Bringing a sports story to life, especially those focused on women, has rarely been easy. Sadly, most women's sports never feature the record keeping of men's sports. In the case of The Herricanes, the process seemed even more difficult than normal. Yet director Olivia Kuan connected with the material more than the regular documentarian. For … Continue reading SXSW 2023: ‘The Herricanes’ is a Triumphant Sport Documentary
SXSW 2023: ‘Riders on the Storm’ Delivers a Harrowing Look at the Fall of Kabul
For decades, athletics have been used to signal a belief in national pride. The Olympics, World Cup, and World Baseball Classic allow athletes to become international celebrities. For Kalakov Mulakhil and Khaiber Azbarzada, the stakes are far higher. The nephews of a famed athlete who was executed in Afgahnistan's Civil War, they hope to bring … Continue reading SXSW 2023: ‘Riders on the Storm’ Delivers a Harrowing Look at the Fall of Kabul
SXSW 2023: ‘Louder Than You Think’ – The Unlikely Story of A Drummer and Pavement
The lo-fi movement in alternative rock did not start with Pavement, but the band quickly earned a spot at the top of the industry. Their breakthrough album, Slanted and Enchanted, became one of the most influential records of the decade. While Pavement would go on to bigger things in the future, the three-piece band featured … Continue reading SXSW 2023: ‘Louder Than You Think’ – The Unlikely Story of A Drummer and Pavement
SXSW 2023: ‘Art For Everybody’ Examines the Downfall of Thomas Kinkade
Nearly every American has seen the work of Thomas Kinkade. The famed "painter of light" became a worldwide celebrity. His work may not hang in many museums, but it became a populist item to collect for millions of Americans. At its peak, his company estimated one in twenty Americans owned a piece of his art. … Continue reading SXSW 2023: ‘Art For Everybody’ Examines the Downfall of Thomas Kinkade
SXSW 2023: ‘Join or Die’ Wants You to Go Clubbing – Bowling, Sewing, and to the PTA That Is
Have you joined a club lately? Trivia nights and bowling leagues push us out of our comfort zones. However, do you do those activities with friends or by yourself? Robert Putnam, the famed author of Bowling Alone guesses you're probably being less social than we expect. In fact, all of America has been for the … Continue reading SXSW 2023: ‘Join or Die’ Wants You to Go Clubbing – Bowling, Sewing, and to the PTA That Is
SXSW 2023: ‘This World is Not My Own’ Celebrates an Almost Undiscovered Master
When genius is discovered later in life, it's rarely celebrated on the same terms as those who live in the spotlight. Yet, we should recognize the near-impossible nature of going one's entire life without earning their just reward. For Nellie Mae Rowe, a local folk artist, success came in the waning years of her life. … Continue reading SXSW 2023: ‘This World is Not My Own’ Celebrates an Almost Undiscovered Master
SXSW 2023: ‘Another Body’ Breaks the Seal on Deep Fake Revenge Porn
Disinformation in all it forms remains a threat to nearly every person on the planet. Yet some weaponized the technology against certain groups. In general, women already have a difficult time online, especially in a post-Gamergate world. Yet deep fake revenge porn might be the most destructive material being created today. Documentarians Sophie Compton and … Continue reading SXSW 2023: ‘Another Body’ Breaks the Seal on Deep Fake Revenge Porn
SXSW 2023: ‘Black Barbie: A Documentary’ Celebrates the Unappreciated Workers of Mattel
Before the 1980s, the world of toymaking very rarely embraced BIPOC toy designs. Yet Mattel, one of the most noteworthy companies in the business, helped break the mold. While it still took too long for the first POC to be hired, the effects were impossible to ignore. Director (Lagueria Davis) discovers her aunt was that … Continue reading SXSW 2023: ‘Black Barbie: A Documentary’ Celebrates the Unappreciated Workers of Mattel
SXSW 2023: ‘Periodical’ – The Sex-Ed Documentary You Should Have Seen in High School
For decades, women's reproductive care has been under attack. Yet the issues surrounding a basic understanding of menstrual cycles go back millennia. Western culture has demonized women for bodily functions. There's no rhyme or reason outside of the patriarchal structures seeking to maintain power. This makes Periodical, the latest feature from Lina Lyte Plioplyte, a … Continue reading SXSW 2023: ‘Periodical’ – The Sex-Ed Documentary You Should Have Seen in High School
SXSW 2023: ‘Confessions of a Good Samaritan’ Examines the Concept of Altruism
Director Penny Lane always chooses interesting subjects. She profiled Kenny G last year. Lane made waves by shining a light on the church of Satan. Yet Confessions of a Good Samaritan finds her most intriguing subject yet: herself. Documenting her choice to give up her kidney to an unknown recipient, Lane wonders why we would … Continue reading SXSW 2023: ‘Confessions of a Good Samaritan’ Examines the Concept of Altruism