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Technology has made non-fiction film easier to make, more available and more popular than ever before. Here, WNYC selects the best documentaries as they come to screens of any size.
185 Episodes
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'Space Cowboy' profiles the sky diving cinematographer Joe Jennings as he attempts to pull off the most difficult stunt of his career. It's among over 200 films playing this week at the DOC NYC festival in Manhattan theaters and online.
'Soundtrack to a Coup D'Etat' is an eclectic film essay exploring the U.S. influence in Congo in the 1960s that ranged from jazz concerts to political subversion. Filmmaker Johan Grimonprez creates a heady swirl of history that beckons us to look and listen more closely.
'No Other Land' is directed by a collective of two Palestinians and two Israelis to document a village in the occupied West Bank. Documentary of the Week host Thom Powers spoke to two of the directors, Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham.
In 'Black Box Diaries,' Japanese journalist Shiori Ito goes public accusing a high profile figure of rape and starting a national conversation. She faces pushback from police and resorts to secretly taping their conversations to break the silence.
'Union' follows the grassroots effort to organize workers at an Amazon warehouse on Staten Island. Filmmakers Stephen Maing and Brett Story observe leader Chris Smalls and others through a contentious battle of labor activism.
'Carville: Winning is Everything, Stupid' profiles the political consultant who became a dissident in the Democratic party for saying that Joe Biden was a weak candidate in 2024. Director Matt Tyrnauer explores Carville's past and present, including his marriage to his political opposite, Mary Matalin.
'Patrice: The Movie' follows a couple with disabilities as they face a U.S. legal conundrum that they risk losing their government benefits if they get married. Despite the dire situation, the film exudes a joy and optimism in confronting adversity.
'Denial' profiles an election official named Bill Gates in Arizona's Maricopa County who faces pressure from conspiracy theorists over the voter count in 2020 and 2022. Filmmakers Paul Moakley and Daniel Lombroso present a cautionary tale for this November, now streaming for free from The New Yorker.
In 'Will & Harper,' comedian Will Ferrell takes a road trip across America with his longtime friend Harper Steele who recently came out as a woman. The two friends blend the serious with the silly on a journey to find acceptance.
'Maya and the Wave' profiles Brazilian surfer Maya Gabeira as she strives to set a world record on the monster waves in the Portugese town of Nazaré. Filmmaker Stephanie Johnes follows Gabeira for ten years as she battles sexism along with the forces of nature.
'Look Into My Eyes' takes a non-judgemental approach to watching New York psychics at work. Filmmaker Lana Wilson ('Miss Americana') captures a vibe of city dwellers in isolation looking for connections.
'Happy Campers' profiles the residents of a trailer park on the waterfront of Virginia in its final year, before the property is sold to developers. Filmmaker Amy Nicholson crafts a loving portrait from inside the community.
'Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa' profiles an immigrant from Nepal who works at a Connecticut Whole Foods, but has another life as a record-breaking climber. Oscar-nominated director Lucy Walker follows the climber as she tries to make a better life for her daughters by climbing Mount Everest for the tenth time.
'Skywalkers: A Love Story' tells the story of a couple, Angela Nikolau and Vanya Beerkus, who share a passion for illegally climbing to the tops of skyscrapers. The film follows them as they attempt their most daring stunt by climbing the world's second tallest building.
'Sorry / Not Sorry' examines the case of Louis C.K.'s sexual misconduct - from years of rumors to the New York Times' exposure to his subsequent comeback as a Grammy-winning comedian. Filmmakers Caroline Suh and Cara Mones capture multiple perspectives including that of his accusers whose careers suffered for speaking truths.
'The Grab' follows reporter Nathan Halverson as he investigates how wealthy countries seek to control land outside their borders for access to food and water. The film plays like a journalistic thriller when Halverson is leaked over 10,000 emails from a business central to this story.
'Copa 71' tells the story of an international women's soccer tournament in 1971 that took place in Mexico and was erased from history. Filmmakers James Erskine and Rachel Ramsay interview players from six countries who took part, but never told their stories.
The ESPN series 'The Luckiest Guy in the World' profiles basketball great Bill Walton who passed away last month. Filmmaker Steve James ('Hoop Dreams') examines the hurdles that Walton had to overcome - including injuries and a speech impediment - on his way to winning championships and acclaim as a TV commentator.
Filmmaker Chris Wilcha tells a personal story of reckoning with youthful dreams in middle age as he tries to save an old record store in 'Flipside.' The film weaves together the perspectives of many others including Ira Glass, Judd Apatow and Starlee Kine.
'Queen of the Deuce' profiles Chelly Wilson, a Greek Jewish immigrant grandmother who ran multiple adult film theaters around New York City's 42nd Street. Filmmaker Valerie Kontakos evokes the 1970s era when adult film was on an upswing with Wilson at the center.
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