James Beard Winner Eric Wolfinger’s Doc Short “Blessed by Grace” Spotlights Chef Lisa Dahl, Expands Festival Run

Posted on September 15, 2025 by admin

James Beard Award-winning photographer Eric Wolfinger’s short documentary Blessed by Grace is set to screen at a number of festivals throughout 2025 following its award-winning debut.

The film, which tells the story of Sedona chef and restaurateur Lisa Dahl, premiered at the Sedona International Film Festival in March and has since won the Indiana Spotlight Award and Audience Choice Award at Indy Shorts. Upcoming stops include the Newport Beach Film Festival, Burning Man’s Playa Film Festival, the Cordillera Film Festival in Reno, and the Heartland Film Festival in Indianapolis.

Blessed by Grace traces Dahl’s personal and professional journey after the tragic loss of her son, Justin, in the 1990s. Channeling grief into her culinary career, she went on to build the Dahl Restaurant Group, now operating six acclaimed restaurants in Northern Arizona and employing more than 300 people.

The film highlights Dahl’s resilience, spirituality, and impact on the culinary world, while also capturing her broader philanthropic initiatives.

Barry Avrich Doc The Road Between Us Sets October Release After TIFF Premiere

Posted on September 11, 2025 by admin

Barry Avrich’s latest documentary, The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue, will open in more than 125 theaters across North America on October 3 following its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The film recounts the extraordinary true story of retired Israeli general Noam Tibon, who on October 7, 2023, drove across a country under attack to rescue his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren from terrorists. Blending firsthand testimony with tense, thriller-like pacing, the film retraces Tibon’s 10-hour mission through ambushes and roadblocks on one of Israel’s darkest days.

The TIFF premiere at Roy Thomson Hall received multiple standing ovations, with Avrich, producer Mark Selby, and Tibon himself participating in a post-screening Q&A. The release is backed by The Impact Series, which supports social-issue films aimed at sparking awareness and conversation.

Distributed by Forston Consulting in the U.S. and Cineplex Pictures in Canada, The Road Between Us opens October 3.

“The Art of Adventure” Doc on Robert Bateman to World Premiere at Vancouver International Film Festival

Posted on September 2, 2025 by admin

Alison Reid’s new documentary The Art of Adventure will make its world premiere at the 2025 Vancouver International Film Festival. The feature follows acclaimed Canadian wildlife painter Robert Bateman and biologist Bristol Foster, revisiting their 1957 global expedition and decades of work at the intersection of art and environmental activism.

Screenings are set for October 5 at the Vancouver Playhouse and October 7 at the Granville Island Stage, with Reid, Bateman, and Foster scheduled to attend.

The film traces Bateman and Foster’s early journey in their Land Rover, “The Grizzly Torque,” across Africa and Asia, weaving in Bristol’s original 16mm footage and Bateman’s paintings. It also explores their lasting impact as artists, naturalists, and advocates for conservation.

The Art of Adventure is directed and produced by Reid, whose credits include The Woman Who Loves Giraffes. The film also features appearances by Wade Davis, David Suzuki, Guujaaw, Briony Penn, and others.

Documentary Highlights Wildlife and Water Challenges in the American Southwest

Posted on August 7, 2025 by admin

The official trailer has been released for The American Southwest, a visually rich documentary from Fin and Fur Films and NativesOutdoors, narrated by climate advocate and model Quannah ChasingHorse. The film takes audiences on a journey along the Colorado River, capturing the landscapes, wildlife, and human connections that define the region, while addressing urgent challenges like water scarcity, habitat loss, and climate change.

Directed by Ben Masters (The River and the Wall, Deep in the Heart), the documentary follows the river from its headwaters to its delta, featuring species such as beavers, elk, and jaguars alongside the stories of those who have lived with and stewarded the river for generations. The project was developed in collaboration with NativesOutdoors and producer Len Necefer, Ph.D., ensuring cultural and ecological perspectives are central to the narrative.

The film opens September 5, 2025, in both commercial and independent theaters across Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, California, Texas, and Colorado. Select screenings will include community events, educational programs, and Q&As with conservationists and Indigenous leaders. A digital release will follow later in the fall.

Hayley Morin’s “Under the Arbor” to Premiere on CBC This August

Posted on July 30, 2025 by admin

The new feature documentary Under the Arbor, from Cree filmmaker Hayley Morin, is set to make its national debut on CBC Gem on August 15, followed by a broadcast premiere on CBC Television on August 16 in Alberta, British Columbia, and the North.

Filmed across Treaty 6 territory over a single powwow season, the documentary offers an immersive and celebratory look at the people and traditions that define the contemporary powwow circuit. Through dancers, drummers, and families, Under the Arbor explores Indigenous identity, generational knowledge, and the joy of gathering—both in the arena and behind the scenes.

Featuring music from Juno Award-winner Fawn Wood and Grammy-nominated Cree Confederation, the film blends cultural expression with striking visuals and heartfelt storytelling. A Cree-language version will also be made available on CBC Gem.

Morin, known for Joe Buffalo and Smudge the Blades, makes her feature directorial debut with the project, which was shot on location in Enoch, Samson, and Tsuu’tina Nations. The film was produced by Hayley Morin Productions and Sentio Films, with support from CBC and several Canadian arts and media organizations.

Josh Brolin-Narrated Supercross Documentary “Pay Dirt” Set for Digital Release

Posted on July 11, 2025 by admin

The documentary Pay Dirt: The Story of Supercross, narrated by actor Josh Brolin, will be available globally on digital and TVOD platforms beginning July 18, 2025. The film examines the history and evolution of Supercross, a sport that emerged in the 1970s and has since grown into one of the more intense and physically demanding motorsports.

Directed by Emmy winner Paul Taublieb, Pay Dirt combines archival footage, contemporary cinematography, and interviews with prominent Supercross figures, including Hall of Famers Jeremy McGrath, Bob Hannah, Ricky Johnson, and Ricky Carmichael. The film also explores the complex figure of Michael Goodwin, who played a key role in popularizing the sport and is now serving a life sentence for murder.

The documentary had its theatrical debut in January 2025 and was previously screened at the Anaheim One Supercross season opener. It is produced by Taublieb Films with support from Monkey Wrench Films, in association with various motorsports stakeholders. A portion of the project’s theatrical campaign benefited the Road 2 Recovery foundation, which supports injured athletes within the sport.

Pay Dirt: The Story of Supercross will be available to rent or purchase on Apple TV and other digital platforms.

Grateful Dead Movie to Screen in IMAX for One-Night Early Access Event

Posted on June 26, 2025 by admin

IMAX Presents: The Grateful Dead Movie 2025
TIFF

The Grateful Dead Movie will return to theaters this summer as part of the 2025 edition of “Meet-Up At The Movies,” with early screenings in IMAX on August 13 and a general release on August 14.

Originally released in 1977 and co-directed by Jerry Garcia and Leon Gast, the film documents the band’s five-night run at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom in 1974. It includes live performances, behind-the-scenes footage, animation, and rare moments focused on the Grateful Dead’s devoted fan base.

This marks the first time the film will be presented in IMAX, with newly remastered sound and picture. An exclusive bonus performance of “China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider” will be shown in theaters following the film.

The Grateful Dead Movie is presented by Rhino Entertainment and Trafalgar Releasing.

“Failure” Documentary “Every Time You Lose Your Mind” Premieres June 27 on Hulu

Posted on June 20, 2025 by admin

“Every Time You Lose Your Mind”, a decade-in-the-making documentary about the influential Los Angeles band Failure, will stream on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ beginning June 27.

Directed by frontman Ken Andrews, the film chronicles the band’s formation, 1990s collapse, and unlikely resurgence, with candid interviews from Hayley Williams, Jason Schwartzman, David Dastmalchian, Margaret Cho, Steve Albini, Butch Vig, Rick Beato, and more.

The film premieres in Los Angeles on June 26 at the Harmony Gold Theater, featuring a rare acoustic set by the band.

Failure’s impact spans decades, best known for their 1996 cult classic Fantastic Planet. The band reunited in 2015 and continues to influence new generations of musicians.

Disability Rights Doc “Life After” Opens July 18 at Film Forum

Posted on June 17, 2025 by admin

Life After, the Sundance-winning documentary by disabled filmmaker Reid Davenport, will open theatrically in the U.S. on July 18 at Film Forum.

The film investigates the case of Elizabeth Bouvia, a disabled woman whose 1983 legal battle to die sparked national debate. Through archival footage and contemporary stories, Life After challenges prevailing narratives around assisted dying, reframing the issue through a disability rights lens.

Winner of the U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, Life After is produced by Multitude Films and will feature post-screening Q&As with Davenport and producer Colleen Cassingham on opening weekend.

ASL interpretation will be provided.

The Salmon’s Call to Premiere on Knowledge Network

Posted on June 12, 2025 by admin

The Salmon’s Call, a new documentary by Dakelh filmmaker Joy Haskell, will premiere on Knowledge Network this June during Indigenous People’s History Month. It will stream online starting June 17 and air nationally on June 24 at 9:00 p.m. PT.

The film explores the deep connection between wild salmon and Indigenous communities in British Columbia. It follows a journey from the coast to Stuart Lake, sharing stories from elders, youth, and artists.

Themes include cultural traditions, environmental threats from fish farming, and the future of salmon conservation. The documentary highlights salmon as a symbol of resilience and renewal. It also underscores the role of Indigenous knowledge in shaping sustainable ecological practices.

Produced by Firediva Productions and Cedar Island Films, the film was supported by Knowledge Network, Canada Media Fund, Creative BC, and the Indigenous Screen Office.