Capturing the Friedmans (2003) 107 min

Documentary on the Friedmans, a seemingly typical, upper-middleclass Jewish family whose world is instantly transformed when the father and his youngest son are arrested and charged with shocking and horrible crimes.

Paris is Burning (1990) 71 min

This film seems to have become the definitive guide to being fabulous in NYC in the early 90's.  Filmed in the late 80's director Jennie Livingston may not have known exactly what she stumbled upon when she witnessed a few "voguers" going at it in a park in the city.  She inquired about their style and was invited to attend a local "ball" in Harlem where gays, lesbians, transgenders and bisexuals alike meet to compete in categories that provide a forum for all to live a fantasy.  Drag queens coming together to compete in categories that go way beyond just voguing or walking the cat walk.  The participants explain that if you can "walk" in a category, such as "Executive Realness", "School Student", "Butch Queen"....with the entire purpose being to appear as your straight counterpart and not give away the fact that you are gay...then you have succeeded.  Paris is Burning is the name of an annual ball hosted by one of the film's subjects, Paris Dupree. Also the number one voguer of the time, Willi Ninja, describes how he would like to take a bunch of voguers to Paris and watch the real Paris burn with envy as they vogue and display what real style and fashion sense is all about. 

Prisoners of Katrina (2006) 59 min

The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, while thousands fled New Orleans, the city's prisoners were trapped. Fresh eye-witness accounts reveal what really happened to those left behind, and how crucial forensic evidence was simply washed away.

God Grew Tired of Us (2006) 89 min

Four boys from Sudan embark on a journey to America after years of wandering Sub-Saharan Africa in search of safety.

Tarnation (2003) 88 min

                 
     Filmmaker Jonathan Caouette's documentary on growing up with his schizophrenic mother -- a mixture of snapshots, Super-8, answering machine messages, video diaries, early short films, and more -- culled from 19 years of his life.  The description of the film vs. what it actually delivers may leave you unfulfilled.  Caouette's first film has been applauded by many and ripped apart by many more.  This can be interpreted as a 90 minute self serving egotistical journey into the mind of a spoiled brat who never really suffered but was pampered by grandparents that felt bad that mommy was never around . 

Dear Zachary - A Letter to his Son about his Father (2008) 95 min

I think every once in awhile someone should tell you nothing about a movie and recommend you see it immediately.   Director Kurt Kuenne's tribute to his deceased friend Andrew Bagby is pretty much all you need to know except that you should prepare yourself for an emotional roller coaster ride that may stay with you for a few days.

Dark Days (2000) 94 min

I sat home looking through lists of documentaries hoping to find something intriguing and stumbled upon Dark Days.  This being the first film from director Marc Singer gave a glimpse into the underground world of a homeless community living in the tunnels of New Yorks' subway system.  The film was honored at Sundance in 2000 with the Freedom of Expression Award, Cinematography Award, and Audience Award.  Singer shows homelessness in it's rawest form, following the main characters as they share their own personal stories of how they wound up in what some would consider the last place on earth to call home.