Documentary of the Week

Gerrymandering might seem like an arcane political topic, but the documentary “Slay the Dragon” shows how citizen activists are fighting to bring greater democracy to the process of drawing Congressional maps. Filmmakers Barak Goodman and Chris Durrance create an emotional and suspenseful narrative for crusades across the country.

— Raphaela Neihausen and Thom Powers

For more information, click here to visit the film web site.

The documentary “Crip Camp” tells the history of Camp Jened in the Catskills, where young adults became activists in the civil rights movement for people with disabilities. Filmmaker Jim Lebrecht, a former camper who witnessed the movement from the inside, teams with co-director Nicole Newnham for a rousing story of resistance, transgression and hard won freedoms.

— Raphaela Neihausen and Thom Powers

For more information, click here to visit the film web site.

"After Truth: Disinformation and the Cost of Fake News" studies the rise of lies in politics and their weaponization with social media. Filmmaker Andrew Rossi examines conspiracies such as Pizzagate and the operatives who foster them among both Republicans and Democrats.

— Raphaela Neihausen and Thom Powers

For more information, click here to visit the film web site.

"Dirty Money" returns for a second season exposing corruption, crime and other violations of common decency, including an episode on Wells Fargo bank. Executive producer Alex Gibney leads a team of skilled filmmakers for a series that will leave you more informed and irate.

— Raphaela Neihausen and Thom Powers

For more information, click here to visit the film web site.

“The Booksellers” looks at the world of antiquarian booksellers and highlights a new generation that’s breaking the stereotype of the profession as white, male and slow to change. Filmmaker D.W. Young celebrates the legendary New York stores of Argosy, The Strand and others.

— Raphaela Neihausen and Thom Powers

For more information, click here to visit the official film web site.

“The Kingmaker” traces the fall and rise of Imelda Marcos, the disgraced First Lady of the Philippines, who’s on a quest to bring her family back to power in alliance with President Rodrigo Duterte. Filmmaker Lauren Greenfield gains insightful interviews with the Marcos family and their critics.

— Raphaela Neihausen and Thom Powers

For more information, click here to visit the film web site.

In the documentary “Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band,” filmmaker Daniel Roher explores the history of the legendary roots rock group from their formation and work with Bob Dylan to their final performance in “The Last Waltz.” Robertson, The Band’s founder, reflects on the chemistry of the five members that caused their rise and fall.

— Raphaela Neihausen and Thom Powers

For more information, click here to visit the official film web site.

“The Times of Bill Cunningham” profiles the legendary New York Times photographer who covered street fashion. Filmmaker Mark Bozek draws upon a rare interview with Cunningham spanning his whole career, illustrated with a dazzling array of fashion photography across several decades.

— Raphaela Neihausen and Thom Powers 

For more information, click here to visit the official film web site.

“McMillon$” is a 6-part documentary series that explores the FBI’s investigation into the McDonald’s Monopoly scam leading all the way to the New York Mafia. Filmmakers James Lee Hernandez and Brian Lazarte blend comedy and drama like a real-life version of "The Sopranos," with twists and revelations all the way until the end.

— Raphaela Neihausen and Thom Powers 

For more information, click here to visit the film web site.

The documentary "Suppressed: The Fight to Vote" looks at how GOP lawmakers made it harder for Democrats to vote in Brian Kemp's narrow victory over Democrat Stacy Abrams to become Georgia's governor. Filmmaker Robert Greenwald examines multiple tactics of purging registered voters from the rolls, holding back absentee ballots and reducing voter machines in Democratic districts that are a cautionary tale across the country for the 2020 election.

— Raphaela Neihausen and Thom Powers

For more information, click here to visit the film web site.