Films

American Documentary Re-opens Artist Emergency Fund for Indie Documentary Community Affected by COVID-19 Pandemic

American Documentary Gala 2019 via Facebook

American Documentary (AmDoc), the nonprofit organization behind the PBS series POV, is launching a COVID-19 Artist Emergency Fund to support the independent documentary community. This adapted fund of over $100,000 will provide rapid response grants up to $500 to assist artists with basic needs including food, immediate health needs and insurance premiums. Applications are now open and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the fund is expired. For more information about eligibility, criteria and the application process, visit www.amdoc.org/aefund

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Watch Trailer for LA ORIGINALS, Documentary Directed by Estevan Oriol

LA Originals

Netflix released the trailer for the LA Originals, a documentary that was set to World Premiere at canceled SXSW, but is now available on the streaming network.

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Documentary BASKETBALL COUNTY: IN THE WATER from Kevin Durant to Debut on Showtime

Kevin Durant with the Oklahoma City Thunder jersey during his MVP season (2013–14).

Showtime today announced the new documentary Basketball County: In the Water, a collaboration with NBA star Kevin Durant and sports business executive Rich Kleiman’s Thirty Five Ventures will premiere on the network on Friday, May 15 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The film explores how one county in Maryland, Durant’s hometown, has recently produced more elite basketball players than anywhere else in the world.

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Nordic Thriller A WHITE, WHITE DAY to Premiere on Film Movement’s Virtual Cinema

With more than 200+ theaters across North America supporting it’s new Virtual Cinema, Film Movement will offer its very first US theatrical premiere this April with A White, White Day, a thriller that was Iceland’s Official Oscar Submission.

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THE MAN WHO TRIED TO FEED THE WORLD, Documentary on Nobel Prize Winner Norman Borlaug, to Premiere on PBS

Norman Borlaug – “The Man Who Tried to Feed the World” (AMERICAN EXPERIENCE)

The Man Who Tried to Feed the World tells the story of Norman Borlaug, an American agronomist who won the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in fighting global hunger. By increasing the world’s food supply, Borlaug made it possible for the planet to support far more people than had been thought possible, saving countless lives in the process. But in doing so, he unleashed a series of unintended consequences that tarnished his reputation and forever changed the environmental and economic balance of the world. Written, directed and produced by Rob Rapley and executive produced by Mark Samels and Susan Bellows, The Man Who Tried to Feed the World premieres Tuesday, April 21, 2020, 8:00-9:00 p.m. ET on AMERICAN EXPERIENCE on PBS, PBS.org and the PBS Video App.

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Cinema Tropical Launches Digital Platform with AWAY FROM MEANING

Away from Meaning (Lejos del sentido)

Cinema Tropical launched The Cinema Tropical Collection, a new initiative that makes select Latin American films available digitally.

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African Documentary MAKONGO Wins at Cinéma du réel

Makongo by Elvis Sabin Ngaibino

The debut documentary film Makongo by Elvis Sabin Ngaibino (Central African Republic / Argentina / Italy), which participated in the Final Cut in Venice workshop at the Venice International Film Festival 2019, won the Prix International de la Scam (the second award of the Festival) at the 42nd Cinéma du réel in Paris. The Festival was cancelled because of the current health emergency, but the Jury decided to view the selected films online anyway, and to award the prizes.

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Kino Marquee Expands to 150 Virtual Theaters to Screen BACURAU, Cannes-Winning Brazilian Thriller

Bacurau directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho and Juliano Dornelles

Kino Lorber’s virtual theatrical exhibition initiative called Kino Marquee has now expanded to 150 arthouse theaters to screen Cannes-prize winning Brazilian thriller Bacurau. Alamo Drafthouse and Laemmle Theaters have just signed on to screen through many of their locations.

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Inspiring Indie Drama ABOUT A TEACHER Debuts on VOD on April 7

About a Teacher

About a Teacher, an intimate and inspiring drama that candidly takes us through the personal journey of a new inner-city public high school film teacher – written, produced and directed by Hanan Harchol, and executive produced by Sara Bloom – will be available on Amazon Prime starting April 7th, 2020.

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Watch Trailer for THE WRETCHED, Occult Thriller Directed by Pierce Brothers

The Wretched

IFC Midnight released the trailer for the occult thriller The Wretched starring John-Paul Howard and Piper Curda which opens May 1st on digital platforms and VOD. The film directed and written by the Pierce brothers – Brett and Drew Pierce, follows a rebellious teenage boy who embarks on a gutsy crusade to stop the terrifying evil he suspects has possessed his neighbor.

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Meghan Markle and Natalie Portman Narrate Disney Plus Documentary Films

Meghan Markle

Disney released the trailer for the Disneynature documentary Elephant narrated by Meghan Markle which will debut on Disney Plus on April 3.

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Watch Trailer for DEAR GUEST, Megan Freels Johnston’ Horror Short Film

DEAR GUEST directed by Megan Freels Johnston

Fresh off its premiere at the Monaco International Film Festival Megan Freels Johnston released a new teaser trailer for her Twilight Zone-esque short film, Dear Guest.

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