainside village presents an opportunity for a free surgery to restore their sight, the couple begins a life-changing journey down the mountain to see again. Married for more than 50 years and living in the foothills of Nepal, they are no longer the industrious farmers they once were. Manisara peels turmeric root most days and Durga can’t navigate the warren of pathways around him nor can he feed his animals. They feel dependent on their family for even the most basic needs. There are no cars to transport them. Life has become static. A team of Nepali eye specialists combing the mountainside find them and urge them to come to the city for a chance to see again. A surgeon has come from Kathmandu, and the surgery is free. But the taste of defeat and growing old has made Manisara skeptical. And besides, who would even carry her down the mountain? Their youngest granddaughter plops herself in Manisara’s lap, and her grandmother starts running her hands over the little girl’s feet, her legs, her nose. Is she like me? Touching the child, Manisara connects her past to her future. Manisara and Durga are finally convinced. They set out for the eye hospital, tripping over goats and stones as they go, towards the distant city. They are carried, guided and then driven on a bewildering odyssey to restore their sight. They arrive at the hospital and hear scores of other patients also waiting. Everyone has come for a miracle. Cataract blindness affects millions of people in the developing world and yet can be cured for only a few dollars per patient. The Seva Foundation, an NGO co-founded by the film’s producer Dr. Larry Brilliant, is responsible for successfully restoring sight to 4 million blind people worldwide. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxYSVvgPEJY
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South African Doc THE JOURNEYMEN is Opening Night Film of Durban Film Festival

[caption id="attachment_14112" align="aligncenter" width="1788"] The Journeymen[/caption] The World Premiere of the South African documentary, The Journeymen, will be the opening night film of the 37th edition of the Durban International Film Festival. The Durban International Film Festival takes place from June16 to 26, 2016. [caption id="attachment_14111" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] The Journeymen[/caption] The Journeymen, the latest installment in the Twenty Journey project, is directed by Sean Metelerkamp and produced by filmmaker Jolynn Minnaar whose film, Unearthed, was one of the big hits at DIFF 2014. Filmed as part of the Twenty Journey project in 2014, the year in which South Africa celebrated 20 years of democracy and mourned Nelson Mandela’s death, The Journeymen chronicles the journey of three young South African photographers, Wikus de Wet, Sipho Mpongo and Sean Metelerkamp, as they travel 24 000km in a motorhome throughout South Africa, with GoPro cameras strapped to their chests, to explore the mood and feel the pulse of contemporary South Africa. From urban sprawls to dusty rural roads, the trio were driven by the question “Has Mandela’s vision of equality in a rainbow nation been achieved?” [caption id="attachment_14113" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] The Journeymen[/caption] The film answers this with a kaleidoscopic set of responses that are disturbing, beautiful, thought-provoking and, more than anything, movingly surreal. Said Acting Festival Director, Peter Machen, “It is highly appropriate that this intersectional portrait of our strange and beautiful country will screen on the fortieth anniversary of 16th June, 1976. The film is a portrait of a nation that was forever changed by the actions of the youth of Soweto, and screening it on this day will act as a tribute to the bravery of the tens of thousands of unnamed young people who helped build the road to our liberation.” [caption id="attachment_14093" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] The Journeymen[/caption] Machen continued, “The film shows the underlying demons of our troubled national soul but also its deep and profound beauty. Made with technology that is widely accessible, the film is also a vibrant call to arms for new modes of filmmaking and fresh approaches to narrative. We are very happy to be screening the world premiere of The Journeymen on the opening night of the 37th Edition of DIFF.” Director, Sean Metelerkamp said, “While we never set out to make a feature length documentary, looking back, through embracing new technology, we were able to capture our promising, contentious and confusing country as we went about exploring our respective photographic themes. We hope that this collaboration – between three guys from different cultural and racial backgrounds, united simply by a duty to set out and discover truly authentic South African stories – kickstarts conversations and interactions. As luck would have it, our film features a chance encounter with Sam Nzima, who photographed Hector Pietersen. We can’t think of a better way to honour Youth Day than to share our film with the country. “
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THE ISLAND PRESIDENT’s Mohamed Nasheed, Granted Refugee Status in Britain

Mohamed Nasheed, the former president of the Maldives, and subject of the award winning documentary The Island President has reportedly been granted refugee status in Britain. Nasheed was in Britain on medical leave from a 13-year prison sentence on terrorism charges. The former president, Mohamed Nasheed, the country’s first democratically elected head of state, was jailed for ordering the military to arrest a sitting senior judge, which the court said was an abduction punishable under a section of an antiterrorism law. He was found guilty of terrorism and sentenced to thirteen years in prison. Mohamed Nasheed had earlier resigned the presidency in February 2012, after weeks of demonstrations and a mutiny by some police officers. The Island President, directed by Jon Shenk, is the story of President Mohamed Nasheed of the Maldives, a man confronting a problem greater than any other world leader has ever faced—the literal survival of his country and everyone in it. After bringing democracy to the Maldives after thirty years of despotic rule, Nasheed is now faced with an even greater challenge: as one of the most low-lying countries in the world, a rise of three feet in sea level would submerge the 1200 islands of the Maldives enough to make them uninhabitable. The Island President captures Nasheed’s first year of office, culminating in his trip to the Copenhagen Climate Summit in 2009, where the film provides a rare glimpse of the political horse-trading that goes on at such a top-level global assembly. Nasheed is unusually candid about revealing his strategies—leveraging the Maldives’ underdog position as a tiny country, harnessing the power of media, and overcoming deadlocks through an appeal to unity with other developing nations. When hope fades for a written accord to be signed, Nasheed makes a stirring speech which salvages an agreement. Despite the modest size of his country, Mohamed Nasheed has become one of the leading international voices for urgent action on climate change. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x10EbJymLz4
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Showtime to Produce John Belushi Documentary

Showtime will once again team up with acclaimed filmmakers R.J. Cutler and John Battsek on a feature-length documentary about the extraordinary life and times of comic legend John Belushi. Showtime previously collaborated with R.J. Cutler (The September Issue, The World According to Dick Cheney) and John Battsek (Searching For Sugar Man, The Tillman Story) on the successful Peabody Award-winning documentary Listen To Me Marlon. For the first time, Belushi’s widow Judith Belushi Pisano has agreed to cooperate with the making of a film about the late comedian’s life, and provided the exclusive photo of John from her private collection. Directed by Cutler and produced by Battsek, the documentary is set to begin production in the fall, with long-time Belushi collaborator Sean Daniel serving as executive producer along with Bill Couturie. Cutler will also produce. The film will be produced in association with Sky Atlantic. “Belushi was one of my very first heroes. At a time when film, television, and music were undergoing tectonic shifts within American culture, he was at the center of it all,” said Cutler. “At that moment, he had the number one show on television, the number one film at the box office, and the number one record on the charts. We plan to explore his unique genius and how his creative influence is still making an impact to this moment.” “This is a film I have wanted to make for many years as John was a great hero of mine. Having Judy cooperation for the first time on a feature documentary of his life is very special and means we know we will be making a truly authentic film,” commented Battsek. “We plan to assemble a deep and three-dimensional look into the life of a man of great complexity and talent who went on to become an American comedic icon.” “John Battsek and I have been discussing the possibility of making this film for over a decade,” added Judy Belushi. ” I’m thrilled to finally embark upon that journey together with him and director RJ Cutler. Passion Pictures is poised to make the definitive documentary on John Belushi – a man who not only had a profound effect on the comedy landscape of America, but also made an indelible mark on the social fabric of his time which continues to reverberate today.”
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The LENNY COOKE Documentary Headed to VOD on June 7th

[caption id="attachment_14042" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] LENNY COOKE[/caption] LENNY COOKE the documentary by the Safdie brothers, Josh and Benny, about the once promising star high school basketball player, will be released on VOD June 7th via Under the Milky Way. In 2001, Lenny Cooke was the most hyped high school basketball player in the country, ranked above future greats LeBron James, Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony. A decade later, Lenny has never played a minute in the NBA. In this quintessentially American documentary, filmmaking brothers Joshua and Benny Safdie take a candid look and track the unfulfilled destiny of a man for whom superstardom was only out of reach. LENNY COOKE marks the first feature-length documentary by the Safdie brothers, who directed the Independent Spirit Award and IFP Gotham Award-nominated HEAVEN KNOWS WHAT, and received the John Cassavetes Award at Spirits for DADDY LONGLEGS. The film was executive produced by two time NCAA champion and Chicago Bull Joakim Noah. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne61w4R20QE
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DADDY DON’T GO Exec Produced by Omar Epps & Malik Yoba to Debut on VIMEO on Father’s Day

DADDY DON’T GO

The documentary Daddy Don’t Go which follows the lives of four young fathers as they struggle to navigate parenthood, will debut on Vimeo, on Father’s Day.

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South Korean Documentary MY LOVE, DON’T CROSS THAT RIVER Opens in June

[caption id="attachment_13866" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] MY LOVE, DON’T CROSS THAT RIVER[/caption] The award winning South Korean documentary film MY LOVE, DON’T CROSS THAT RIVER directed by Moyoung Jin will open in theaters in New York on Friday, June 17 and in Los Angeles on Friday, June 24 with a national release to follow. A blockbuster in its native Korea, where it would go on to become the country’s biggest independent film of all time, MY LOVE, DON’T CROSS THAT RIVER presents an unforgettable story of true love that transcends both generations and cultures. “100-year old Lovebirds” Byong-man Jo and Gye-yeul Kang, have been inseparable companions for the past 76 years. Living in their small home by the river, they wear traditional Korean clothes, go shopping at the local market, have picnics with neighbors, and enjoy dance parties. Every night they go to sleep holding each other’s hands. Observing this fragile couple for 15 months, director Mo-Young Jin acts as a fly-on-the-wall, capturing their twilight days with tender moments that reveal simple acts of affection – from a good-natured leaf fight to a gentle caress of the cheek. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nsf1DNxSciY
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AXS TV Premieres 9 Music Documentaries in Its New Reel to Real Series

[caption id="attachment_13712" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Green Day “HEART LIKE A HAND GRENADE”[/caption] AXS TV, “the premier destination for music festivals and everything rock and roll”, expands its music based programming lineup with the launch of “Reel To Real” – an all-new series premiering a different critically acclaimed documentary on the last Tuesday of each month. “Reel to Real” is hosted by popular TV and radio personality Eddie Trunk (“That Metal Show”), who will be on hand to introduce every premiere, providing insights and facts about the production, the artists, the inspirations and the impact of each doc. The series kicks off on May 31 at 9pE, with GRAMMY(R)-winning punk rockers Green Day in HEART LIKE A HAND GRENADE. HEART LIKE A HAND GRENADE chronicles the making of the 2015 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Green Day’s George W. Bush-era protest album American Idiot. The album went on to win a GRAMMY(R) and was turned into a Broadway Musical of the same name. Other premieres include iconic guitarist Dave Navarro in MOURNING SON (June 28); THIS AIN’T NO MOUSE MUSIC! (July 12); AIN’T IN IT FOR MY HEALTH: A FILM ABOUT LEVON HELM (July 26); WHO IS HARRY NILSSON (AND WHY IS EVERYONE TALKIN’ ABOUT HIM)? (August 30); JASON BECKER: NOT DEAD YET (September 27); RADIO UNNAMEABLE (October 25); MUSIC FROM THE BIG HOUSE (November 29); and GENIUS WITHIN: THE INNER LIFE OF GLENN GOULD (December 27). “This destination night was specially crafted by music lovers for music lovers, with nine documentaries that grant a rare look at some of the most influential names in the industry,” said Jeff Cuban, COO of AXS TV. “Viewers will surely be enthralled by the openness of each of the artists as they welcome you into their lives, careers, and the creative process that got them to where they are. We’re excited to have Eddie Trunk on board, whose encyclopedic knowledge of all things music makes him the perfect host for this new venture.” “As a huge fan of all music documentaries I couldn’t be more thrilled to be hosting this great new series for AXS TV. I had a blast learning the stories of the eclectic group of artists featured in ‘Reel to Real’ and to have had the chance to add insights, observations, and comments, and in a few cases from the some of the artists themselves, was an incredible experience,” said Trunk. AXS TV’s complete “Reel To Real” programming lineup is as follows: HEART LIKE A HAND GRENADE (2015) – Tues., May 31 at 9pE Filmed over the course of 15 months, this art house-style feature provides an in-depth look at the making of Green Day’s landmark seventh album AMERICAN IDIOT, as the band enters the studio to record and discuss the music that would ultimately catapult them back into the mainstream and forever cement their status as true punk heroes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJkYThGQEUU MOURNING SON (2015) – Tues., June 28 at 9pE Jane’s Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro stars in this deeply heartfelt documentary, following his quest for healing and closure as he recalls the night his mother was murdered when he was just 15 years old, and the impact that it had on his early life, as he struggled to make peace with his traumatic through Art, drugs, and escapism. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E6nnGZau5U THIS AIN’T NO MOUSE MUSIC! (2013) – Tues., July 12 at 9pE How did a German count become one of the figureheads of Blues and Cajun music? In this entertaining doc, roots hero Chris Strachwitz recalls his escape to America at 16, where he was introduced to a scene and culture unbeknownst to many, sparking a lifelong love affair and a mission to bring the musical soul of America to the masses. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYyNAgs4T5o AIN’T IN IT FOR MY HEALTH: A FILM ABOUT LEVON HELM (2010) – Tues., July 26 at 9pE Filmmaker Jacob Hatley captures the final years of rock n’ roll pioneer Levon Helm, founding member of the influential roots rock quintet The Band, in this honest portrait detailing his fight to regain his voice after surviving throat cancer, his legendary career, and his frustration that The Band never received the acclaim they deserved. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yVOn1udgic WHO IS HARRY NILSSON (AND WHY IS EVERYONE TALKIN’ ABOUT HIM)? (2006) – Tues., Aug. 30 at 9pE GRAMMY-winner Harry Nilsson is remembered by an all-star roster of his closest friends and collaborators – including Robin Williams, Brian Wilson, Yoko Ono, Eric Idle, The Smothers Brothers, and more – as they discuss the tremendous highs and devastating lows of the songwriter many consider to be one of the greatest of all time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoFpvG5fb-0 JASON BECKER: NOT DEAD YET (2012) – Tues., Sept. 27 at 9pE After being diagnosed with ALS at 19, doctors said guitar virtuoso Jason Becker would never play again. Six years later, despite having lost the ability to move and speak, Becker released the first of two full-length albums. This uplifting doc takes viewers inside Becker’s inspirational journey, as he continues to defy the odds for the Art he loves. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twaqqZSj8aU RADIO UNNAMEABLE (2012) – Tues., Oct. 25 at 9pE Free-form pioneer Bob Fass revolutionized the airwaves in 1963 with the launch of the groundbreaking Radio Unnameable program – an eclectic haven for music, politics, and culture, where artists and activists converged, and listeners were an integral part of the show. Over 50 years later, Fass remains behind the mic, redefining what radio really is. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jF9OuKgC1Io MUSIC FROM THE BIG HOUSE (2010) – Tues., Nov. 29 at 9pE Go behind bars with Blues icon Rita Chiarelli, as she explores the impact of the form on some of the most violent inmates in one of America’s most notorious institutions: Angola Prison. Chiarelli bravely gets these men to open up about the hope they’ve found in the Blues, before joining four of Angola’s best bands for an unforgettable collaboration. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NP1asvba4Ck GENIUS WITHIN: THE INNER LIFE OF GLENN GOULD (2010) – Tues., Dec. 27 at 9pE Using archived footage and personal home movies, this film pieces together the fascinating life of pianist Glenn Gould, whose upbringing as a child prodigy rocketed him into an unparalleled level of fame, masking an inner struggle as he dealt with depression, strokes, and hypochondria, leading to his untimely death at the age of 50. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=199G40DuYvQ
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Katie Couric Produced UNDER THE GUN To TV Premiere on EPIX

Under the Gun, a provocative new documentary from Katie Couric and Stephanie Soechtig that presents a balanced look at the gun debate will World Television Premiere on EPIX. The feature length documentary, which received significant praise and attention at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, makes its World Television Premiere on EPIX and across all EPIX platforms on May 15 at 8pm ET/PT, 7C during the EPIX Free Preview Weekend (May 12-15). In Under the Gun, Katie Couric (Executive producer and narrator of the 2014 documentary Fed Up, Yahoo Global News Anchor, best-selling author) and Stephanie Soechtig (Fed Up, Tapped) – the team responsible for Fed Up, which looked at the food industry and the alarming spread of childhood obesity – examine why, despite the increase in deaths at the hands of guns and the outpouring of shock and outrage that comes with it, our nation has failed to respond with meaningful action. What is keeping the two sides of this debate – those favoring stricter gun control laws and Second Amendment purists like the NRA – from finding common ground? Through the lens of families impacted by the mass shootings in Newtown, Aurora, Isla Vista and Tucson, as well as daily gun violence in Chicago, the film examines why our national politicians are refusing to act and what is being done at the state and local levels. Subjects and organizations featured in the documentary include: Gabby Giffords and Mark Kelly (Americans for Responsible Solutions); Jackie and Mark Barden (Sandy Hook Promise); Sandy and Lonnie Phillips (Jessi’s Message); John Feinblatt and Richard Martinez (Everytown for Gun Safety); Victoria Montgomery (Open Carry Texas); Shannon Watts (Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America); Pamela and Tom Bosley (Purpose Over Pain); The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and Law Center To Prevent Gun Violence. Mark S. Greenberg, President & CEO of EPIX, said: “During this Presidential election year, we at EPIX want to contribute to the national dialogue on the major issues affecting our country today. I can think of no more pressing subject than gun violence, and I am extremely proud to bring Under the Gun to EPIX viewers. The gun debate, with its core issues of gun rights and gun violence, is one of the most polarizing taking place in our society today. In Under the Gun, Katie and Stephanie bring their dynamic talent and perspective to this complex, multi-faceted issue and present honest, unbiased, and thoughtful commentary to this subject that has real life or death consequences.” Katie Couric said: “I’ve covered mass shootings and gun violence throughout my career, but following the massacre at Sandy Hook, I was confused by the disconnect between public opinion (over 90% of Americans supported universal background checks) and public policy. I hope this film will help people have a better understanding of how we got to this point. Now is the time for a truly informed, rational conversation about gun violence and I’m thrilled EPIX and Lionsgate are committed to making this film available to the widest audience possible so we can do just that.” Stephanie Soechtig said: “We are pleased to make EPIX the home for Under the Gun. As both filmmakers and citizens who are deeply concerned about this issue, it was important for us that our film be seen by the widest possible audience. EPIX showed a unique willingness and commitment to make Under the Gun available to the entire country – for free – by premiering it during EPIX’s nationwide free preview. Making our film available to anyone with an Internet connection was something that no service or network other than EPIX was willing to do. Their belief in this cause, and the passion that they bring to it, made them the obvious choice for Katie and me.” The filmmakers decided not to mention the names, nor show the photos, of any shooters. Key facts explored in Under the Gun include: Gun violence is the second leading cause of death among children aged 10-19 in the U.S. (Source: Children’s Defense Fund — the first leading cause is unintentional injuries/accidents) 93% of Americans support requiring background checks for all gun buyers, including 84% of gun owners and 74% of NRA members. (Sources: Quinnipiac, 2015 and John Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research, 2013) 90% of guns used in crimes can reportedly be traced back to just 5% of gun dealers. (Source: Brady Campaign) The manufacture and distribution of teddy bears is more tightly regulated for health and safety than handguns. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqkwo3Xr2C4 Under the Gun is produced by Atlas Films in association with Carellie Productions and directed by Stephanie Soechtig. Katie Couric, Regina K. Scully, Michael Walrath and Michelle Walrath are the executive producers. Olivia Ahnemann, Joshua Kunau, Kristin Lazure and Soechtig are the producers. The screenplay is by Mark Monroe, Brian Lazarte and Soechtig. The director of photography is Josh Salzman, the editor is Brian Lazarte and music is by Brian Tyler. Katie Couric is the narrator.
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