Yesterday we took a deep dive into the U.S. Dramatic Competition; today, we turn our attention to the U.S. Documentary Competition, looking back at recent history while also peering ahead at the ten titles currently in view for buyers. Last year’s Grand Jury prizewinner Seeds, looking at the lives of black generational farmers, only just got a release via the Film Forum folks just five days ago. The Oscar shortlisted doc would do well to emerge victorious under the heft of other nominees such as competing Sundance hit The Perfect Neighbour (Directing award) which was snapped up by Netflix (in the 5 million range) and briefly reached number one on its illustrious top ten chart. Audience award and Jonathan Oppenheim Editing award winner André is an Idiot is still awaiting release, due on March 6th via the A24 folks who appear to have stalled the release despite the accolades.
On the Jury we have documentary filmmaker Natalia Almada who is a two time directing award winner with her docs El General and Users. L.A. Times Critic Justin Chang (chair of The National Society of Film Critics) adds a different approach to proceedings. Lastly, the legendary director of Paris is Burning and a huge queer advocate through her other films and projects such as Earth Camp One, Jennie Livingston. This is a diverse Jury and could pave the way for Barbara Forever winning the top prize because of its intimate portrayal of iconic lesbian filmmaker Barbara Hammer who is bound to have fans amongst the Jury. American Doctor is sure to be a contender as it raises deep moral questions surrounding Gaza and is likely to stir the Jury and audiences alike.
Polar bear doc Nuisance Bear was produced (and will very likely be distributed) by A24 but it remains to be seen where the other U.S competition films will end up. As per Anthony Kaufman’s recent number crunching, accolades at Sundance no longer translate into box-office gold, but streamer successes. It seems as though we may see an extension of this trend, much like the U.S dramatic market there is less of an emphasis on quick acquisitions and more of a tendency to wait for a film’s reaction or audience response. Here are the ten U.S. Documentaries we’ll be following.
American Doctor
Director: Poh Si Teng
Follows three American doctors, one Palestinian, one Jewish and one Zoroastrian as they all enter Gaza to save lives, finding themselves caught between medicine and politics. Debut feature director Poh Si Teng produced the Oscar nominated short St. Louis Superman and this unique viewpoint of the genocide in Gaza is sure to strike a chord.
American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez
Director: David Alvarado
Acclaimed playwright Luis Valdez pushed against political resistance to make Zoot Suite and La Bamba, the movie celebrates his iconic works that expand America’s history. Shining a light on an under-appreciated artist the film will resonate with creatives and movie lovers alike.
Director: Brydie O’Connor
An archival exploration with narration from its subject of iconic, pioneering lesbian filmmaker Barbara Hammer. A big contender for the top prize, again giving recognition to a legendary artist.
Joybubbles
Director: Rachael J. Morrison
A blind man coined Joybubbles discovers he can manipulate the telephone system by whistling a certain tone. His search for connection establishes him as one of the first “Phone Phreaks”, shaping the future of hacking and technology. An uplifting and zany sounding debut that may win the audience award and uncover a specific and funny subculture.
The Lake
Director: Abby Ellis
Two scientists and a political insider race against the clock to save their home from ecological disaster amid a looming environmental nuclear bomb. A documentary with its finger on the pulse the disastrous idea of a nuclear bomb will be scarily contemporary. Leonardo DiCaprio just signed on as part of the executive producers on the project.
Director(s): Gabriela Osio Vanden, Jack Weisman
A polar bear’s migration is interrupted by tourists, wildlife officers and hunters, while it is branded a nuisance the question is raised as to who really belongs in this coexisting landscape. Already backed by A24 this feels like an awards contender, don’t be surprised if this scoops up the audience award or underestimate the power of a crafty polar bear.
Public Access
Director: David Shadrack Smith
A look at the greatest media experiment to hijack American screens, public access television came before social media and influencer stardom and pioneered the idea of an online celebrity. An interesting signifier for our technology laden times and one that will resonate with audiences, many of whom will already be addicted to their phones.
Seized
Director: Sharon Liese
Marion, Kansas is thrust into an international spotlight after the death of the 98 year-old co-owner of the Marion County Record. After a police raid, journalistic integrity and the abuse of power comes harshly under the spotlight. In our troubled times of censorship and the film’s true crime style approach the movie is sure to appeal to a festival audience. Liese also co-directed Sundance prize winning documentary short Parker back in 2023.
Director: J.M. Harper
Chronicles the story of the first black special ops forces during the Vietnam war, getting the gang back together to tell their groundbreaking story. Shining a light on an important part of American history and representation the film could nab the jury prize. J.M Harper also has a good track record with his other Sundance doc As We Speak detailing the weaponization of rap music in court.
Who Killed Alex Odeh?
Director: Jason Osder, William Lafi Youmans
A 40 year quest for justice is ignited after the assassination of a beloved Palestinian American activist. No one has ever been held accountable for the deadly tripwire bomb that killed Alex Odeh in his office in October 1985. A film fighting the good fight for an incredible injustice and Osder also directed the acclaimed documentary Let the Fire Burn.