Rendez-Vous With French Cinema unreels in Lincoln Center February 28-March 10. The 24th annual edition, co-sponsored by The Film Society of Lincoln Center and UniFrance, presents nearly two dozen new French dramas, most having their US or New York premieres. Senior film critic Kurt Brokaw viewed everything available and selects Invisibles (above), Paul Sanchez Is Back!, and Raising Colors as favorites. Read those reviews here.
Senior Film Critic Kurt Brokaw offers recommendations from the 28th edition of the New York Jewish Film Festival (32 features, 6 shorts, most US, World, or New York premieres). The festival, which runs from January 9th through the 22nd, is co-sponsored by the Jewish Museum and the Film Society of Lincoln Center. Check through January 22nd for updates!
Evan Crean traveled to Montreal for the 21st annual Montreal International Documentary Festival (RIDM), which took place November 8 to 18, 2018. Of the 157 films from 47 countries it screened, he offers reviews of the seven he was able to squeeze into his weekend there.
The Independent catches up with Yvonne Michelle Shirley, creator of the new documentary, Miasia: The Nature of Experience. The film, which featured at BlackStar Film Festival, chronicles the life of Brooklyn teenager Miasia Clark as she navigates her everyday world and prepares to present at the first ever Black Girl Movement National Conference. Miasia is joined in this effort by members of her activist group, Girls for Gender Equity.
Mike Sullivan reviews Liyana, a new documentary directed by Aaron and Amanda Kopp (former 10-to-watch series winners!) The film, which employs stunning animation, tells the story of five orphaned children living and dreaming in Swaziland. Liyana premiered at the LA Film Festival in June, where it won “Best Documentary.”
Film critic Evan Crean reviews Matthew Heineman’s documentary “City of Ghosts,” which screened at the 2017 Independent Film Festival Boston (IFFBoston).
Veteran SXSW-goer Steven Abrams takes in what has become a monolithic, all-things cultural experience. Here he offers the film highlights from 2016, including documentaries about silence, disabilities, and going from YouTuber to star.