Documentary of the Week
399 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago - ★★★★ - 15 ratingsTechnology has made non-fiction film easier to make, more available and more popular than ever before. Here, WNYC selects the best documentaries as they come to screens of any size.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
'Uncropped' profiles photographer James Hamilton
April 26, 2024 04:00 - 1 minute - 1.54 MB'Uncropped' profiles the the photographer James Hamilton who has an eclectic career spanning street scenes, celebrity portraits, war coverage and more. Filmmaker D.W. Young crafts the documentary as a love letter to a bygone era of New York journalism.
'Photographic Justice: The Corky Lee Story' profiles a Chinatown hero
April 19, 2024 00:00 - 1 minute - 1.65 MB'Photographic Justice: The Corky Lee Story' profiles the New York photographer who dedicated himself to covering the Asian American community for five decades. Filmmaker Jennifer Takaki chronicles the emergence of Asian American activism through the lens of Lee.
'Kim's Video' is film history as a heist movie
April 05, 2024 04:00 - 1 minute - 1.69 MBFilmmakers Ashley Sabin and David Redmon explore the mystery of what happened to the famous collection of VHS tapes and DVDs from New York's beloved rental store Kim's Video that closed in 2008. The documentary is made with the same outlaw spirit as the original store known for its bootleg editions.
Exploring the career of Paul Simon
March 29, 2024 04:00 - 2 minutes - 1.94 MB'In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon' explores six decades of the musician's career while following him in the studio for the making of his recent album, 'Seven Psalms.' Filmmaker Alex Gibney delivers a wealth of insight into a monumental career.
'Carol Doda Topless at the Condor' profiles a trail blazer
March 22, 2024 04:00 - 1 minute - 1.45 MB'Carol Doda Topless at the Condor' profiles the San Francisco dancer who broke taboos with nude performances starting in 1964. In this documentary from filmmakers Marlo McKenzie and Jonathan Parker, feminist scholars unpack questions of empowerment and exploitation.
'Frida' profiles the Mexican painter in her own words
March 15, 2024 01:00 - 1 minute - 1.75 MB'Frida' profiles the Mexican painter Frida Kahlo by drawing upon her own words from diaries, letters and interviews. Filmmaker Carla Gutierrez taps into a rich archive of visuals and collaborates with Mexican animators to bring movement to Kahlo's autobiographical paintings.
'A Revolution on Canvas' profiles Iranian artists in exile
March 08, 2024 01:00 - 1 minute - 1.66 MB'A Revolution on Canvas' explores the complicated history of Iranian artists Nicky Nodjoumi and Nahid Hagigat who are exiled in the United States. Their daughter Sara Nodjoumi and her co-director Till Schauder revisit hard choices made over art, revolution and family.
'God Save Texas' challenges preconceptions about the state
March 01, 2024 00:00 - 2 minutes - 1.89 MBThe HBO series 'God Save Texas' presents three films bringing fresh perspectives on the state, inspired by the book by Pulitzer Prize winner Lawrence Wright. In the episode 'La Frontera,' filmmaker Iliana Sosa reflects on her hometown of El Paso.
'Breaking the News' follows the journalism team at The 19th*
February 23, 2024 00:00 - 4 minutes - 4.53 MB'Breaking the News' follows the start-up of The 19th*, a non-profit journalism outlet focused on people marginalized by gender and race. The film, streaming from PBS' Independent Lens, captures the organization's successes and internal struggles.
'Island in Between' looks at tensions between Taiwan and China
February 16, 2024 04:00 - 1 minute - 1.72 MBIn 'Island in Between,' filmmaker S. Leo Chiang reflects on geopolitical tensions between Taiwan and China. He takes a personal journey to the Kinmen islands that are on the front lines of conflict between the two countries.
'Bobi Wine: The People's President' follows a pop star turned politician
February 09, 2024 04:00 - 1 minute - 1.81 MB'Bobi Wine: The People's President' follows a Ugandan pop star who enters politics to oppose the authoritarian regime that's held power for over three decades. The Oscar-nominated film covers several tumultuous years as Bobi Wine and his wife Barbie stand up to violence and intimidation.
'The ABCs of Book Banning' listens to students
February 02, 2024 04:00 - 4 minutes - 3.84 MB'The ABCs of Book Banning' gives a platform to grade school students and others to reflect on what it means when titles are pulled off their library shelves. Filmmaker Sheila Nevins, a longtime executive at HBO and MTV, makes her directorial debut with this film that's nominated for an Oscar in the category of Short Documentary.
Covering Ukraine in '20 Days in Mariupol'
December 08, 2023 17:53 - 1 minute - 1.81 MB'20 Days in Mariupol' follows Associated Press cameraman Mstyslav Chernov in the Ukrainian city that was on the front lines of Russia's invasion. When most of the press corps pulled out of the city, Chernov stayed behind to capture footage. He won the Pulitzer Prize for his coverage.
'Deciding Vote' on legalizing abortion
December 01, 2023 13:58 - 1 minute - 1.67 MBThe short documentary 'Deciding Vote' looks back to 1970 when legalizing abortion in New York State hinged upon one assemblyman, George Michaels. Filmmakers Jeremy Workman and Rob Lyons explore what it took for Michaels to cast a vote that he'd knew would end his political career.
'The Disappearance of Shere Hite' profiles the controversial sex researcher
November 17, 2023 04:00 - 1 minute - 1.59 MB'The Disappearance of Shere Hite' explores the rise and fall of the sex researcher who emerged in the 1970s with best-selling books then faded into obscurity. Filmmaker Nicole Newnham draws upon a vast archive of footage and enlists Dakota Johnson to read from Hite's writing.
Liv Ullmann in person at the DOC NYC festival
November 10, 2023 04:00 - 1 minute - 1.74 MB'Liv Ullmann: A Road Less Travelled' profiles the actress-director-writer who will appear in person for the film's U.S. premiere at the DOC NYC festival on November 12. The film explores her journey as a storyteller and an activist for refugees.
'Another Body' explores deepfake pornography
November 03, 2023 04:00 - 1 minute - 1.8 MB'Another Body' explores the rising cases of non-consensual deepfake technology used in pornography, whereby an unsuspecting woman's face is digitally edited into explicit content. The film follows a college student who investigates her own victimization when she can't find justice from police.
'The Pigeon Tunnel' profiles John le Carré
October 27, 2023 04:00 - 2 minutes - 1.84 MBFilmmaker Errol Morris profiles the renowned spy novelist David Cornwell - better known as John le Carré - in the documentary 'The Pigeon Tunnel,' based on the author's memoir. Cornwell describes this interview as 'definitive.' It would the final one he gave before his death in 2020 at age 89.
'Silver Dollar Road' tells a story of Black resistance
October 20, 2023 04:00 - 2 minutes - 2.51 MB'Silver Dollar Road,' based on reporting by ProPublica and The New Yorker, explores the story of the Reels family who fought developers to retain their inherited property in North Carolina. Director Raoul Peck ('I Am Not Your Negro') highlights the strength of the Reels' resistance to intimidation and legal pressure.
'Reality Winner' profiles a whistleblower
October 13, 2023 04:00 - 1 minute - 1.72 MB'Reality Winner' profiles the whistle-blower who leaked a secret NSA report about Russian attempts to interfere with the U.S. election. Filmmaker Sonia Kennebeck interviews Edward Snowden and other whistleblowers to explore the legal, political and psychological dimensions of the case.
'Joan Baez: I Am a Noise' is a road trip through history
October 06, 2023 04:00 - 1 minute - 1.55 MB'Joan Baez: I Am a Noise' profiles the folk singer whose career was intertwined with the civil rights and non-violence movements. The film follows her on tour at age 79 as she looks back on the relationships and politics that shaped her.
Intersex people speak their truth in "Every Body"
September 29, 2023 08:00 - 1 minute - 1.55 MB"Every Body" explores the history, science and politics of people who were born with reproductive anatomy that doesn't easily fit the categories of male or female. Filmmaker Julie Cohen profiles three people who went public with their stories.
"26.2 to Life" explores a prison marathon
September 22, 2023 08:00 - 1 minute - 1.79 MB"26.2 to Life" follows inmates at California's San Quentin prison as they train and compete for a marathon. Filmmaker Christine Yoo explores how each prisoner strives for their personal best, seeking different forms of redemption.
"The League" remembers a lost era of baseball
August 25, 2023 08:00 - 1 minute - 1.59 MB"The League" is a vibrant history of baseball's Negro leagues that rose up in the Jim Crow era and pushed the game in new directions. Filmmaker Sam Pollard ("MLK/FBI") covers legendary players such as Satchel Paige as well as behind the scenes figures such as Newark's club co-owner Effa Manley.
"The League" remembers a lost era of baseball
August 25, 2023 08:00 - 1 minute - 1.57 MB"The League" is a vibrant history of baseball's Negro leagues that rose up in the Jim Crow era and pushed the game in new directions. Filmmaker Sam Pollard ("MLK/FBI") covers legendary players such as Satchel Paige as well as behind the scenes figures such as Newark's club co-owner Effa Manley.
Going to court over climate change in "Youth v Gov"
August 18, 2023 08:00 - 1 minute - 1.77 MB"Youth v Gov" follows young people suing the United State government to address the climate crisis. The film shows the depth of a larger activist movement that won a victory this past week in Montana's courts.
Going to court over climate change in "Youth v Gov"
August 18, 2023 08:00 - 1 minute - 1.77 MB"Youth v Gov" follows young people suing the United State government to address the climate crisis. The film shows the depth of a larger activist movement that won a victory this past week in Montana's courts.
"Stephen Curry: Underrated" profiles the early days of the NBA All-Star
August 11, 2023 08:00 - 1 minute - 1.62 MB"Stephen Curry: Underrated" tells the origin story of the NBA All-Star from his college days at Davidson College when he grabbed the attention of fans with a series of March Madness upsets. Filmmaker Peter Nicks weaves that history together with Curry's storybook run at the NBA finals in 2022.
"Stephen Curry: Underrated" profiles the early days of the NBA All-Star
August 11, 2023 08:00 - 1 minute - 1.63 MB"Stephen Curry: Underrated" tells the origin story of the NBA All-Star from his college days at Davidson College when he grabbed the attention of fans with a series of March Madness upsets. Filmmaker Peter Nicks weaves that history together with Curry's storybook run at the NBA finals in 2022.
"Kokomo City" gives sex workers a safe space
July 28, 2023 08:00 - 1 minute - 1.71 MBSundance Film Festival prize winner "Kokomo City" is sexy, sassy and surprising in its portrait of four transgender sex workers. Hip-hop producer turned filmmaker D. Smith brings tremendous vitality to celebrating these lives in language that's mostly too raw for public radio.
"Kokomo City" gives sex workers a safe space
July 28, 2023 08:00 - 1 minute - 1.71 MBSundance Film Festival prize winner "Kokomo City" is sexy, sassy and surprising in its portrait of four transgender sex workers. Hip-hop producer turned filmmaker D. Smith brings tremendous vitality to celebrating these lives in language that's mostly too raw for public radio.
"While We Watched" profiles Indian journalist Ravish Kumar
July 21, 2023 08:00 - 1 minute - 1.66 MB"While We Watched" profiles India's TV news anchor Ravish Kumar as he faces death threats and other pressures while trying to practice journalism in an age of rising extremism. The film, directed by Vinay Shukla, has won multiple festival awards.
"While We Watched" profiles Indian journalist Ravish Kumar
July 21, 2023 08:00 - 1 minute - 1.66 MB"While We Watched" profiles India's TV news anchor Ravish Kumar as he faces death threats and other pressures while trying to practice journalism in an age of rising extremism. The film, directed by Vinay Shukla, has won multiple festival awards.
"Casa Susanna" reveals a hidden transgender history
June 30, 2023 08:00 - 1 minute - 1.72 MB"Casa Susanna" reflects on a haven for transgender expression in the Catskills that was kept secret for decades. French filmmaker Sébastien Lifshitz profiles four people whose lives were profoundly intertwined with this history.
"Casa Susanna" reveals a hidden transgender history
June 30, 2023 08:00 - 1 minute - 1.73 MB"Casa Susanna" reflects on a haven for transgender expression in the Catskills that was kept secret for decades. French filmmaker Sébastien Lifshitz profiles four people whose lives were profoundly intertwined with this history.
"The Stroll" honors a sisterhood of sex workers
June 23, 2023 08:00 - 1 minute - 1.81 MB"The Stroll" explores the history of transgender sex workers who worked the streets of New York's Meatpacking District before the neighborhood's gentrification. Directors Kristen Lovell and Zackary Drucker document the intense pressures, but also the activism, sisterhood and self-empowerment in the community.
"The Stroll" honors a sisterhood of sex workers
June 23, 2023 08:00 - 1 minute - 1.8 MB"The Stroll" explores the history of transgender sex workers who worked the streets of New York's Meatpacking District before the neighborhood's gentrification. Directors Kristen Lovell and Zackary Drucker document the intense pressures, but also the activism, sisterhood and self-empowerment in the community.
When the police don't believe victims
June 16, 2023 08:00 - 1 minute - 1.57 MB"Victim/Suspect" follows reporter Rae de Leon as she investigates a pattern of cases where women reported sexual assault only to be accused by police of lying. Filmmaker Nancy Schwartzman explores the underlying biases behind this trend.
When the police don't believe victims
June 16, 2023 08:00 - 1 minute - 1.58 MB"Victim/Suspect" follows reporter Rae de Leon as she investigates a pattern of cases where women reported sexual assault only to be accused by police of lying. Filmmaker Nancy Schwartzman explores the underlying biases behind this trend.
John Leguizamo does America
June 09, 2023 08:00 - 2 minutes - 1.89 MBThe actor, John Leguizamo takes a road trip to Latin American communities across the country in, "Leguizamo Does America." He engages prominent locals in lively conversations about their history, food, music and culture.
John Leguizamo does America
June 09, 2023 08:00 - 2 minutes - 1.9 MBThe actor, John Leguizamo takes a road trip to Latin American communities across the country in, "Leguizamo Does America." He engages prominent locals in lively conversations about their history, food, music and culture.
"After Sherman" reflects on Black Americans returning to the South
June 02, 2023 08:00 - 2 minutes - 1.85 MBNew York based-filmmaker Jon-Sesrie Goff traces his family's roots in the Gullah community of South Carolina in "After Sherman," a title evoking the Civil War general. The film is more poetic than didactic as it connects the past to the present.
"After Sherman" reflects on Black Americans returning to the South
June 02, 2023 08:00 - 2 minutes - 1.85 MBNew York based-filmmaker Jon-Sesrie Goff traces his family's roots in the Gullah community of South Carolina in "After Sherman," a title evoking the Civil War general. The film is more poetic than didactic as it connects the past to the present.
The real Mary Tyler Moore
May 26, 2023 08:00 - 1 minute - 1.54 MB"Being Mary Tyler Moore" explores how the actress compared and contrasted in real life to the characters she portrayed. Director James Adolphus chronicles how Moore was constantly evolving.
The real Mary Tyler Moore
May 26, 2023 08:00 - 1 minute - 1.54 MB"Being Mary Tyler Moore" explores how the actress compared and contrasted in real life to the characters she portrayed. Director James Adolphus chronicles how Moore was constantly evolving.
"Love to Love You, Donna Summer" profiles the disco queen
May 19, 2023 08:00 - 1 minute"Love to Love You, Donna Summer" explores the life of the disco hit maker and her complicated experiences with sex and religion. Her daughter Brooklyn Sudano co-directs with Oscar-winner Roger Ross Williams.
Conversations with kids in "1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed"
May 12, 2023 08:00 - 1 minute - 1.8 MBIn "1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed," Director W. Kamau Bell interviews mixed race people across three generations to understand their challenges and insights. The film is an opportunity to listen and learn.
Conversations with kids in "1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed"
May 12, 2023 08:00 - 1 minute - 1.8 MBIn "1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed," Director W. Kamau Bell interviews mixed race people across three generations to understand their challenges and insights. The film is an opportunity to listen and learn.
Exploring audio in "32 Sounds"
April 28, 2023 08:00 - 2 minutes - 1.85 MB"32 Sounds" is a documentary essay that enlists composers, scientists, Hollywood effects specialists and others to contemplate how we listen. Filmmaker Sam Green has created an interactive experience best experienced in a movie theater.
Exploring audio in "32 Sounds"
April 28, 2023 08:00 - 2 minutes - 1.85 MB"32 Sounds" is a documentary essay that enlists composers, scientists, Hollywood effects specialists and others to contemplate how we listen. Filmmaker Sam Green has created an interactive experience best experienced in a movie theater.