Virgil Films
Description
With the birth of his first child, Independent filmmaker Darren Doane picked up his camera and began documenting the process of becoming a family. Ten years in the making, They Grow Up Fast is a profound and entertaining documentary for the entire family. From mud puddles and family road trips to backyard parties and the birth of their third child in the front seat of their truck, Doane captures all the amazing adventures one has becoming a family....
22) Breaking Free
Description
Breaking Free introduces the subject of hydraulic fracturing in an easy-to-understand way, enhanced by stories of the people living in the towns, sharing the good and the bad, with the goal of informing and educating in a nonpartisan way the benefits of becoming energy independent in our lifetimes. The focus of the film is on the Shale Rock Revolution, and how hydraulic fracturing has affected the local, state and national communities at large. Its...
23) Hellbound?
Description
Does hell exist? If so, who ends up there, and why? Featuring an eclectic group of authors, theologians, pastors, social commentators and musicians, Hellbound? is a provocative, feature-length documentary that will ensure you never look at hell the same way again.
Description
Some say that to embrace one's greatest talent is to make the world a better place. Others see a grown man spinning a twelve-foot hula hoop and snicker about trivial obsessions. Breaking world records is a mysteriously seductive tradition, alternately inspiring, reckless, and bizarre. Follow a joggler, a grape catcher, and a man who cycles nowhere as they battle the odds and their respective nemeses in pursuit of global dominance. Since when is it...
Description
A documentary film that follows three children from Russia and the family that adopted them. The reality of bonding with adopted children who have grown up in institutions turns out to be more difficult than the Diaz family had ever imagined. They hire two of the world's best developmental psychologists to help them rebuild their family - through science.
Description
In 2009, 1,176 Atlanta teachers were investigated for test cheating; 35 were indicted, 12 went to trial and 11 were found guilty on RICO charges, which are typically reserved for the mafia and drug lords. The guilty, serving 30-year sentences, finally break their silence in this tell-all, controversial film that takes a closer look at the legislation called No Child Left Behind, the politics behind it, and a race and power struggle that spawned one...
27) Meet the Hitlers
Description
What's in a name? Most of us don't give it much thought. But some names can't be ignored. Which is why 80-year-old Gene Hitler expects a double-take whenever he presents his Medicare card. And why teenager Emily Hitler finds high school a struggle for acceptance. The film explores complex issues like immigration, racism, and tolerance. Yet it's ultimately a character-driven story, offering a moving portrait of its subjects.
28) Refugee
Description
In 2015, at the height of the Syrian war, Raf’aa a Syrian mother was forced to make the ultimate sacrifice. With her husband Nazem in hospital, and the bombs getting closer to Qamilshi, she fled Syria to find asylum for her family. Leaving Nazem, and their two children Ahmed and Hamoudi behind. They had hoped to reunite in Europe within a few weeks, at least that was the plan. But by the time Nazem and the children left…it was too late. The political...
Description
A documentary that follows four different zookeepers at the Mepmphis zoo and takes viewers behind the scenes, into zoo areas that are forbidden to the general public. In addition to learning more about these fascinating people, viewers will meet the big cats, giraffes, penguins, snakes, and Komodo dragons up close, on the other side of the zoo exhibits.
Description
A documentary film that will tell the bittersweet story of one of the most innovative comedians who ever graced the stage, screen and television, before his untimely death from a drug overdose at the tender age of only 33. Immortalized for his uniquely bold, energetic, and in-your-face comedic style, Chris Farley's off the charts talent cemented his place as a key player in a movement that evolved and redefined the comedic genre.
31) A Brony Tale
Description
Canadian voice-over artist, Ashleigh Ball, has been the voice of numerous cartoon characters. However, when she was hired as the voice of Apple Jack and Rainbow Dash on the 4th generation installment of Hasbro’s ‘*My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic*’ series, she had no idea she was about to become an internet phenomenon and voice celebrity among a very unique type of fan, the Bronies. Official Selection at the **Tribeca Film Festival**. Nominated...
32) A Classy Broad
Description
At a time when gender inequality seems to be at the forefront in Hollywood, Marcia Nasatir’s story is one fueled by reservoirs of feminism and movie palace intrigue. Director Anne Goursaud, known for her editing work in Francis Ford Coppola’s *The Outsiders* and Bram Stoker’s *Dracula*, walks viewers through how Marcia’s passion for storytelling led her to work in publishing and ultimately out West in film, eventually becoming VP of Production...
Description
The iconic Mister Kelly's illuminated legendary Chicago's Rush Street, and the entire country, by launching talents like Barbra Streisand, Richard Pryor, Bob Newhart, Bette Midler, and Steve Martin. It's visionary owners George and Oscar Marienthal smashed color and gender barriers to put unknown, controversial voices on stage and transform entertainment. Now, with the club long gone, and its star talent reaching its golden years, George's son David...
Description
It tells the story of th.e legendary performer and iconic social satirist, who transcended race and social barriers by delivering his honest irreverent and biting humor to America's stages and living rooms until his death at 65. Featuring an iconic comedic cast, historians, activists and artists who provide a unique brushstroke into the complex world of Pryor. The film dives deeply into the psyche of a comedic genius whose mother was a prostitute,...
Description
This gritty, eye-opening film takes viewers deep inside the intricate culture of urban pickup basketball and its players. By shining an unflinching light on one court and the lives of five men who play there, Ballin' at the Graveyard vividly reveals the heart, humor and brotherhood forged on the court and beyond. This surprising documentary knocks down stereotypes and challenges assumptions, offering a perspective on African American men--as fathers,...
Description
For over 40 years, the War on Drugs has accounted for more than 45 million arrests, made America the world's largest jailer, and damaged poor communities. Yet for all that, drugs are cheaper, purer, and more available today than ever before. Filmed in more than 20 states, it captures heart-wrenching stories from individuals at all levels, the dealer to grieving mother, the narcotics officer to the senator, the inmate to the federal judge. Reveals...
Description
The documentary provides an intimate look at Heath Ledger through the lens of his own camera as he films and often performs in his own personal journey. It was his creative energy and unshakable willingness to take risks that instilled such an extraordinary deep love and affection in the people that entered his life.
39) Tent City, U.S.A
Appears on list
Description
Due primarily to the economic recession, a growing number of people are finding themselves in a position they never imagined: homeless. Nashville, Tennessee is home to a fast rising tent city population. With a shelter system that cannot support even 1 out of 5 of the city's homeless population, most people have nowhere to go. Nearly 100 homeless individuals have come together to form Nashville's Tent City, which is located under a bridge close to...