We Love Documentaries. Here Are Ten For Summer.

By Erica and Karen

We are always on the lookout for good documentaries. Here are some we have enjoyed, that have taught us something important, or both: 

• Mike Wallace is Here. This documentary is not new (2019) but it is a fascinating replay of Wallace’s triumphs, tribulations and failures, as well as a thoughtful analysis of the beginnings of the changes in broadcast news to where we are now. 

• Stax: Soulsville U.S.A. A small studio in Memphis, owned by a white brother and sister, becomes the home for iconic black musicians such as Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding and their mixed race back up band. Not only will the music make you dance and bring back memories, but the story of the ups and downs of the studio, of soul music, and of the civil rights movement, told in four parts, is compelling. 

• Diane von Fustenberg: Woman in Charge. We can’t wait for the release of this series this month about the amazing, fascinating, wild, crazy and still relevant woman who created the dress that defined our generation.

• For Love & Life: No Ordinary Campaign. The story of Brian Wallach, diagnosed with ALS in his 30’s, and his wife, who together changed the course of the disease, is one of sadness, frustration, unfathomable courage and hope. You will shed tears, you will be in awe. It is hard to watch at times, but important. 

• Hitler and The Nazis: Evil on Trial. Apparently aimed at younger audiences who are not familiar with the history of the Second World War, the docuseries is a fairly terrifying exposition, through archival data and reenactments, of how Hitler came to be and what he and his followers did, with a focus on the Nuremberg trials.

• The Greatest Night In Pop. Remember when, in 1985, a lot of really famous musicians got together to record We Are The World for famine relief in Africa? What a great idea.

• Country Music: A Film By Ken Burns. An absorbing and entertaining series about this most American art form. The music, the stories, the characters. Fantastic.

• The League. The story of the Black baseball leagues and their iconic players—Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, and on and on, and the challenges they faced while playing brilliant ball.

• Shake These Bones. A wonderful film about Gibney Dance, a New York company founded and run by Gina Gibney. Filming started just before Covid, and ended with a triumphant debut at The Joyce Theater, New York’s premier dance locale. The film may not easily be found quite yet, but when it becomes available, put your dancing shoes on and watch.

• Following Harry. Another one to seek out, and hopefully streaming soon. All about Harry Belafonte, one of our heroes.