Posted on Wednesday, September 4, 2019 by Decimal Diver
Some prisons have developed special programs that prisoners can participate in as part of their prison sentence. The aims of these programs may vary, but their impact on prisoners and outside communities can be profound. Check out these documentaries about special prison programs:
Go behind the Oklahoma State Penitentiary walls to follow convict cowgirls on their journey to the Oklahoma State Penitentiary Rodeo. Part Wild West show and part coliseum-esque spectacle, it’s one of the last of its kind — a relic of the American penal system. Within this strange arena the prisoners become the heroes while the public and guards applaud.Continue reading “Beyond the Bars: Docs About Special Prison Programs”
Posted on Wednesday, July 24, 2019 by Decimal Diver
Films that center around money and finance can sometimes be boring and slow paced — usually there isn’t much action to show. But some films involving finance can be exciting in the hands of a gifted filmmaker who finds compelling subjects to interview. Check out these documentaries involving finance. Continue reading “On The Money: Docs Involving Finance”
Posted on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 by Decimal Diver
If you primarily have lived in Missouri cities, you might not be that familiar with your rural neighbors. While not all people in rural areas are the same, the documentaries below might help introduce you to a few of the folks you might encounter in the country. Check out these documentaries that take a look at residents in rural Missouri:
The film follows Ron “Stray Dog” Hall as he caravans on his Harley with fellow vets to pay tribute to their fallen brothers at the Vietnam Memorial. Meanwhile, back home in southern Missouri where he owns and operates an RV Park populated by a community on the margins, he forges a new life of domesticity with his Mexican wife Alicia. Continue reading “Country Life: Docs Featuring Rural Missouri”
Posted on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 by Decimal Diver
Scene from “Art and Craft”
Some artists use their work as a springboard for playing tricks on their audience. These artists might have varying motivations, but their shenanigans can offer insight into the nature of art and the human condition itself. Check out these docs about artist trickers:
It follows the story of Mark Landis, one of the most prolific art forgers in U.S. history. His impressive body of work spans thirty years, covering a wide range of painting styles and periods. Posing as a philanthropic donor, Landis has given away hundreds of works over the years to a staggering list of institutions across the United States. Continue reading “Tricks Of The Trade: Docs about Artist Tricksters”
Posted on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 by Decimal Diver
Filming at night has always been problematic for directors since cameras capture scenes best in the daytime with ample light. In spite of this some directors have excelled at filming night settings, using various techniques and equipment to overcome the limitations of darkness. Check out these docs that were primarily filmed at night:
In this lyrical portrait, three adolescent brothers take us on a lively journey through one immersive night in New Orleans, encountering a vibrant kaleidoscope of dancers, musicians, hustlers, and revelers. The filmmakers fully immerse us into the New Orleans night, introducing us to the people who make the city their home. Continue reading “Shot in the Dark: Docs That Were Filmed at Night”
Posted on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 by Decimal Diver
Growing up can be challenging, and it can be tougher if you have to deal with autism. Seeing how others on the spectrum deal with triumphs and tribulations can help build confidence for both kids and their families. Check out these docs featuring kids with autism.
When 2-year-old Rowan was diagnosed with autism, Rupert Isaacson and his wife Kristin sought the best possible medical care, but traditional therapies had little effect. They discovered that Rowan has a profound affinity for animals, particularly horses, and the family set off on a quest that would change their lives forever. Continue reading “Growing Up on the Spectrum: Docs Featuring Kids With Autism”
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 by Decimal Diver
The Loud family from the documentary “An American Family” (left) and actors portraying the Loud family in “Cinema Verite” (right).
Some documentaries are so compelling that you don’t want them to end. Fictional films can expand upon a documentary in unique and surprising ways, including scenes and people that didn’t make it into the original. Check out these docs that have inspired feature films:
First debuting in 1973 over twelve episodes, viewers were introduced to the William C. Loud family and the dramatic life events that unfolded during seven months of documentary shooting. This DVD edition is a two hour compilation of the series’ best moments. The documentary series inspired the fictional film “Cinema Verite” released in 2011. Continue reading “Imitation Game: Docs That Inspired Feature Films”
Posted on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 by Decimal Diver
The neurodegenerative disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, more commonly known as ALS, has gotten a lot of public attention ever since the Ice Bucket Challenge gained internet fame in 2014. In the wake of this newfound interest, several ALS-related documentaries have been released which explore the impact of this disease on individuals and families. Check out these documentaries featuring subjects with ALS.
At the age of 34, Steve Gleason, former NFL defensive back and New Orleans hero, was diagnosed with ALS. Doctors gave him two to five years to live. So that is what Steve chose to do: live. This film incorporates personal video journals from Gleason for his then-unborn son to footage of his adventures undertaken as part of his mission to live his life to the fullest. Continue reading “Ice Bucket List: Docs Featuring Subjects With ALS”
Posted on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 by Decimal Diver
The birth of a new child is an exciting event. Documentaries involving births can capture the excitement and drama involved in the process, but they can also offer unique perspectives to future parents and their families. Check out these documentaries focusing on births. Continue reading “Little Kicks: Docs Focusing On Childbirth”
“Sweethearts of the Prison Rodeo” (2010)
