Democracy News

STREET SMART: Lessons from a TV Icon

STREET SMART: LESSONS FROM A TV ICON is a feature documentary about Sonia Manzano — known to millions as “Maria” from SESAME STREET. The film follows Sonia’s remarkable journey, from a young girl in the South Bronx finding refuge in television, to becoming the first Latina on American TV in a regular role, through 44 years on screen on SESAME STREET, and now as a creator of ALMA'S WAY. Featuring interviews with luminaries, original animation, and scripted scenes that blend humor and heart, this inspirational documentary invites viewers to learn once again from this beloved icon.

A Farra do Circo

This documentary highlights the evolution of Brazil's Circo Voador venue from homespun artists' performance space to national cultural institution.

Something like Hyde Park

In the weeks and months surrounding the overthrowing of Bulgaria's socialist dictatorship, the public's taste for democratic discussion begs to be sated. Kiryakov's camera walks through Sofia's South Park as it turns into a hotbed for ideological debate and picketing, where citizens from all walks of life share their hopes despite the winter weather.

Felicidad

A gardener working at a resort on the island of La Palma decides to go to the top of the volcano to plant a garden amidst the ruins. Meanwhile, a young girl vacationing at the same hotel feels bored, reflects on utopia, and searches for happiness.

The Last Republican

A fan of Hot Tub Time Machine, Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger invites the left-wing Hollywood director Steve Pink to follow his efforts to hold Donald Trump accountable for the January 6 insurrection.

Yes I Am: The Ric Weiland Story

This 2024 GLAAD Media Award ​winning film explores Ric ​Weiland’s journey as both a ​trailblazer in the tech world and a ​quiet, yet transformative ​philanthropist. His founding of Microsoft with Bill Gates & Paul Allen, ​generosity, and determination ​continue to inspire a new ​generation of activists. This ​documentary is a tribute to his ​life’s mission to make the world a ​more inclusive and truly better ​place for everyone.

Antarctica

Scientists live and research in Antarctica, facing isolation and harsh conditions. They study climate change, glaciers, and wildlife while maintaining Ukraine's presence on the continent.

Carol Doda Topless at the Condor

On a fateful San Francisco night in the early '60s, Condor nightclub performer Carol Doda was lowered to the stage on a floating piano, topless. Word spread quickly, setting off a wave of controversy and delight, with raids soon to follow. There was even a trial for the new celebrity. Doda's dry wit and charisma made her an instant sensation of the night club scene: an empowered woman in full control. Or so it seemed.

The Road to the Four-Way Champions

Only Saprissa could do it: four back-to-back titles. Get inside the locker room, and relive the amazing games, goodbyes, reunions, and the best fandom in all of Central America.

Full Circle

Faced with a traumatic injury that renders you permanently disabled; how would you reinvent yourself? Full Circle tells the story of Trevor Kennison and Barry Corbet’s shared resiliency and refusal to let their passion for life be limited by Spinal Cord Injury. It is an unblinking examination of the challenges of Spinal Cord Injury, and a celebration of the growth that such tragedy can catalyze.

UnCharitable

After three of the most dynamic and successful U.S. charities were shut down by conservative charity watchdogs, destroying lives and cutting off precious resources, many of the top influencers in the field knew something had to be done to overhaul the nonprofit sector. Led by Dan Pallotta, whose record-breaking TED Talk on the subject has inspired leading philanthropists and changemakers, this feature-length documentary directed by Stephen Gyllenhaal exposes the dark side of philanthropy and introduces a radical new way of giving. In a powerful call to action, Uncharitable demands that charities be freed from the traditional sackcloth-and-ashes constraints, so that they can truly change the world.

Italian Wings Over the Skies of Brazil

On an expedition through Latin America, Italian General Italo Balbo made the Atlantic crossing with his seaplane squadron, which left Boloma, entered Brazilian territory via Natal and now ended its journey in the capital Rio de Janeiro. Arrival of the fascist squadron at Enseada de Botafogo. People, many in boats, applaud the descent of the seaplanes. A group of officers searches the soldiers in profile. Italo Balbo, Ambassador Vittorio Cerrutti and Royal Consul Onorevole Mammalella watch the parade of troops. A group of officers with Col. Magdalena, "the intrepid hero of several aerial feats". At the Catete Palace, Balbo and Cerrutti are received by the President of the Provisional Government, Getúlio Vargas, and his ministers. The Italian delegation leaves the Catete Palace.

Cien Años del Padre Negro en Atacama

The diary

A visual story that captures the essence of the Giffoni Film Festival, described by François Truffaut as “the most necessary of festivals.” It is not a simple documentary, but an emotional diary that mixes daily observations with creative narration. It is an intimate and collective look at Giffoni, a place that every summer is transformed into a small cinema town, inhabited by real emotions and personal visions. A tribute to cinema as a tool for growth and to a festival that manages to give a voice to those who, through cinema, seek to better understand themselves and the world.

TMZ No BS: Cardi B

How Cardi B became a household name and a legend in her own time.

RM: Right People, Wrong Place

Chronicles artist RM's eight-month production of his second solo album, “Right Place, Wrong Person,” while candidly recording the endless concerns of the person Kim Namjoon, and the things he immerses himself in and loves.

Seventeen Project: Debut Big Plan

The group Seventeen has found all its members already, but they have been training without having been able to debut yet. They are asked to complete a set of missions in order to gain the right to have a one hour long live debut broadcast as the goal of the reality show.

Has Heart

HAS HEART is an intimate and inspiring documentary capturing the emotional journey of U.S. Navy veteran Michael Hyacinthe and artist Tyler Way, who unite to transform veterans' experiences through the power of art. After serving in conflict zones and experiencing personal loss and trauma, Michael grapples with his own sense of identity and purpose. He finds new meaning by collaborating with Tyler, a talented footwear designer, to create a unique space where veterans can express their untold stories through art and design.

Brené Brown: The Call to Courage

Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. She has spent more than a decade studying vulnerability, courage, authenticity and shame. With two TED talks under her belt, Brené Brown brings her humor and empathy to Netflix to discuss what it takes to choose courage over comfort in a culture defined by scarcity, fear and uncertainty.