This Week In Documentary
Theatrical & Streaming Releases - New & Recommended - June 28-July 4, 2024
Welcome to the end of June and the start of July. You know what the start of a new month means: a lot more documentaries to watch, mainly on The Criterion Channel. Sadly, not enough other streamers are adding docs to their lineup changes. Anyway, with the start of July comes Independence Day. What documentaries should you put on the outdoor TV while you grill and celebrate your freedom? I recommend Tracy Droz Tragos and Andrew Droz Palermo’s Rich Hill (now streaming on Tubi and Pluto TV), which features a Fourth of July parade.
The week is relatively short on anniversaries and filmmaker birthdays, but July 4 is the 10th anniversary of the theatrical release of Steve James’s documentary about Roger Ebert, Life Itself (Prime Video, Tubi, Kanopy, and Crackle). On Saturday, June 29, we honor National Film Board director Pierre Perrault, who was born on that date in 1927. He’s one of the filmmakers spotlighted in our Québec Cinéma Direct Primer for having co-directed the classics Pour la Suite du Monde and Acadia Acadia?!?, plus Ka Ke Ki Ku, Attiuk, Canadian Diamonds, and Winter Crossing at L'Isle-Aux-Coudres, all of which are available to stream free on the NFB website. He also directed The Shimmering Beast, which is available on the NFB site and Filmzie.
Now, without further ado, here are this week’s highlights, listings, and coming attractions, including our Pick of the Week. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to receive more highlights and reviews.
Nonfics Pick Of The Week: Hummingbirds(2024)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F90543518-806b-486b-93c2-ff2cebc6cfed_2880x1206.jpeg)
Hummingbirds was one of our highlights last week, but I didn’t choose the film as our Pick of the Week because it was limited in its availability. Now that it’s arriving on TV and streaming for free, Hummingbirds gets an upgrade. Plus, I still keep thinking about it, and I’m looking forward to watching it again this week when it airs. As I noted last week, it’s hard not to love Silvia Del Carmen Castaños and Estefanía “Beba” Contreras, who are two of the film’s directors and the two main characters on screen. Their spark and charisma, their friendship together, and the issues they address while going about their young lives in Laredo are wonderful to witness.
Hummingbirds makes its broadcast debut on PBS on Monday, July 1, as an episode of POV and then begins streaming free on the PBS website and app.
Other Documentary Highlights
32 Sounds (2022) & Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus (2023)
Prepare your ears for some amazing documentaries exclusively hitting the same streaming service this week. Sam Green’s 32 Sounds, which tied for the top award at this year’s Cinema Eye Honors, examines the phenomenon of sound and its various traits and powers. It’s filled with such curiosity and discovery that you must give it a look and, of course, listen. Then there’s Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus, which is directed by the late composer’s son, Neo Sora. It’s a kind of concert film without an audience (save for the one watching the documentary), a record of the then-dying Sakamoto’s last public performance, and a goodbye to his fans. As I wrote about it in my review, “Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus is designed to showcase the music with a lot of attention on the performance, both of which speak for themselves.”
32 Sounds and Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus both begin streaming exclusively on The Criterion Channel on Monday, July 1. Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus also streams live on the service beforehand on Sunday, June 30.
Confessions of a Good Samaritan (2023)
Penny Lane, director of Nuts! and Listening to Kenny G, decided to donate one of her kidneys to a stranger. Then, she took that selfless act and she made a documentary about it, which would seem to be the most self-serving idea. But the irony isn’t lost on her. Lane is too smart, overthoughtful, and self-aware to let that pass her by. She sits down as a “talking head” in her own film and ponders things in real-time, working through what she’s doing and meaning with the doc as she’s making it. Good Samaritan is about altruism and it’s also about selfishness. The documentary isn’t necessarily about Lane giving away a kidney. It’s about Lane thinking and doubting and fearing and being ultimately somewhat disappointed by the idea of giving away a kidney, and her honesty and candidness through it all are as admirable as the deed itself.
Confessions of a Good Samaritan opens theatrically in New York City and Portland on Friday, June 28. For future dates and locations, visit the Sandbox Films website.
Another great Penny Lane film, Hail Satan?, is also hitting an additional streaming service this week, so look for that in our listings below.
Les Blank Documentaries
Everyone should often be watching Les Blank documentaries. Most of them are full of joy and love for whatever they’re about, whether it’s zydeco music, cajun food, beer, garlic, gap-toothed women, or Werner Herzog eating his own shoe. We’ve celebrated his love of food. We’ve recommended the Criterion box set Les Blank: Always for Pleasure. Now it’s time to highlight some of his lesser-known documentaries. Many of Les Blank’s films have been on The Criterion Channel for a long time. That makes sense since some of them are available on disc from the Criterion Collection. Now their streaming service has added 11 shorts and features to their Les Blank collection. Among them are recent delights such as All in This Tea and How to Smell a Rose: A Visit with Ricky Leacock at His Farm in Normandy, but they go back to the ‘60s with the jazz music doc Dizzy Gillespie. All of these additions were only previously available on Kanopy, and they deserve to be with the rest of Criterion’s bunch.
Majority Rules (2024)
Another political documentary for this big year for American politics, Majority Rules is a very special entry into the fold as it’s the latest film from Caucus director AJ Schnack. He had taken a break from political docs, but they pulled him back in for a look at the revolutionary idea of ranked voting in government elections. The film explains the process very well thanks to narration by Schnack, and it shows a successful example by following the 2022 congressional race in Alaska. While the subject of the film is a bipartisan matter anyway, Schnack’s usual impartiality helps to make this a must-watch for viewers of all political leanings.
Majority Rules will be released in theaters beginning on Friday, June 28. Find additional dates and locations on the film’s website.
I recommend pairing Majority Rules with the gerrymandering documentary Slay the Dragon, which is currently streaming on Prime Video, Tubi, and Kanopy.
SOMM: Cup of Salvation (2023)
The wine-focused SOMM franchise is not only still going strong, but the latest installment, SOMM: Cup of Salvation, just won the 2024 James Beard Award for Visual Media — Long Form. This fourth SOMM film explores the relations between wine and human history, diplomacy, and religion while following a father and daughter making wine in Armenia, some of it from grapes smuggled in from Iran. I’ve never watched any of the SOMM documentaries as I’m not interested in wine (I know, this is a terrible excuse for not watching any docs), but this one seems much different and I’m a lot more intrigued by the global scope and historical depth of its story. This may be the best gateway into the franchise for the rest of us.
SOMM: Cup of Salvation will be released in theaters and on VOD on Friday, June 28.
You can find the other SOMM films on various streaming services. SOMM is on Peacock, Kanopy, Tubi, and Pluto TV. SOMM: Into the Bottle is on Kanopy, Tubi, and Pluto TV. SOMM III is on Prime Video, Kanopy, Tubi, and Pluto TV. All of the films are also, of course, available on the franchise-centered service SOMM TV.
Documentary Release Calendar 6/28/24 - 7/4/24
Friday, June 28, 2024
Confessions of a Good Samaritan (2023) - A feature documentary directed by Penny Lane (Nuts!) about her decision to donate a kidney to a stranger. (In Theaters)
The Conqueror: Hollywood Fallout (2023) - A feature documentary about the multi-level disaster of the John Wayne movie The Conqueror. (In Theaters)
Glimpses of Austria (1938) - A short documentary installment of James A. FitzPatrick’s TravelTalks travelogue franchise that explores Austria before its alignment with Nazi Germany. (TCM)
How to Come Alive with Norman Mailer (2024) - A feature documentary about the titular author. (In Theaters)
Majority Rules (2024) - A feature documentary directed by AJ Schnack (Caucus) about Alaska’s change to ranked voting ballots. (In Theaters)
MGM Parade Show #13 (1955) - This installment of the Hollywood-focused docuseries showcases the MGM films The Great Waltz and I’ll Cry Tomorrow. (TCM)
The Proof is Out There: Alien Edition Season 1 - A new UFO-focused spinoff of the docuseries investigating mysteries of the unknown. (History)
Revival69: The Concert That Rocked the World (2022) - A documentary about the 1969 Toronto Rock and Roll Revival music festival featuring John Lennon, Yoko Ono, The Doors, Little Richard, and more. (In Theaters and VOD)
Roots of Comedy with Jesus Trejo Episodes 3 & 4: “Eeland Stribling” & “Tatanka Means” - These two episodes of the six-part docuseries showcasing diverse comedians feature Eeland Stribling and Tantanka Means. (PBS)
Scala (2022) - A documentary about London’s legendary Scala Cinema. (In Theaters)
SOMM: Cup of Salvation (2024) - The latest installment of the Somm franchise looks at how wine fits into human history. (In Theaters and VOD)
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Accident, Suicide or Murder Season 5, Episode 7: “Let Us Prey” - The latest episode of this true-crime series involves a hit-and-run victim in L.A. (Oxygen True Crime)
The Golden Equator (1956) - A short documentary promoting foreign investment in Ecuador. (TCM)
MGM Parade Show #13 (1955) - This installment of the Hollywood-focused docuseries showcases the MGM films The Great Waltz and I’ll Cry Tomorrow. (TCM)
Movie-Mania (1937) - A short film about a one-man production staff putting on a show. (TCM)
Sunday, June 30, 2024
Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus (2023) - A concert film presenting the composer’s final performance. The film will debut on The Criterion Channel as part of a livestream event. Read our review of Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus. (The Criterion Channel)
Shark Beach with Anthony Mackie: Gulf Coast (2024) - A documentary special about sharks stealing fish from fishing lines. (National Geographic)
Shark vs. Ross Edgley (2024) - A documentary special in which ultra-athlete Ross Edgley takes on four challenges to better understand sharks. (National Geographic, Hulu, and Disney+)
Sins of the South Season 1, Episode 8: “Death in Music City” - The latest episode of this true-crime series involves a double shooting in Nashville. (Oxygen True Crime)
Under the Radar - Secrets of a Swedish Serial Killer (2024) - A true-crime docuseries about a serial killer who confessed through song. (Viaplay)
Zappa (2020) - A documentary about musician Frank Zappa. (Hulu)
Monday, July 1, 2024
32 Sounds (2023) - An award-winning documentary directed by Sam Green (The Weather Underground) about sound. (The Criterion Channel)
All in This Tea (2006) - A feature documentary directed by Les Blank and Gina Leibrecht about a tea importer in California. (The Criterion Channel)
The Armstrong Lie (2013) - A feature documentary directed by Alex Gibney about cyclist Lance Armstrong’s rise and fall. Read our review of The Armstrong Lie. (Prime Video)
Baby Sharks in the City (2024) - A documentary about young great white sharks new New York City. (Hulu and Disney+)
Chulas Fronteras (1976) - A medium-length documentary directed by Les Blank on Tejano music. (The Criterion Channel)
Chuu Chuu (2021) - A short documentary directed by Mackie Mallison about his grandmother’s kinship with birds. (The Criterion Channel)
Del Mero Corazón (1979) - A short documentary directed by Les Blank on Tejano music. (The Criterion Channel)
Dizzy Gillespie (1965) - A short documentary directed by Les Blank on jazz trumpeter (The Criterion Channel)
Gahan Wilson: Born Dead, Still Weird (2013) - A feature documentary about the titular cartoonist. (The Criterion Channel)
The Gods of Times Square (1999) - A feature documentary about the changes to New York City’s Times Square in the 1990s. (The Criterion Channel)
Hail Satan? (2019) - A feature documentary directed by Penny Lane about the religious group known as The Satanic Temple. Read our review of Hail Satan? and our interview with Penny Lane about the film. (Hulu)
How to Smell a Rose: A Visit with Ricky Leacock at His Farm in Normandy (2014) - A medium-length documentary directed by Les Blank and Gina Leibrecht about Richard Leacock. Read our review of How to Smell a Rose: A Visit with Ricky Leacock at His Fram in Normandy. (The Criterion Channel)
Huey Lewis and the News: Be-FORE! (1987) - A short documentary directed by Les Blank following the making of the music video for “Stuck With You.” (The Criterion Channel)
Hummingbirds (2023) - A feature documentary about two filmmakers/friends in Laredo, Texas. Our Pick of the Week. (PBS)
I Went to the Dance (1989) - A feature documentary directed by Les Blank and Chris Strachwitz about the music of French Southwest Louisiana. (The Criterion Channel)
Inside Job (2010) - An Oscar-winning documentary about the 2008 financial crisis. (Max)
Innocents Abroad (1991) - A feature documentary directed by Les Blank and Miel Van Hoogenbemt following American tourists on a tour of Europe. (The Criterion Channel)
It Smells Like Springtime (2022) - A short documentary exploring Asian-American identity. (The Criterion Channel)
Justin Bieber's Believe (2013) - A feature documentary about the rise of pop star Justin Bieber. (Amazon Freevee)
Learning to Live Together: The Return of Mad Dogs & Englishmen (2021) - A music documentary about Joe Cocker’s “Mad Dogs and Englishmen” tour. (The Criterion Channel)
Live From the Clouds (2023) - A short film directed by Mackie Mallison about four women in his family. (The Criterion Channel)
loudQUIETloud: A Film About the Pixies (2006) - A music documentary about the reunion of the titular band. (The Criterion Collection)
Marc and Ann (1991) - A short documentary about Cajun musicians Marc and Ann Savoy. (The Criterion Channel)
Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love (2019) - A feature documentary directed by Nick Broomfield about the relationship between musician Leonard Cohen and his muse, Marianne Ihlen. Read our review of Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love. (Max)
MGM Parade Show #16 (1955) - This installment of the Hollywood-focused docuseries showcases the MGM films Maytime, That Inferior Feeling, Prophet Without Honor, and I’ll Cry Tomorrow. (TCM)
Nobody is Innocent (1986) - A medium-length documentary about punks on the outskirts of Mexico City. (The Criterion Channel)
Nobody is Innocent: 20 Years Later (2010) - A feature documentary revisiting the subjects of Nobody is Innocent. (The Criterion Channel)
Q (2023) - A feature documentary directed by Jude Chebab about her mother and the all-women religious sect she belongs to in Syria. (The Criterion Channel)
Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus (2023) - A concert film presenting the composer’s final performance. Read our review of Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus. (The Criterion Channel)
The Salt of the Earth (2014) - A feature documentary directed by Juliano Ribeiro Salgado and Wim Wenders about photographer Sebastião Salgado. Read our review of The Salt of the Earth. (Hulu)
Shark Attack 360 (2024) - A docuseries about shark bites and why they occurred. (Hulu and Disney+)
Shark Beach with Anthony Mackie: Gulf Coast (2024) - A documentary special about sharks stealing fish from fishing lines. (Hulu and Disney+)
Shit Saturday (2008) - A short documentary about punks in Mexico City. (The Criterion Channel)
Supersized Sharks (2024) - A documentary special about giant tiger sharks near Australia. (National Geographic, Hulu, and Disney+)
Thailand Moment (2015) - A short documentary directed by Les Blank about a 1967 film project about the use of the B52 Bomber in Vietnam. (The Criterion Channel)
Turumba (1981) - A hybrid film about a Filipino family who makes paper-mache animals given an order to produce thousands for the Olympics. (The Criterion Channel)
Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession (2004) - A feature documentary about one of the first pay cable TV stations in the U.S. (The Criterion Channel)
Ziveli! Medicine for the Heart (1987) - A medium-length documentary about the Serbian-American communities of California and Chicago. (The Criterion Channel)
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Baby Sharks in the City (2024) - A documentary about young great white sharks new New York City. (National Geographic)
Conversion (2022) - A documentary about a psychologist practicing conversion therapy as he questions the idea. (VOD)
Geoff McFetridge: Drawing a Life (2023) - A feature documentary about the titular artist. (VOD)
Icons Unearthed: The Simpsons (2022) - A six-part docuseries about the hit animated sitcom The Simpsons. (Blu-ray)
The Man with 1000 Kids (2024) - A true-crime docuseries about a Dutch man who defrauded women by fathering hundreds of children. (Netflix)
Revival69: The Concert That Rocked the World (2022) - A documentary about the 1969 Toronto Rock and Roll Revival music festival featuring John Lennon, Yoko Ono, The Doors, Little Richard, and more. (DVD)
Shark Attack 360 Episode 1: “Blood in the Water” - This episode of the docuseries about shark bites and why they occurred looks at a series of attacks in a small seaside town in Australia. (National Geographic)
Sprint Season 1 - A docuseries about the fastest runners in the world. (Netflix)
Twisters: The Real Story (2024) - A documentary about real-life storm chasers. (DVD and VOD)
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
After The First 48 Season 8B - A true-crime docuseries about murder cases attempting to be solved in the first 48 hours. (Hulu)
Breathing Underwater (2016) - A feature documentary about Korean women who harvest seaweed and shellfish. (Ovid)
Shark Attack 360 Episodes 2 & 3: “Swimmers Beware” & “Killers in the Water” - These episodes of the docuseries about shark bites and why they occurred look at bull shark attacks and attacks off the coast of South Africa, respectively. (National Geographic)
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Nice People (2015) - A feature documentary about the first-ever Somali bandy team. (Ovid)
Sneak Peak At What’s Coming Soon
7/10 - Quad Gods - A feature documentary about an all-quadriplegic Esports team. (HBO and Max)
7/11 - The Hungry Games: Alaska’s Big Bear Challenge - A documentary about bears preparing for hibernation. (Peacock)
7/13 - Faye - Feature documentary directed by Laurent Bouzereau (Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind) about actress Faye Dunaway. (Max)
7/18 - How I Caught My Killer Season 2 - The return of this true-crime docuseries involving stories where murder victims posthumously helped to identify their killers. (Hulu)
7/19 - Hollywoodgate - A feature documentary about the Taliban occupation of the former CIA base known as Hollywood Gate. (In Theaters).
8/2 - War Game - A feature documentary thriller simulating another, bigger January 6-type insurrection following a disputed election. (In Theaters)