Documentary of the Week

In " Unrest," filmmaker Jennifer Brea chronicles the mysterious illness Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, better known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, including her own moving struggle. Victims not only suffer multiple disabilities, but also from medical confusion over the illness and media skepticism.

— Thom Powers and Raphaela Neihausen

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

After 50 years of making films about institutions, Frederick Wiseman’s latest is “Ex Libris - The New York Public Library.” The documentary covers multiple angles - from serving patrons to soliciting funds - to make an eloquent case for the library’s value to the city.

— Thom Powers and Raphaela Neihausen

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

Nicely timed for September, the documentary "School Life” is set at Headfort boarding school in County Kells, Ireland. Filmmakers Neasa Ní Chianáin and David Rane aren’t entering any debate over education. Instead, the film plays as a light comedy as they sweetly observe the staff and students growing together over a year.

— Thom Powers and Raphaela Neihausen

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

Nearly one in six American couples are unable to naturally conceive a baby and carry it to term. The documentary “Vegas Baby” follows the contestants in a controversial contest to win in-vitro fertilization treatment. Filmmaker Amanda Micheli shines a light on infertility issues by creating memorable portraits of these people and their struggles.

— Thom Powers and Raphaela Neihausen

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

The documentary "Rancher, Farmer, Fisherman" profiles the kind of American you don't usually associate with the environmental movement -- a Montana rancher, a Gulf Coast fisherman. Filmmakers Susan Froemke and John Hoffman explain the stories of these mavericks in their own words and through gorgeous cinematography. They speak from a hard-won wisdom.

— Thom Powers and Raphaela Neihausen

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

In the documentary “Icarus," filmmaker Bryan Fogel, an amateur cyclist, engages Russian doping mastermind Grigory Rodchenkov for an experiment that has a dramatic twist. We follow in real time, through a web of intrigue and exile, as Rodchenkov exposes a long history of Olympic doping.

— Thom Powers and Raphaela Neihausen

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

In the documentary “Brillo Box (3¢ off),” filmmaker Lisanne Skyler traces the journey of Andy Warhol’s famous pop-art creation that her parents bought and sold. Through the ups and downs of Warhol's place in the art market, the film blends cultural history with family history to explore how we assign value and why.

— Thom Powers and Raphaela Neihausen

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

In the documentary “Step,” filmmaker Amanda Lipitz follows three Baltimore high school seniors who draw strength and lessons from their percussive dance group. The team called the Lethal Ladies seek to fulfill their goals in a regional competition. As the student named Blessin says, “Step is life."

— Thom Powers and Raphaela Neihausen

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

The documentary "Rumble: Indians Who Rocked the World" explores a hidden history of Native American musicians who made an impact on rock, jazz, blues and more. Filmmaker Catherine Bainbridge profiles artists such as Link Wray, Charlie Patton, Mildred Bailey and Black Eyed Peas rapper Taboo. No matter what your musical taste, there’s something to be gained from this invigorating history.

— Thom Powers and Raphaela Neihausen

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

The documentary “I Am Jane Doe” profiles victims of underage sex trafficking and their all-out legal battle the popular advertising website Backpage.com. Filmmaker Mary Mazzio examines how Backpage.com has used the First Amendment to battle the lawsuits and why its critics claim that’s a problematic defense.

— Thom Powers and Raphaela Neihausen

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