2011

An extremely insightful examination of the psychiatrist-patient relationship, this innovative documentary uses role-playing techniques that allow patients to express their innermost thoughts about their psychiatrist and experience in mental institutions. People in White offers a fresh look at the mental health industry and the treatment methods used by mental health care professionals.

When FSA photographer Arthur Rothstein came to Virginia in 1935, his assignment was to photograph local residents displaced by Shenandoah National Park. But as this documentary uncovers, Rothstein would play a role in the forced institutionalization and sterilization of many of the area's residents, establishing a disturbing connection between the American eugenics movement and Depression-era documentary work.

An extraordinary and inspiring documentary about one man's journey from child soldier to international hero. A Perfect Soldier tells the story of Aki Ra, who as a young boy was taken by the Khmer Rouge and forced to plant hundreds of landmines in the Cambodian countryside. As an adult, he has devoted his life to removing them, one landmine at a time. In 2010, he was named one of CNN's Top 10 Heroes of the Year.

On December 2, 1984, forty tons of poisonous gas leaked from a Union Carbide (DOW Chemical) pesticide plant in Bhopal, India, killing over 20,000 people. Today, hundreds of thousands continue to suffer from chronic diseases and disabilities. Bhopali is an invaluable examination of the world's worst environmental disaster.

What values define the institution of marriage? Can social convention be upended successfully? Quadrangle is a fascinating documentary about two 'traditional' couples, coming out of the free love era and struggling with the monotony of suburban life, that swapped partners and lived in a group marriage in the early 1970s.

For centuries, Marrakech's historic Djemaa el-Fna square has been home to the world's greatest storytellers; their craft even recognized by UNESCO as an "Intangible Heritage of Humanity." This wonderful documentary examines this age-old tradition and considers its place in the modern world.

Examining the history and cultural implications of one of the most popular websites in the world, Truth in Numbers? Everything According to Wikipedia provokes a deeper conversation on the power of new media, on how knowledge is collected, disseminated and controlled.

A portrait of three women over the age of 50 earning a living as prostitutes, Silver Girls approaches this oft-explored subject from a refreshingly different perspective; discussing sex, sexuality, social mores, aging, female empowerment and independence in a candid, insightful but non-exploitative manner.

What role should genetics and one's social environment play in the legal defense of a minor on trial for murder? This engrossing documentary explores the question by following the controversial case of Cyntoia Brown, a 16-year-old girl forced into prostitution, who faces life without parole for killing one of her clients.

Centered around the development and staging of a complex work of modern puppet theater, this illuminating documentary offers a look at the fascinating history of American puppetry - its cultural roots and influence - as well as its current renaissance.

A luminous exploration of the creative process from one of the world's most important filmmakers, Pedro Costa's Ne Change Rien is a spare, hypnotic portrait of French chanteuse Jeanne Balibar. Photographed in shimmering black-and-white and featuring a soundtrack of haunting jazz-inflected pop songs.

From Steve James, acclaimed director of Hoop Dreams, and Alex Kotlowtiz, bestselling author of There Are No Children Here, The Interrupters is an epic documentary work exploring violence in America, a look at an innovative program in which former gang members disrupt violent situations as they happen.

The idea of intelligent machines has captivated humankind's imagination for centuries. But recent breakthroughs are poised to make this fantastical dream a reality. Featuring interviews with leading scientists and thinkers, Plug and Pray is a deeply fascinating, occasionally frightening journey into the new world of artificial intelligence, an exploration of what's possible today and what it will mean for us tomorrow.

An intimate appreciation of two iconic American artists, photographer Dorothea Lange and painter Maynard Dixon, this engrossing documentary recounts their story from the unique perspective of their eldest son, featuring plentiful examples of their work alongside rare and never-before-seen photographs.

An award-winning trilogy exploring the changing face of China from the filmmaking team of Ruby Yang and Thomas Lennon, this set includes the Academy Award nominated documentary The Warriors of Qiugang, the acclaimed Tongzhi in Love, and the Academy Award winning The Blood of Yingzhou District.

A beautiful and illuminating investigation into the ineffable relationship we have with art, Hidden Treasures introduces us to people who spend their days and nights surrounded by great works of art and have developed powerful, life-changing bonds.

An engaging, informative and fascinating documentary, Lunch Line chronicles the political and social history of the National School Lunch Program, one of our nation's most successful social programs, from the factors that led to its creation in 1946 to the current debate over its nutritional standards.

A powerful documentary that captures the stirrings of an environmental movement in China, The Warriors of Qiugang brings to light the incredible efforts of a small village to shut down a chemical plant after years of environmental neglect. It is the third film in a trilogy about the changing face of China, from the filmmakers of The Blood of Yingzhou District and Tongzhi in Love.

In 2002, the mining company Meridian Gold arrived in Esquel, a small town in Argentina suffering from 40% unemployment. Meridian's operation would inject $120M into the local economy, but their methods raised serious environmental and health concerns. This film documents a local conflict with global consequences.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2011, the Peace Corps has inspired generations of young people into service around the world. Directed by one of its early volunteers, this exceptional documentary offers a fascinating first-person account of the organization's founding, early days and lasting influence. It also engenders greater understanding and a much-needed positive appreciation of Africa.