DOMESTIC DOCUMENTARIES
LIGHT, BRIGHT, DAMN NEAR WHITE
(USA 70 mins)
Directed by C.C. Stinson and Neobe Velis
Colorism is a form of intra-racial discrimination -- a phenomenon where persons of color are accorded differing social and/or economic status and treatment within their own cmmunity based on skin color. Colorism can be found within the African-American community in North America as well as in the Caribbean, India, Latin America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
Because those practicing it do not recognize this form of color bias as discriminatory, it goes on without discussion, protest, or opposition. This film examines the impact of colorism within these communities through the eyes of those most touched by it.
ALWAYS BEEN A RAMBLER
(USA 58 mins)
Directed by Yasha Aginsky
ALWAYS BEEN A RAMBLER celebrates fifty years of the New Lost City Ramblers, stars of the 1960's folk revival who have devoted their lives to the pursuit of authentic old-time music of the American South. Backyard and living room music sessions, festival and concert performances, and informal interviews are combined with a wealth of archival footage, photos and music, including more than 50 old-time songs played by more than 50 old-time musicians.
BEYOND THE CALL
(USA 82 mins)
Directed by Adrian Belic
In a Mother Teresa meets Indiana Jones adventure three middle-aged men, former soldiers and modern day knights travel the world delivering life saving humanitarian aid directly into the hands of civilians in some of the most dangerous yet beautiful places on Earth, the front lines of war. This movie is an inspiration for all.
GHENGIS BLUES
(USA 88 mins)
Directed by Roko and Adrian Belic
This 1999 film won the Sundance Festival Audience Award. It follows blind bluesman Paul Pena on a journey to the Republic of Tuva as he becomes the first foreigner to compete in the Tuvan throat-singing competition.
CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR
(USA 103 mins)
Directed by Terry Benedict
Benedict’s moving documentary gathers surviving veterans to tell the incredible story of 7th Day Adventist and conscientious objector, Desmond Doss, winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Doss chose to serve both his religion and his country in World War II as a medic, but he refused to carry a pistol. The Army initially tried to have him tossed out, but his selfless and heroic actions saved scores of US servicemen.
http://www.desmonddoss.com/movie_popup.html
THIS AMERICAN GOTHIC
(USA 63 mins)
Directed by Sasha Waters
THIS AMERICAN GOTHIC weaves together a cultural history of one of the most famous paintings in the world with a quirky portrait of Eldon, Iowa, population 998, site of the house that inspired it. The film follows local boosters over two years as they work towards their dream of a Gothic House Visitor Center to attract tourists and save their dying small town. On the single main street through town, yellow banners commemorating the Gothic House flap proudly in the wind, but the one restaurant in Eldon, called Jones' Gothic Room, stands shuttered and closed. THIS AMERICAN GOTHIC explores the poignant irony of a rural America abandoned to economic hardship trying to rebuild itself through tourism that glorifies a happier, if largely imaginary, country past.
http://videos.al.com/2008/09/this_american_gothic.html
IN AMERICA
(USA 8 mins)
Directed by Olesia Shewchuck and Novia Chen
IN AMERICA, a short documentary directed by Novia Chen and Olesia Shewchuk, investigates the journeys of 3 independent Asian young adults settling into America. Stanley, an athletic and domestic young lad from Taiwan, explores his experiences with his homestay family for the past 6 months and learning the English language in an ESL class. Naomi, an adorable Japanese gal, has lived in America for 2 years and discloses her impressions of the cultural differences between Japan and the USA. And finally, Jia, a talented and artistic Chinese young woman, has lived in America for 12 years. She shares her artistic path despite the medical career path her family sought out for her in America.
Appalachian Documentaries
Dramatic Appalachian Features
Appalachian Shorts
Environmental Films
Dramatic Features
International Documentaries
Domestic Documentaries
Dramatic Shorts
Gender Issues
GLBTQ
Horror
Art
