FilmFreaks

Tag: documentary film

  • KVIFF 2026: ‘Robert Richardson: The White Devil’ Doc About the DP

    It is rare that documentaries dedicate their lens to the artists who shape the visual language of cinema: the cinematographers. These masters of light and shadow are monumental figures whose craft elevates storytelling beyond mere narrative. While filmmaking documentaries often focus on directors or actors, there remains a crucial body of work dedicated specifically to the visionaries behind the frame.

    One such compelling exploration is Robert Richardson: The White Devil, a documentary that captures an intimate journey into the life and work of an acclaimed cinematographer. The film was created by Czech filmmaker and cinematographer Jana Hojdova, who found herself embarking on a quest to document the unique world of Robert Richardson.

    The genesis of the documentary stems from an academic pursuit. Jana Hojdova sought contact with American cinematographer Robert Richardson while she was studying at the University of Prague, hoping to pursue a master’s thesis. This initial outreach led to a serendipitous encounter that would shape the entire film.

    When Jana finally met Richardson, fate intervened in the most unexpected way. During their meeting, they found themselves unexpectedly stranded together inside his home on Cape Cod during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. Instead of parting ways, they were given an unplanned immersion into each other’s worlds.

    This shared experience became the foundation for months of deep exploration. Over three months in 2020, while life felt constrained by the pandemic, Jana spent time digging through Richardson’s archives and engaging him in interviews, tracing the rich history behind his distinctive photographic style.

    The result is a fascinating and deeply personal film that invites every cinema enthusiast to appreciate the profound connection between art, history, and a shared human experience. Robert Richardson: The White Devil offers more than just a look at photography; it provides an intimate portrait of two artists whose collaboration illuminated the power of light on screen.

    Credit: FirstShowing.net

  • First Teaser Trailer for ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’ Oasis Comeback Doc

    The stage is set for a monumental retrospective, as Disney+ has just unveiled the first look teaser trailer for Don’t Look Back in Anger, the official documentary film celebrating the legendary rock band Oasis.

    This isn’t just another music doc; it promises an unprecedented journey behind the curtain of one of the most anticipated rock ‘n’ roll comebacks of our time. The project, brought to life by Disney, Magna Studios, and Sony Music Vision, invites viewers to step into the whirlwind that was the band’s rise from Manchester streets to global rock stardom.

    The film offers a rare glimpse into the chaos and glory that defined their ascent. It profiles and follows Oasis as they navigated their legendary Oasis Live ’25 tour, an event that instantly became a worldwide phenomenon with sold-out stadiums everywhere.

    The documentary delves deep into the experience of performing, capturing untold stories and providing rare backstage access to the band during this historic run. It’s a chance to witness the raw energy and camaraderie behind the iconic anthems that defined their legacy.

    The title itself is steeped in the band’s history, drawn from one of the songs on their 1995 studio album, (What’s the Story) Morning Glory.

    As viewers anticipate the full release, the film will premiere in theaters on September 1st before making its way to streaming online. Furthermore, much like many great music documentaries, it will also be playing in select IMAX theaters this fall, offering an epic cinematic experience.

    The teaser trailer serves as a perfect invitation, building the buzz for a feature that truly captures the meteoric rise of Oasis and their enduring impact on music history. Get ready to look back—and see exactly how it all happened.

    Credit: FirstShowing.net

  • 2026 Karlovy Vary International Film Festival Preview: 10 Films We Can’t Wait to See

    The 60th edition of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, running from July 3 to 11, is set to be a vibrant cinematic celebration. This year’s festival throws open its doors to world premieres from across Eastern Europe, curating highlights from global film gatherings like Sundance, Berlinale, and Cannes, alongside rare restorations and the presence of major cinema luminaries. With picturesque mountainous surroundings acting as a visual anchor, the event promises an exceptional anniversary for one of the world’s oldest film festivals, embodying a profound sense of cinematic steadiness.

    As anticipation builds for these ten featured films, the festival is poised to explore themes ranging from identity and geopolitical tension to the complex realities of personal relationships. The program offers a rich tapestry of storytelling, challenging viewers with diverse perspectives from around the globe.

    One striking entry in the lineup is Senegalese director Alain Gomis’ Dao, a three-hour family epic that elegantly navigates between ceremonial gatherings in France and Guinea-Bissau. This film masterfully blends narrative film elements with documentary aesthetics to explore the destabilization of tradition and identity through an intermingling of European and African values.

    Another compelling feature is Kristina Grozeva and Petar Valchanov’s Black Money for White Nights. This bleak tragicomedy follows an elderly couple whose romantic hopes are shattered by the invasion of Ukraine, forcing them to confront harsher secrets about their marriage during a time of profound geopolitical upheaval.

    The festival also champions cinema that delves into complex cultural and personal landscapes. Nader Saeivar, known for his work with Jafar Panahi, brings his fourth directorial effort, Hijamat, to the Crystal Globe competition. This ruminative film, seen through the eyes of its conflicted protagonist, considers the boundaries of queerness within a traditionalist Islamic culture, offering a cinematic fight for internal peace defined by silences and measured expressions.

    In a nod to global events, Juan Cabral and Santiago Franco’s documentary The Match serves as a powerful centerpiece. Utilizing the 1986 edition of the World Cup, the film dives into the impact of the Falklands War on Argentina, illustrating how sport can become a battleground where old geopolitical wounds are rebalanced to heart-pounding results.

    The program also features unique cinematic explorations, such as Noah Segan’s The Only Living Pickpocket in New York, starring John Turturro. This reflective picture offers a minor key interrogation of the passage of time, focusing on a thief re-entering a modern world and re-teaming with past collaborators like Steve Buscemi and Giancarlo Esposito.

    Further exploring themes of displacement, Isabelle Tollenaere’s allegorical drama Paris Paris follows three men navigating the cultural and economic barriers of Paris. Set in a building facing demolition, the film uses this setting as a metaphor for the impermanence of creating a home when one is forced from it.

    The festival also shines a light on cinematic artistry through features like Robert Richardson: The White Devil, which showcases the extraordinary work of cinematographer Robert Richardson, and Sandra Hüller’s performance in Rose. In Rose, Hüller embodies a shapeshifting role as a 17th-century soldier, demonstrating remarkable range while exploring themes of disguise and identity.

    Finally, the festival honors the documentary form with segments like Mark Cousins’ survey of the history of documentary film from the 1980s. This collection offers new insights into the hallmarks of expressive filmmaking, celebrating creators whose persistent evolution pushes the boundaries of what cinema can reveal.

    Credit: Roger Ebert

  • Lethal Ethel – Jennie Kermode – 20378

    The world of filmmaking often involves moments of sudden revelation, and sometimes, those revelations arrive with a delightful dose of awkwardness. It’s a feeling perfectly captured in the opening scene of a new mockumentary short.

    Just as production is about to begin, our protagonist, Ethel (played by Elayna Einish), approaches the studio door with an almost shy hesitation. “Can I come in?” she asks. The crew member waiting for her simply replies, “Oh, of course,” and they step inside. The story hints at a deeper, unfolding narrative—a situation where expectations are about to shatter in unexpected ways.

    This delightful premise sets the stage for a truly unique look at the intersection of gothic glamour and modern documentary filmmaking. The short film is set to screen at ImagineNative 2026.

    At its heart, the mockumentary follows a Naskapi vampire attempting her first foray into documentary work. She hooks up with a team that seems wonderfully underinformed about the realities of the job, offering a fantastic comedic clash between ancient lore and contemporary media production.

    The narrative is shaped by Ethel’s candid to-camera chats while she lounges in a chair, heavily styled and utterly unconcerned with external judgment. The visual style itself is playful; her lipstick changes throughout the takes, leading the audience to wonder if she is snacking between shots—a wonderfully self-aware touch.

    Despite the dramatic, gothic aesthetic, Ethel remains grounded when discussing her habits. She assures the crew that her dietary choices are singular: she only eats one kind of person—iron.

    Buy on Amazon

    Credit: Eye For Film

  • New Trailer for Seminal 1986 Doc ‘Sherman’s March’ 4K Re-Release

    Sherman’s March: A Timeless Look at Love, War, and Life

    Music Box Films has recently unveiled an official trailer for the seminal documentary film Sherman’s March, celebrating a powerful 40th anniversary this year. This groundbreaking work remains a foundational piece in the history of first-person filmmaking and serves as a profound meditation on romantic love in the South during an era defined by the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

    Premiering in 1986, Sherman’s March quickly cultivated a cult following. It earned recognition with the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance in 1987 and cemented its place as a unique documentary where the filmmaker becomes both the subject and the narrative. It’s an astonishing slice of life that captures the human condition and all of our delightful quirks.

    At the heart of the film is director Ross McElwee. He originally set out to document Union General Sherman’s March to the Sea toward the end of the Civil War. However, as the journey unfolded, the focus inevitably shifted—not to military strategy, but to a very human pursuit: love. The film delightfully follows McElwee as he navigates his personal life, meeting various women and engaging in attempts to woo them, often with hilarious and endearing results.

    Instead of a straightforward historical epic, Sherman’s March offers an intimate and humorous look at the messy reality of human connection. It is a testament to finding meaning not just in grand battles, but in the everyday, often unpredictable, complexities of personal relationships.

    Sherman’s March is now available for a refreshed viewing experience. To celebrate its legacy, the film is being re-released in a pristine, cleaned-up 4K version, making it look better than ever for modern audiences.

    The story doesn’t end there. Director Ross McElwee is currently embarking on a new cinematic journey with his latest film, Remake. This new project offers a reflective look back at the events and experiences that have shaped his life over the past four decades.

    Whether you are drawn to historical narratives or intimate explorations of personal experience, both films offer compelling and essential viewing for anyone interested in the intersection of history, romance, and the universal adventure of being human.

    Credit: FirstShowing.net