Nova '78 is a compelling documentary by Aaron Brookner and Rodrigo Areias, showcasing rare footage from the 1978 Nova Convention in New York City, which celebrated William S. Burroughs' return to the U.S. The film features influential artists and captures vibrant moments of 1970s counterculture and creative freedom, originally shot by Howard Brookner.
"First They Came for My College," directed by Patrick Xavier Bresnan, explores the political upheaval at New College of Florida due to Governor DeSantis's actions against academic freedom. The film portrays students and educators resisting a culture war, emphasizing their fight to maintain their identity and values amidst challenges to the educational system. A post-screening discussion with the filmmaker and New College students featured in the film will follow.
This program of short films spotlights individuals and communities who challenge the forces that seek to marginalize, divide, or define them. Through stories of activism, memory, creativity, and collective care, these documentaries trace currents of resistance across America and reveal the power of ordinary people to push back, speak out, and reshape the world around them.
Ben Creech's film explores Bob Dylan's lesser-known filmmaking endeavors, inspired by Michael Glover Smith's book. The 33-minute documentary features a post-screening discussion with Creech and Smith, who will read from his book. The event will take place in Theater #3 in 2026, highlighting Dylan as a multifaceted artist.
"Shelby," directed by Daniel Fiore, is a documentary that explores the life of a man living in the Louisiana swamps. Through underwater logging and treasure hunting, it reveals themes of adventure and resilience. Fiore’s personal journey alongside Shelby uncovers a deeper, more human narrative beyond the iconic swamp persona. A post-screening discussion with the filmmaker is expected.
The Great Experiment is a documentary by Stephen Maing and Eric Daniel Metzgar, filmed between 2017 and 2020. It explores American civil society amid significant political and social upheaval, using immersive, real-time observations. The film encourages critical reflection on identity and democracy, inviting viewers to reconsider America's complexities and foster hope.
"Hunky Jesus" is a documentary by Jennifer Kroot that celebrates the San Francisco Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a queer and trans order that combats shame and exclusion with joy and compassion. Blending competition footage, interviews, and animation, it portrays the Sisters as cultural icons amidst rising anti-drag sentiment, capturing their humanity and community spirit.
The Moths & The Flame, directed by Kevin Contento, challenges the stereotype of absent Black fathers in Pahokee, Florida. Through intimate vignettes, the film showcases young men nurturing their families and community. Blending personal narrative and Sufi poetry, it offers a hopeful meditation on family and belonging, premiering at Berlinale Forum.
"Daughters of the Forest," directed by Otilia Portillo Padua, is a 2026 immersive sci-fi documentary set in Mexico. It follows two Indigenous mycologists exploring the interplay between humans, mushrooms, and the environment. The film blends generational wisdom with modern science, offering a unique perspective on our world’s interconnectedness.
This program features five intimate documentaries that delve into resilience and identity amidst uncertainty. From a coal miner's reflections on faith to a boy's entry into demolition derby, these films portray personal stories of perseverance and the quest for meaning, highlighting the extraordinary humanity in everyday experiences.