This Week In Documentary
Theatrical & Streaming Releases - New & Recommended - December 27, 2024-January 2, 2025
Happy New Year! Almost! The end of this week brings in 2025, meaning we’ll be through one-quarter of the 21st century. Maybe someone should compile a list of the best documentaries since 2000. I can only think about the future and excitement for what new films and series will be released in the next 12 months.
Of course, retrospectives are nice, too. Every first of the year, we celebrate Frederick Wiseman’s birthday. He turns 95 this week, and for the occasion, we’d typically just mention that most of his films can be streamed on Kanopy — or bought via Zipporah Films. This year I also want to give a shout out to the upcoming Film at Lincoln Center program “Frederick Wiseman: An American Institution.” This retrospective presents 34 Wiseman documentaries restored in 4K from January 31 to March 5, and if you’re in New York City during that window, I suggest you attend a screening.
Now, without further ado, here are this week’s highlights, listings, and coming attractions, including our Pick of the Week. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to receive more in-depth highlights and reviews in the future.
Nonfics Picks Of The Week: Paulin Soumanou Vieyra Films
Speaking of birthdays and retrospectives, January 2025 marks the centenary of Paulin Soumanou Vieyra, and The Criterion Channel is honoring him with a spotlight on his documentaries. This is easy for the streamer to do since all seven films they’re showcasing are already available in their library. However, considering Vieyra isn’t well-known, repackaging his films under a new curated program called “100 Years of Paulin Soumanou Vieyra” is a welcome idea.
Criterion calls him a “trailblazer of African cinema” and recognizes that he “should be seen as one of the most important and influential figures” in its development. The first title in the program, 1955’s Africa on the Seine, co-directed with Mamadou Sarr, is considered the first film made by a Black African. While only partly a documentary in its production, the short examines the assimilating lives of African men and women in Paris only a few years ahead of many countries, including Vieyra’s home of Senegal, becoming independent from France. It’s important to note that such a film representing African cinema had to be made outside Africa. At the time, it was illegal for Vieyra to produce anything domestically.
The rest of the films in Criterion’s collection are a different matter. Vieyra’s 1961 documentary A Nation is Born explores Senegal’s cultural traditions, colonial exploitation, and independent future after its separation from France. Lamb celebrates a popular sport in the new nation, Môl considers a changing Senegal specifically focused on a fisherman hoping to move on from tradition, Behind the Scenes offers a look at the making of Ousmane Sembène’s 1977 movie Ceddo (which is also on The Criterion Channel), Birago Diop, Storyteller is about the titular Senegalese writer, and finally, 1982’s Iba N’Diaye profiles the titular Senegalese painter. They mostly celebrate Vieyra’s fellow Senegalese artists.
This is a great time to discover African cinema pioneers like Vieyra given the acclaim and popularity of Mati Diop’s latest film, Dahomey. Last year, we celebrated the centenary of Sembène, an author and filmmaker more commonly called the “father of African film” (he shared Wiseman’s birthday, January 1, so we’ll be recognizing him this week as well). Vieyra, born two years later, made his directorial debut almost a decade ahead of Sembène and a year before his first novel. They both should be acknowledged and followed up with directors who furthered Senegalese cinema, including documentary, such as Mati Diop’s uncle, Djibril Diop Mambéty, and Safi Faye, up to Mati Diop’s current continuation.
All seven mentioned Paulin Soumanou Vieyra films are now streaming on The Criterion Channel.
Other Documentary Highlights
2073 (2024)
It’s a few days late for a film equivalent of the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Be, but Asif Kapadia’s 2073 is the latest example of how documentaries can be set in the future. The film takes place in the titular year with a fictional dystopian narrative starring Samantha Morton. Like other documentaries using such a gimmick, the film presents archival footage from our time to show how the world got to (or could get to) this way. Kapadia, known for his brilliance as an archival documentarian (see Senna and Amy), isn’t as successful with this hybrid concept. The scripted elements (co-written by Tony Grisoni) are kinda hokey. The documentary material, highlighting the rise of neo-fascism, climate change, and modern technological advances, would be scary enough on its own. Morton is one of my favorite actresses, but this is a waste of her time.
2073 opens in theaters on Friday, December 27.
Arthur Dong Collection
Another documentary filmmaker deserving more recognition, Arthur Dong has at least received some attention this year courtesy of Kino Lorber. In June, we highlighted his films when the distributor put out a couple of Blu-ray box sets compiling Dong’s “Asian American Stories” and “LGBTQ Stories.” Now, Kino Lorber is releasing a single box set called the Arthur Dong Collection. The two earlier discs are included in this set, along with a booklet featuring an essay and gallery plus a bonus disc full of interviews, outtakes, and two additional Dong films: Public and Living Music for Golden Mountains, the latter being the 2010 director’s cut version.
The Arthur Dong Collection will be released on Tuesday, December 31.
Hale County This Morning, This Evening (2018)
With RaMell Ross being on the awards circuit with his creatively innovative drama Nickel Boys, The Criterion Channel is adding the director’s debut to its library. His documentary Hale County This Morning, This Evening is also a one-of-a-kind film, and you can see a lot of its style in his new adaptation. Here’s what I wrote about the documentary for Thrillist in a countdown of the best documentaries of 2018:
“Ross's debut is an intimate and fragmented look at the mostly poor, mostly Black Hale County in Alabama, and it’s certainly one of the most distinct films of the year. Although there is some narrative throughline, specific character studies, and implicit political themes to be found in the 75-minute feature, the storytelling takes the loose, lyrical form of a succession of gorgeous shots, the majority of them brief and disconnected. Such incredible cinematography shouldn’t be surprising coming from an established photographer just turning to film in his 30s, and yet nearly every moment is a stunning work on its own. Together, they make up a remarkable picture.”
Hale County This Morning, This Evening begins streaming on The Criterion Channel on Wednesday, January 1.
The House Is Black (1963)
This week, we also celebrate the birthday of Forugh Farrokhzad, one of a handful of women documentary pioneers you should know. She was born on December 28, 1934, and could have been turning 89 on Saturday if she hadn’t died tragically in a car accident at the age of 32. I recommend watching Farrokhzad’s single film, the short documentary The House is Black, for the occasion. Here’s what Daniel Walber wrote for Nonfics on its significance:
“The House Is Black is an ethnographic study of a leper colony in the city of Tabriz in northern Iran. Yet the word ethnography only goes so far, as the film combines nonfiction images with Farrokhzad’s more poetic inclinations. The stated mission is to eradicate the very idea of ugliness by humanizing these victims of disease, ostracized by society. Nothing is hidden from view as a result. Physical malformation is placed before the camera, as well as medical treatment. There are also images of prayer and scenes from the community’s small school. All of this is presented alongside a poetic voiceover, reminding the audience that even here there is a beauty and an art to human life. The House Is Black is among the most significant films ever made in Iran and is considered a forerunner of the Iranian New Wave, which would itself redefine nonfiction cinema.”
The House is Black is now streaming on The Criterion Channel.
London’s Trafalgar Square (1890)
The new year marks the 130th anniversary of London’s Trafalgar Square, an actuality film made by Wordsworth Donisthorpe and William Carr Crofts. It’s considered the first film to capture the UK capital, and while I’m uncertain of its exact release date, I figured the start of 2025 was a good time to share what remains of this historical relic. It’ll only take a second of your time:
Documentary Release Calendar 12/27/24 - 1/2/25
Friday, December 27, 2024
2073 (2024) - A dystopian hybrid nonfiction film by Asif Kapadia (Senna) set in the titular year. (In Theaters)
A Man and A Camera (2021) - A medium-length documentary following a silent cameraperson as he films ordinary people. (True Story)
Saturday, December 28, 2024
Arctic Roundup (1957) - A short documentary following an expedition to study musk ox in Canada. (TCM)
Believe It or Not (Second Series) #7 (1932) - A short documentary hosted by Robert L. Ripley presenting shocking phenomena including a leaning lighthouse. (TCM)
Symptoms in Schizophrenia (1938) - A short documentary about symptoms of schizophrenia. (TCM)
Sunday, December 29, 2024
Laufey’s A Night at the Symphony: Hollywood Bowl (2024) - A concert film starring Laufey and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. (Veeps)
A Plan to Kill Episode 10: “Killer Friendship” - The latest episode of this true-crime docuseries about meticulously planned murders involves a man who finds a dead woman in his son’s apartment. (Oxygen)
Valiant Venezuela (1939) - A short documentary installment of James A. FitzPatrick’s TravelTalks travelogue franchise that explores Venezuela. (TCM)
Water Sports (1935) - A short documentary showcasing water sports including sailing and surfing. (TCM)
The Wonderful World of Tupperware (1965) - A short industrial film about Tupperware. (TCM)
Monday, December 30, 2024
Hollywood Goes to Town (1938) - A short documentary showcasing the world premiere of the 1938 biopic Marie Antoinette. (TCM)
Hollywood Wonderland (1947) - A short documentary offering a promotional tour of Warner Bros. studios. (TCM)
We Do It Because- (1942) - A short documentary about the origins of common customs, including shaking hands and kissing. (TCM)
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Avicii - I'm Tim (2024) - A documentary about the titular Swedish DJ. (Netflix)
Better Than Something: Jay Reatard (2011) - A documentary about the titular rock musician. (Blu-ray)
Coming Out Under Fire (1994) - A feature documentary about gay World War II veterans and the military policy against homosexuals at the time of the war. Released as part of Kino Lorber’s Arthur Dong Collection box set. (Blu-ray)
Family Fundamentals (2002) - A feature documentary about conservative Christian parents with gay children. Released as part of Kino Lorber’s Arthur Dong Collection box set. (Blu-ray)
Forbidden City, U.S.A. (1989) - A medium-length documentary about an all-Chinese nightclub in San Francisco. Released as part of Kino Lorber’s Arthur Dong Collection box set. (Blu-ray)
Hard Knocks: In Season With the AFC North Episode 5 - The latest installment of the Hard Knocks franchise follows the titular NFL division, including the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers. (HBO/Max)
Hollywood Chinese (2007) - A feature documentary about film history through a Chinese-American lens. Released as part of Kino Lorber’s Arthur Dong Collection box set. (Blu-ray)
Horror’s Greatest Season 2 - A docuseries about the best horror movies. (Shudder)
I Am Santa Claus (2014) - A documentary produced by and starring wrestler Mick Foley about what professional Santas do the rest of the year. (DVD and Blu-ray)
The Killing Fields of Dr. Haing S. Ngor (2015) - A feature documentary about the Cambodian doctor turned prisoner turned Oscar-winning actor. Released as part of Kino Lorber’s Arthur Dong Collection box set. (Blu-ray)
Licensed to Kill (1997) - A Sundance-winning documentary investigating anti-gay murders. Released as part of Kino Lorber’s Arthur Dong Collection box set. (Blu-ray)
Living Music for Golden Mountains (1981) - Director’s Cut of this short documentary about an immigrant and his love of music. Released as part of Kino Lorber’s Arthur Dong Collection box set. (Blu-ray)
Out Rage ‘69 (1995) - A medium-length installment of the docuseries The Question of Equality that covers the fight for LGBTQ rights through the ‘50s and ‘60s. Released as part of Kino Lorber’s Arthur Dong Collection box set. (Blu-ray)
Public (1970) - An animated short by Arthur Dong based on his poem. Released as part of Kino Lorber’s Arthur Dong Collection box set. (Blu-ray)
Sewing Women (1982) - An Oscar-nominated short documentary about a woman from her arranged marriage in China to her working-class life in America. Released as part of Kino Lorber’s Arthur Dong Collection box set. (Blu-ray)
When Houston Had the Blues (2023) - A feature documentary about Houston’s blues scene featuring performances by Lightin’ John Hopkins, Big Mama Thornton, and others. (Blu-ray)
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Ailey (2021) - A biographical documentary about dance pioneer Alvin Ailey. (Tubi)
Batkid Begins: The Wish Heard Around the World (2015) - A documentary about a city coming together to grant the dying wish of a five-year-old cancer patient. Read our review of Batkid Begins: The Wish Heard Around the World. (Max)
Best of Enemies: Buckley vs. Vidal (2015) - A feature documentary about the 1968 televised debates between Gore Vidal and William F. Buckley. (Max)
Don't Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever (2025) - A feature documentary about a man’s quest for immortality. (Netflix)
Don’t Look Back (1967) - A documentary by D.A. Pennebaker following Bob Dylan’s 1965 tour in England. (TCM)
Floyd Norman: An Animated Life (2016) - A biographical documentary about Disney’s first African-American animator. (Max)
Hale County This Morning, This Evening (2018) - An Oscar-nominated feature documentary by RaMell Ross about the Black community of Hale County, Alabama. (The Criterion Channel)
Homicide Squad New Orleans Season 1, Episode 1: “My Sister’s Keeper” - The first episode of this new docuseries examines the case of a teen shot down while walking his sister home. (A&E)
Iris (2014) - A biographical documentary by Albert Maysles about fashion icon Iris Apfel. (Max)
Jimi Hendrix (1973) - A documentary about the titular rock icon. (TCM)
The Land of Auld Lang Syne (1950) - A short documentary installment of James A. FitzPatrick’s TravelTalks travelogue franchise that explores Edinburgh, Scotland. (TCM)
Liberation: D-Day to Berlin Season 1, Episode 1: “France” - The first episode of this history docuseries featuring restored and colorized footage focuses on D-Day and the liberation of France during World War II. (Smithsonian Channel)
Luther: Never Too Much (2024) - A feature documentary by Dawn Porter (John Lewis: Good Trouble) about singer Luther Vandross. (CNN)
Monterey Pop (1968) - A concert film by D.A. Pennebaker starring Jimi Hendrix, Otis Redding, The Who, Mamas and the Papas, Jefferson Airplane, and more as they perform at the titular music festival. (TCM)
The Original Kings of Comedy (2000) - A stand-up comedy concert film directed by Spike Lee starring Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, Bernie Mac, and D.L. Hughley. (Paramount+)
School Life (2016) - A feature documentary about a boarding school in Ireland. Read our review of School Life. (Max)
Seymour: An Introduction (2014) - A feature documentary by Ethan Hawke about pianist Seymour Bernstein. Presented as part of the program “Ethan Hawke Directs.” Read our review of Seymour: An Introduction. (The Criterion Collection)
Shine a Light (2008) - A documentary by Martin Scorsese about the Rolling Stones. (TCM)
The Song Remains the Same (1976) - A concert film starring Led Zeppelin. (TCM)
Steve Jobs: The Man in the Machine (2015) - A biographical documentary about the titular Apple CEO. (Max)
Swing Cat's Jamboree (1938) - A short film featuring performances by Louis Prima and his jazz quintet. (TCM)
That’s Entertainment! (1974) - A feature documentary showcasing moments from classic MGM musicals. (TCM)
That’s Entertainment, Part II (1976) - A sequel documentary showcasing more moments from classic MGM musicals. (TCM)
Whitey: United States of America v. James J. Bulger (2014) - A documentary by Joe Berlinger about James “Whitey” Bulger. (Max)
Thursday, January 2, 2025
Call Her Applebroog (2016) - A feature documentary about feminist artist Ida Applebroog. (Kino Film Collection)
Divine Madness (1980) - A concert film starring Bette Midler. (TCM)
Fugitive Hunters Mexico Season 1, Episode 1: “Trouble in Paradise” - The first episode of this new docuseries involves an American sex offender hiding out on a Mexico beach. (A&E)
Homicide Squad New Orleans Season 1, Episode 2: “In Cold Blood” - The second episode of this new docuseries examines the case of a woman shot dead in the street. (A&E)
Lost Treasures of the Bible Season 1, Episode 3: “Mysteries of the Exodus” - The latest episode of this Biblical history docuseries looks at the historical influence of the Exodus story. (National Geographic)
Soundies: A Musical History (2007) - A documentary about short music films of the big band and swing era. (TCM)
That’s Entertainment! III (1994) - A sequel documentary showcasing more moments from classic MGM musicals. (TCM)
Sneak Peak At What’s Coming Soon
1/6 - Minted (2023) - A documentary about the rise and fall of NFTs. Watch the new trailer for its Independent Lens presentation below. (PBS)
1/10 - Every Little Thing - A feature documentary about a woman who cares for injured hummingbirds. (In Theaters)
1/27 - Resistance: They Fought Back - A feature documentary about the Jewish resistance fighters during the Holocaust. Read our review of Resistance: They Fought Back. (PBS)
1/27 - Ladies and Gentlemen…50 Years of SNL Music - A documentary by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson (Summer of Soul) and Oz Rodriguez about music performances on Saturday Night Live. (NBC)
2/7 - Becoming Led Zeppelin - A feature documentary following the origins of the titular rock band. (IMAX Theaters)
2/13 - Sly Lives! (aka the Burden of Black Genius) - A feature documentary by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson (Summer of Soul) about Sly and the Family Stone. Watch the new trailer below. (Hulu)