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Your search by 'Documentary' identified 55 films
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France, 2004, 105 min.
An astonishing window into the workings of the French judicial system. 12 miscreants (whittled down from 169 documented cases) face a stern but humane female magistrate as they attempt to defend themselves with varying degrees of truthfulness and self-delusion. Think Judge Judy, but with class. …
USA, 2005, 95 min.
A sobering exploration of the plight of unjustly convicted men released from prison (sometimes after decades) by newly allowed DNA evidence, and their struggle to reintegrate into a wary society. The interview subjects infuse this moving documentary with a tightly controlled, always genuine sense of outrage. Director Jessica Sanders scheduled to attend …
USA, 2004, 65 min.
Singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley had a tremendous impact on artists and fans across the globe, despite only completing one full-length album before his death at age 30. AMAZING GRACE explores the phenomenon of Jeff Buckley, unearthing great performance footage and talking with fellow musicians, friends, family, and fans about his life and legacy. …
France, 2005, 52 min.
An intimate portrait of the late PLO leader Yasser Arafat, as seen through the eyes of his genial brother, Dr Fathi Arafat. The movie looks back on their intertwined lives and finds insights into the history of their common homeland. …
USA, 2005, 92 min.
“A family goes into a talent manager’s office…” There is a joke so filthy, gross and politically incorrect that comedians only tell it backstage, not on-stage, and have since the days of vaudeville. Now one hundred superstar comedians, everyone from Chris Rock to Robin Williams, share that dirty, offensive joke with you. Director Paul Provenza scheduled to attend …
USA, 2004, 82 min.
Blessed with a subversive wit, Ron English takes his art to the billboards of America, replacing existing advertisements with his own political and pop-cultural parodies. Despite his illegal activities, English has become a highly successful artist whose studio work is eagerly sought and has been exhibited worldwide. Director Pedro Carvajal scheduled to attend May 27 screening …
Estonia, 2004, 88 min.
Fascinating study in 24 vignettes. Attaining fame some 25 years ago, the deeply Orthodox Pärt spent 13 years in exile from his native Estonia. He has survived to see his mystical, highly spiritual music, formerly banned, now praised the world over and plundered by filmmakers from Tom Tykwer to Gus Van Sant. …
Spain, 2004, 80 min.
This groundbreaking documentary uncovers the forgotten history surrounding Franco's concentration camps and prisons, created to deal with the Republican resistance fighters from the Spanish Civil War in 1936. Exploring a subject that has long been taboo in Spain, BARS IN THE MEMORY revisits stories of camp survivors forced to rebuild a country devastated by war and isolated from the world. …
Netherlands, 2005, 75 min.
The real people and events that inspired the 1975 Al Pacino film DOG DAY AFTERNOON. Film clips, archival news footage, plus interviews with hostages, police officers, and FBI agents capture the chaotic 14 hour standoff. However, it’s Stokman's recorded phone conversations with threatening, delusional convicted felon John Wojtowicz that make this documentary. …
USA, 2004, 99 min.
Folk troubadour Townes Van Zandt is considered one of the world’s greatest songwriters. While he never achieved commercial success, his music has influenced generations of folk, country, and rock artists. This loving portrait of the southern song-poet tells the bittersweet story of his life and pursuit of the perfect tune. Director Margaret Brown scheduled to attend both screenings …
Canada, 2004, 72 min.
In support of opening Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil drilling, President Bush sarcastically challenged opponents to “go see how beautiful that land really is." Two newlyweds take him up on that, following the spring migration of the caribou to prove the remarkable beauty of the threatened life and landscape. Speaker: Northwest Wilderness Society …
Argentina, 2004, 90 min.
One of Argentina’s most distinguished investigative TV journalists, Jorge Lanata, pursues the corrupt forces and disinterested bureaucracies responsible for the collapse of one of the richest countries in the world. In the style of Michael Moore, his journey takes us from Buenos Aires to Switzerland and, finally, Washington. …
USA, 2005, 85 min.
Director Justin Mitchell followed Seattle-based indie rock band Death Cab For Cutie on their recent US tour, capturing great performances and the band’s musings on the growth of the indie music phenomenon, life on the road, and the evolution and eventual success of the group. …
USA, 2005, 104 min.
A renowned wildlife photographer takes his entire clan on one last globe-spanning adventure, where polar bears and family affairs are given equal time in front of the lens. Director Tristan Bayer’s loving document to his father is a startlingly beautiful walk on the wild side, with a uniquely personal vibe. Director Tristan Bayer scheduled to attend both screenings …
Germany, 2004, 92 min.
Definitive portrait of the legendary trust fund baby, former Byrd and father of “alt country.” Parsons influenced thousands of imitators and spawned a million myths. Emmylou Harris, Keith Richards and others give testament to a God-given talent and beyond-help victim of unshakable personal demons. …
USA, 2004, 78 min.
Epic folly or misunderstood masterpiece? This riveting overview of the film that arguably brought down United Artists and the whole auteur-driven American cinema features unseen outtakes and newly filmed interviews, in an exploration of what went wrong with Michael Cimino’s avidly awaited and then much maligned Western HEAVEN’S GATE. …
USA, 2005, 56 min.
Will the process of gentrification eradicate a working wharf? Fishermen’s Terminal is the only major West Coast harbor still dedicated solely to commercial vessels. The Port of Seattle wants to change that with revenue from pleasure craft. This is about one man's fight to save the working fishing dock. Screens with: GAMES CHILDREN PLAY. Directors B.J Bullert, Nick Joy and Evan Turner schedule …
France, 2004, 80 min.
The story of creation as told by an old African man from the cradle of humanity, illustrated by innovative directors Claude Nuridsany and Marie Perennou (MICROCOSMOS). By combining the tradition of oral legends with astounding modern cinematography, they have made a most innovative Darwinian version of genesis. …
USA, 2005, 90 min.
THE GITS explores the powerful music, punk poetics, and profound influence of the Seattle band, who in 1993 were in the process of recording their second album and poised to explode onto the national scene when their journey was cut short by the murder of singer Mia Zapata. Speaker: Grant Cogsw …
At the height of his career, Oscar nominated screenwriter Stewart Stern left Hollywood and moved to the Northwest. Local filmmaker Jon Ward brings to light the many talents of this low profile, highly distinctive artist. Features interviews with Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Dennis Hopper, Sally Field and Eva Marie Saint. Director Jon Ward and Stewart Stern scheduled to attend …
USA, 2005, 100 min.
For 13 summers, environmental activist Timothy Treadwell camped in the Alaskan wilderness to observe and commune with grizzlies. His final year there ended tragically when he and his girlfriend were attacked in their camp. Veteran auteur Werner Herzog offers us another fascinating look at obsession, eccentricity and the power of nature. …
USA, 2005, 98 min.
WORK-IN-PROGRESS SCREENING A riveting six-year journey into the heart of Roosevelt High School’s girls’ basketball team. A maverick college tax professor takes over as coach to a struggling Seattle team with great success. He is challenged by Darnellia, an inner city tough girl with incredible skills, but her off-court difficulties threaten to sideline the team’s effort to win the state champio …
Nicaragua, 2005, 78 min.
Exploring human drama, this documentary has the eerie edge of a horror film. Mercedes Moncada Rodriguez focuses on a family and country literally torn apart by war. Three of the family’s five children are conscripted into the Contra army. When his brother is killed, the remaining son joins the Sandinistas. …
USA, 2005, 93 min.
Unconventional couples, both gay and straight, from Seattle and the Northwest share their views on marriage and the possibility for long-term relationships. The result is a revelatory illustration of how individuality and independence can be the most important ingredients in any romantic match. Director Drew Emery and producers Lisa Halpern and Larry Schlessinger scheduled to attend both scre …
USA, 2005, 65 min.
Jenni Olson’s seductively layered debut incorporates the spoken diary of a butch dyke into a visual love letter to San Francisco. THE JOY OF LIFE flows effortlessly from an attempt to soothe the pain of a friend’s death into a history of the Golden Gate Bridge, the world’s number-one suicide landmark. Director Jenni Olson scheduled to attend May 22 screening …
USA, 2004, 68 min.
Acclaimed filmmaker Deborah Stratman follows a world-famous troupe of Mongolian tightrope walkers and circus performers in Chinese Turkestan. With a wry, observant eye, Stratman records their life on the road and their jaw-dropping performances, in a film filled with subtle observations about the ever-changing contemporary Chinese society in the post-9/11 world. …
Canada, 2005, 99 min.
Corruption, mafia scandals, political power plays and unprecedented deal making. As an agent, Lew Wasserman ruled Hollywood for more than half a century, pioneering the concept of packaging movies and creating star perks we now take for granted. This provocative doc chronicles his rise to power to his final tragic days. …
USA, 2004, 83 min.
An illustrated history of women’s wrestling, from its early days as a carnival attraction to the pay-per-view bonanzas of today. Hilarious stock footage highlights a supremely entertaining look at a subculture where men are the weaker sex, low blows are encouraged, and The Fabulous Moolah reigns supreme. …
USA, 2004, 103 min.
Oakley Hall was an enfant terrible who burnt the candle at both ends. A talented playwright with a rising national reputation, he was artistic director and co-founder of the Lexington Conservatory Theatre when a literal fall from grace ended his artistic career. THE LOSS OF NAMELESS THINGS is the haunting story one broken soul, of the vibrant group of artists who loved and surrounded hi …
USA, 2005, 110 min.
Fun and inspiring documentary that follows New York City 5th graders as they learn to rumba, tango, foxtrot and swing dance. Emphasizing that special age between childhood and adolescence, and the cultural diversity of NYC, it grips us with tension, triumph and heartbreak as the kids compete in a citywide competition. Director Marilyn Agrelo scheduled to attend May 21 screening …
USA, 2005, 107 min.
In 1990, Seattle rock band Mother Love Bone had gained national attention and were just weeks away from the release of their debut album when lead singer Andrew Wood died of a drug overdose. MALFUNKSHUN explores the life and music of the charismatic singer who inspired many of Seattle’s greatest mus …
France, 2004, 84 min.
Capturing the magnificent environment of a Penguins life, THE MARCH OF THE PENGUINS has all the classic elements of an epic: insurmountable odds, conquering heroes, loving couples, and radiant beauty. Enduring the Antarctic winter for 13 months, with never-before shot underwater footage, Luc Jacquet triumphantly conveys the heroic adventures of these amazing creatures. …
Quad rugby, aka “murderball,” is played by quadriplegics in customized wheelchairs that resemble something out of MAD MAX. It’s a full-contact sport, played with manic intensity by super-competitive jocks. MURDERBALL looks on-court and off at the indomitable spirit of true athletes. Cast members Andy Cohn, Scott Hagsett and Mark Zupan scheduled to attend May 27 screening …
Canada, 2004, 79 min.
Set amid the violent ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka 15 years ago, NO MORE TEARS SISTER brings the passion and courage of renowned human rights activist Dr. Rajani Thiranagama to life. An inspiring portrait of a revolutionary woman, professor and mother, and her dangerous pursuit of justice. …
Netherlands, 2004, 50 min.
This fascinating documentary gives a unique glimpse into a society so cut off from the outside world that students don’t even know what “Internet” means. The film follows one day in the life of an average family, in a country where indoctrination, control and self-criticism are a way of life. …
USA, 2005, 78 min.
What ever happened to whistling? This oddball doc celebrates the joyous pastime, introducing us to several passionate puckerers who journey to Louisburg, North Carolina to compete in the 31st Annual National Whistling Competition. SPELLBOUND meets BEST IN SHOW in this funny and entertaining study of competitive hobbies and simple pleasures. Whistler Steven Herbst scheduled to attend …
Legendary DJ and filmmaker Don Letts explores the explosive creativity, rebellious attitude, and D.I.Y. ethic that came out of the ’70s punk movement. With a ton of archival performance footage and interviews, PUNK: ATTITUDE chronicles the history of the vibrant subculture—from the pioneers to punk's offshoots and continued impact. …
USA, 2005, 83 min.
Eccentric Midwestern farmer John Peterson has struggled over the past 30 years to redefine himself and his rural Illinois family farm. Amidst a failing economy and hostility from his community for being “a little different,” he finally succeeds in combining tradition with creative vision, creating a thriving, organic Community Supported Agriculture farm. Director Taggart Siegel scheduled to a …
USA, 2004, 93 min.
Through his unique School of Rock Music, Philadelphia musician Paul Green teaches future headbangers (ages 9-17) the virtues of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, and Frank Zappa. This entertaining doc follows an entire season of classes, exposing Green’s unorthodox teaching style and introducing us to a variety of aspiring young rockers. Director Don Argott scheduled to attend both scr …
USA, 2004, 54 min.
SEOUL TRAIN is a gripping documentary exposé depicting the flouting of international laws by major countries, the bureaucracy and inaction of the United Nations, and the heroics of activists who put themselves in harm's way to save the North Korean refugees trying to escape. …
Canada, 2004, 91 min.
This documentary devastatingly chronicles Lt. Gen. Romeo Dallaire’s difficult return to Rwanda 10 years after the 1994 genocide that killed 800,000 citizens, in a long-overdue examination of the world’s indifference to that horrible event and a tribute to the man who tried to prevent it when no one else would. …
Netherlands, 2004, 92 min.
In Indonesia, the world’s largest Islamic nation, a Christian widow with two Muslim sons tries to survive the country’s social and political chaos, against the backdrop of an increasingly fundamentalist climate. This fervently beautiful, verité-style documentary is shot through with post-9/11 tensions. …
2004, 96 min.
Colombia’s 40-year national conflict has translated into brutal turf wars in the barrios. This stunning documentary profiles three young people whose lives are defined by violence. LA SIERRA captures unbelievable scenes—from shoot-outs to intimate moments of love and pain—for an unflinching portrait of life in constant conflict. …
USA, 2004, 95 min.
Mark Wexler’s documentary about his famous cinematographer father Haskell is a revealing portrait of one of America’s most admired directors of photography. It’s also an intimate portrait of a family coping with the unmatchable standards that one opinionated father has set for himself and his son. …
USA, 2005, 80 min.
An engrossing look at photographer/exhibitionist/Tom of Finland subject/San Francisco fixture Peter Berlin, who is described as a living cartoon and “The Garbo of male porn stars.” Interviews with Armistead Maupin and a flabbergasted John Waters round out this tragicomic glimpse of a true original. Director Jim Tushinski scheduled to attend both screenings …
Sam, Steven, and Samantha aren't a MENAGE À TROIS—they're more like a three-person partnership. Shot over the course of eight years, Susan Kaplan takes an objective approach in presenting a "trinogomous" relationship in all its highs and lows—and the situation becomes even more complicated when three becomes four. …
Germany, 2004, 99 min.
This new film from the director of RIVERS AND TIDES is a mesmerizing exploration of the connections between sound, rhythm, time and the body. Nearly deaf, acclaimed percussionist Evelyn Glennie claims her entire body can hear. Her performances are mixed with beautiful photography, capturing the rhythms of everyday surroundings. …
USA, 2005, 75 min.
This impressionistic portrait of legendary Native American poet and activist John Trudell weaves history and politics with personal and poetic musings to find the man behind the icon. TRUDELL explores his life, loss, and contributions—from his work as spokesman for the American Indian Movement (AIM) to his personal artistic expressions. Director Heather Rae scheduled to attend May 20 screenin …
Brazil, 2004, 75 min.
This beautifully crafted exploration of Brazilian music travels from Salvador de Bahia to Rio, uncovering the soul of samba, capturing magical music performances in the places where it has developed, and illuminating the defiantly celebratory spirit of an outcast people searching for tolerance, peace, and understanding through music. Director Jesse Acevedo scheduled to attend both screenings< …
USA, 2004, 87 min.
Oscar-nominated documentary about the psychologically wrenching journey of 34-year-old Tony Comes: firefighter, family man, and loyal Catholic. Taking on the might of the church in order to prosecute his childhood abuser, he suffers great personal cost as the pillars of his life—his faith and marriage—begin to crumble. Director Kirby Dick scheduled to attend both screenings …
