Sports documentaries have become one of the most compelling ways to revisit iconic teams, blending storytelling with real analysis of what made those sports leagues special. Some of the recent ones include ABC’s The Last Dance, Netflix’s documentary series of the Dallas Cowboys’ 1990’s dynasty, and WWE Unreal.
This weekend at Village East by Angelika the powerful documentary “Front Row” world premiered at DOC NYC before a sold-out crowd.
The Central Park Conservancy, in partnership with National Geographic, kicked off their 20th Annual Central Park Conservancy Film Festival on Tuesday, August 15th with a screening of National Geographic’s The Space Race.
A pre-screening reception took place across the street at Central Park’s premier restaurant, The Tavern Green, just right across the street where the screening would later take place in Sheep Meadow. Among the guests in attendance were directors Lisa Cortés and Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, along with NASA astronaut Leland Melvin, who not only shared his insights and experiences in the film, but also served as one of the doc’s producers. Enjoying a selection of charcuterie and small bites, along with a pasta bar and a wine bar, guests mingled as a jazz band played in the back.
Attendees were then directed to head over to Sheep Meadow to a private viewing area to watch The Space Race on an inflatable screen. Each guest received a National Geographic swag bag with a waterproof blanket and a selection of sustainable and plant-based snacks to enjoy during the film.
The Space Race, which made its official premiere at the Tribeca Festival back in June, was an eye-opening deep-dive into the history of Black Americans in NASA, and the unjust barriers they had to overcome that, ultimately, prevented some trailblazers, such as Captain Ed Dwight, from taking part in our country’s earliest space missions. Yet, it came with much satisfaction to hear everyone cheer for Nichelle Nichols (who passed away in July of last year) as the film featured a PSA in which the Star Trek star spoke to everyone, including “minorities and women alike,” to apply to NASA. “Now is YOUR time,” she said, giving the brilliant minds she had already inspired as Lt. Nyota Uhura the push they needed to shoot for their dreams.
Thanks to a documentary like The Space Race, every Black astronaut who answered that call, and those who paved the way for them to find their place in NASA, now have their legacy cemented in the stars—where future astronauts can look up to them in awe.
Sara Taksler directed and wrote the PBS documentary “How Saba Kept Singing.” The film combined live-action, animation, and artifacts to create a seamless, historical piece. The motion picture debuted at Toronto’s Hot Docs film festival. On April 18, the film premiered on PBS and Youtube. The production connected to Taksler’s previous experience.
Screening at the DOC NYC Virtual Film Festival, “Beautiful Something Left Behind” is a heartening documentary following the children of the Good Grief Community in New Jersey who have lost a parent or loved one.
The fascination behind true crime can come from multiple avenues.
On February 11th, HBO screened “WE ARE THE DREAM: THE KIDS OF THE OAKLAND MLK ORATORICAL FEST” under the historical roof of the Fox Theater in Oakland.
There is an undeniable beauty to be found within a book.
Leave it to someone like Suzy Hotrod to help spark your interest in roller derby!
We saw a screening of The Uncondemned at the Jewish Heritage Museum, dealing with the first prosecution of rape as war crime. Read the review below.