One of the things that I look forward to every year at the annual SXSW film festival is the documentaries and 2023 did not disappoint. In addition to the films, the subjects themselves along with writers, producers, directors showed up and gave insight to the genesis and purpose of the films. Particularly poignant was a standing ovation and warm reception given to Michael J. Fox as he took the stage at the Paramount following Still, the film chronicling his battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Whether or not you were a Michael J. Fox fan before seeing this documentary, you will become one after you hear in his own words the story of his courageous battle with this debilitating disease. Told through interviews with Fox, archival footage of his television shows and films, and film of him working with his personal trainer, you see Fox as he is today – still funny with his signature wit and self-deprecating humor. You will also be moved when you see the other side of coming to terms with this horrible disease – the denial, covering the diagnosis and the alcohol and drug self-medication to ignore and hide the symptoms. Difficult to watch at times, especially for anyone who has a loved one or friend suffering from Parkinson’s, The film is an honest depiction of a man with the courage to fight the disease and his determination to do everything he can to help find a cure.
Currently streaming on Apple TV Plus.
You Can Call Me Bill
At a spry 92 years old, William Shatner rocked his keynote at SXSW. Interviewed by Alamo drafthouse founder, Tim League, he delighted the audience with tales of Star Trek and what it was like to go to space on the Blue Origin, making him the oldest person to go into space. Indeed he is one of only three of the surviving members of the Star Trek original cast. In addition to laughter there were also times when the audience was brought to tears. Asked why he agreed to make the documentary, Shatner responded ,”Because I don’t have long to live. The sad thing is that the older a person gets the wiser they become and then they die with all that knowledge,” he said. “And it’s gone. It’s not like I’m going to take my ideas or my clothing with me.” Although the idea of mortality and legacy are the foundation for the film, it is much more. Although Shatner does discuss his life and career this is less a biopic than a conversation about a long and interesting life filled with self-reflection that will leave viewers pondering the same questions Shatner honestly and introspectively answers. Bonus points for the filmmakers donating 25% of the film’s proceeds to Space for Humanity, a non-profit foundation helping everyday citizens get access to space.
Purchased for distribution in early May.
Dates and outlets for release have not yet been determined. Expect it to be released for wide release later this summer on one of the major streaming services.
If you are a woman of a certain age you probably have imagined yourself as a Mary Tyler Moore character and have fond memories of watching her on your family television. With a career that spanned nearly 6 decades she was a trailblazer – a single career woman who lived alone? – a comic genius, a star and a really good human being. Mary Tyler Moore and the characters she played allowed all of us to be feminists without losing femininity.To me she always showed the realistic hurdles women were up against and the soft side of strength it took to overcome those hurdles. With unprecedented access to Moore’s extensive archives the film looks at her career and explores the dichotomies in her personal life and career. Actress, producer, activist, Moore blazed a trail at a time when comic genius was necessary for women to get into the room where things happened.
Currently streaming on HBO.
AIR
The world premiere and final film of 2023 SXSW was both a surprise and delight for fans who lined Congress Avenue to see the star studded crew which included Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and Viola Davis. The film received rave reviews from fans and critics alike and from all accounts a good time was had by all and Affleck’s love affair for Austin continues. The film details the creation and negotiations surrounding the jewel of Nike’s acquisitions – Air Jordan – which continues to be the biggest selling shoe of all time. In 2022 alone Jordan’s payout from NIke was $256 million dollars. You don’t have to be a basketball fan to watch the film – indeed it is more about celebrity, talent and one smart mother’s determination to see that her son got exactly what he deserved for the use of his name and image.
I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Currently streaming on Amazon Prime.
Full disclosure, I lived in Atlanta, collected folk art and was aware of Nellie Mae Rowe and knew her art dealer, Judith Alexander. Her home in Vinings was indeed her masterpiece before it was demolished by developers. What I didn’t know was her story and how as a self-taught outsider artist she lived her story and truth. Born in 1900, Nellie Mae Rowe certainly experienced discrimination and segregation in the deep south and lived to see some of the changes that moved Atlanta forward. While the documentary is the story of Nellie Mae’s art it is also the story of racism, cultural oppression of women and minorities and anti-Semitism that she experienced and observed in Atlanta throughout her life. With the clever use of animation as well as photos. film clips and interviews with family members, viewers get a marvelous glimpse into the world and creative mind of one of the most iconic outsider artists whose work is featured in major museums from the HIgh Museum to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
You can watch the film on YouTube with more outlets for streaming TBA.
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