Documentary Short

A documentary film is a nonfictional motion picture intended to document some aspect of reality, primarily for the purposes of instruction or maintaining a historical record. Such films were originally shot on film stock—the only medium available—but now include video and digital productions that can be either direct-to-video, made into a TV show or released for screening in cinemas. “Documentary” has been described as a “filmmaking practice, a cinematic tradition, and mode of audience reception” that is continually evolving and is without clear boundaries.

U.S. and foreign films

The English film title, original title, country of origin and production year are listed. Foreign-language films are subtitled in English.

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Reddish Egrets Dancing for Dinner

Jo Alwood | United States | 2016 | 3 m   Reddish Egrets are unlike others in the heron family. Instead of standing frozen waiting for prey, the Reddish prances and flutters like a court jester/Baryshnikov. Cast Jo Alwood Viewing Instructions

Fowl Far Afield

Christina Ciano | United States | 2015 | 5 m A large flock of juvenile wild turkeys migrate into a metropolitan Madison, Wisconsin neighborhood, and their presence is immediately felt by the residents. This short film is an individual’s account of the wild birds, as she observes them negotiating their new foreign surroundings, bumping up against automobiles… Read more »

Nocturnes: The Paintings of Eric Merrell

Alec Ernest | United States | 2016 | 5 m   Los Angeles artist Eric Merrell is best known for “Nocturnes”, a series of abstract desert works that he has painted all over Southern California, each solely by the light of the moon. In our latest documentary short from director Alec Ernest, we take an overnight trip… Read more »

Counter Histories: Rock Hill

Frederick Taylor | United States | 2015 | 27 m Meet the men who stood up for their rights at the counter of the Rock Hill, SC Five and Dime. They asked for a cup of coffee and were instead met with violence, police brutality and unjust imprisonment. A small town miles from Charlotte, NC, Rock Hill… Read more »

…not all was done and dusted – How homeopathy came to Armenia (…nicht alle Stühle hatten vier Beine – Wie die Homöopathie nach Armenien kam)

Gloria Behrens, Stephan Keller | Germany | 2015 | 27 m German with English Subtitles „Not all chairs had four legs…“ Sabine Zimmermann once said to describe the conditions during her first visit to Armenia. In 1993, Germany was dreaming of flourishing landscapes while the former Eastern Bloc countries were collapsing. Armenia was among the losers and… Read more »

Craft Beer in Japan

Maarten Roos | United States | 2016 | 27 m Craft beer is a fast growing popular movement in Japan. Rob LoBreglio, Owner and Brewmaster at the Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company in Madison, Wisconsin (USA), sets out to learn more about this exciting emerging market. With a small team he meets with Tetsuya Kiyosawa in Tokyo…. Read more »

Alegria – A Humanitarian Expedition

Christoph von Toggenburg | Switzerland | 2013 | 30 m Alegria – A Humanitarian Expedition tells the story of an epic solo expedition across the Himalaya that changed the life of hundreds of people in need and reached millions around the world. In 2010, Christoph von Toggenburg cycled alone 3200km along the world’s highest tracks… Read more »

Falconman

Colin Bradley | Canada | 2016 | 5 m An obsessed man from Calgary seeks help from a falcon expert from Southern Alberta to determine the fate of an unclaimed power drill abandoned after a construction job. Cast John Campbell Colin Bradley

Sierra Leone From War to Peace

Terry Leary, George Lewis | United States | 2016 | 30 m This is a story of former Children Soldiers and how the country of Sierra Leone worked to save the children and reintegrate them into society after horrible atrocities.

The March for Freedom ‘1963’

Davon Johnson | United States | 2015 | 12 m In the 60’s ordinary brave Americans followed the very strong leadership of MLK Jr. and others to make the March for Freedom a reality. This movement changed the nation forever; yet work remains as the torch of freedom and equality passes to our newest generation–our children. Film No… Read more »