DocAlliance – the Power of Documentary
Newsletter from DocAlliance with generous offers to watch films FOR FREE in the month of May.
Strong recommendation from me to (re)watch Jørgen Leth and Ole John’s ”66 Scenes from America” (photo: Andy Warhol and Jørgen Leth). This classic was made in 1982 and was totally financed by the National Film Board of Denmark (Statens Filmcentral). I was on the programme committee that decided to commission the film which – as many of Jørgen Leth’s film – has Dan Holmberg as cinematographer, whose postcard approach to the theme, ”Americana”, contributed to the success of the film that in 1989, in connection with the 50 year celebration of the Canadian Film Board, was placed on the list of the 100 Best Documentaries ever.
The film was commissioned on the basis of one or two pages from the
filmmakers, if I remember right, those were the days (!), and when Leth and John came back to me with a rough cut they were proud as two school boys: We promised you 40 scenes, you get 66!
Other American documentaries are offered by DocAlliance under the headline ”Fragments of the USA”, go to the website, the films are for free May 4-10.
From May 11 to 17 the films for free streaming are – I quote from the newsletter: “Who cares about truth anymore? Let’s leave that to journalists.” Meet one of the most remarkable talents of contemporary Argentine documentary Mauro Andrizzi. Make use of the first opportunity to watch the director’s films online; his global hits Iraqi Short Films as well as his films premiered in Venice In the Future and Accidentes Gloriosos are available for free streaming.
From May 18 to 31 the films for streaming are – another quote: Have you only heard about Iran in the political news? Do not miss the opportunity to meet contemporary Iranian documentary. The selection of the most interesting films of the past years, including the visually impressive portrait Tinar, the urban legend Street Sultans as well as the narrative from the western micro-world My Name Is Negahdar Jamali and I Make Westerns is available from May 18 to 31 for free!