On the ninth anniversary of his tragic death, this heartbreaking and celebratory documentary is a fast-moving cultural critique on the day that Michael Jackson passed away – one that collectively broke the hearts of the Internet and our culture. Looking at the final days of the pop icon’s life, the documentary sheds a light on the immeasurable pressure Jackson was under as he prepared for his final tour, and how he ultimately ended up with the biggest audience of his lifetime during his true final farewell. Newscasters, reporters, family and friends trace the events of the day when the news broke and became a story that consumed the world. Documentary features interviews with Travis Payne, Kenny Ortega, Harvey Levin, Warren Zanes and more, as well as audio recordings of Jackson from his last rehearsals. “Michael Jackson’s Final Curtain Call” is directed by Thom Zimny, an editor and director who directed “Elvis Presley: The Searcher” (2018), “Wheels: The Making of ‘Born to Run’” (2005), “The Promise: The Making of Darkness on the Edge of Town” (2010) and “Bruce Springsteen: A Conversation with His Fans” (2011).
This documentary takes a look at the story behind the groundbreaking reality TV series that catapulted the Osbourne family into the global spotlight. Ozzy, Sharon, Jack and Kelly talk about fact, fiction and the slippery line between the two. An unfiltered look at the lasting effect on the family and the reality television landscape as a whole, the film allows viewers a closer look at the price of fame. Award winning documentary director, producer and editor Alison Ellwood (“History of the Eagles”) directs the film.
This documentary takes a look at the rise of the raw and salacious real-life television theater of tabloid talk shows like “The Jerry Springer Show” and “Geraldo.” The film explores how these series laid the groundwork for reality television shows today. Featuring interviews with Jerry Springer, Sally Jessy Raphael, Geraldo Rivera, Laura Grindstaff, Dr. Drew Pinsky, Maury Povich and more, “The Rise of Trash TV” tells the inside story of how this new wave of television emerged and its lasting cultural impact.
Brent Hodge (“I Am Chris Farley”) directs a profile of the cult classic series and original dramedy, “Freaks and Geeks,” that captured the sad yet humorous difficulties of teenage life, and for the first time, offered protagonists who weren’t stereotypical “jocks and brains.” Cancelled after just one season, the series holds the unique position of still ranking high on Time Magazine’s Greatest 100 Television Shows of All Time. The series, created by Paul Feig and executive produced by Judd Apatow, launched the careers of Seth Rogan, Jason Segel and many other A-list actors. The film features interviews with Feig, Apatow, Rogan, Segel, Linda Cardellini, Busy Philipps, and most of the primary cast who discuss their time on the series and beyond. Also interviewed are the NBC executives who commissioned “Freaks and Geeks,” plus former NBC Entertainment President Garth Ancier, who ultimately cancelled the series. “Freaks and Geeks: The Documentary” premiered at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival.
Comedian and Emmy Award® winner W. Kamau Bell (“United Shades of America”) steps behind the camera to direct this film about how Chris Rock changed the face of comedy with his seminal 1996 special “Bring the Pain.” In his own words, Rock recounts how after being fired from SNL and upstaged by Martin Lawrence at his own show, he looked to challenge himself in a way he never had before. Rock pushed himself creatively, leading to the development of more personal and provocative material. He performed tirelessly in small clubs, perfecting his new technique. The result was his HBO special, widely considered a revelatory work with a bold style that changed the conversation about race in popular culture, as well as the face of comedy forever. In addition to interviews with Chris Rock, the documentary also features Oprah Winfrey, Conan O’Brien, Trevor Noah, Hannibal Burress, Martin Lawrence, Ava Duvernay, Wanda Sykes and more.