Documentary of the Week

'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.