Documentary

A Q&A with the filmmakers follows the film, moderated by Nancy Steiner, with George Kunhardt, Teddy Kunhardt, Kenneth Cole, and Maria Cuomo Cole. Set against the backdrop of Ronald Reagan’s America, Mario traces Mario Cuomo’s journey from the son of Italian immigrants to New York governor, weaving together archival footage, family reflections, and excerpts from his personal diaries to offer an intimate look at the man behind his enduring legacy. Following the conversation, guests are invited to a reception in the Playhouse Café featuring complimentary food and select beverages, while supplies last.

Join us for a memorable afternoon benefiting Mianus River Gorge and a special screening of Irreplaceable – The Mianus River Gorge Story, narrated by Glenn Close. The film takes us deep into the Gorge—beneath old-growth hemlocks and alongside the river—and introduces us to the passionate neighbors whose determination saved this extraordinary place, which became The Nature Conservancy’s first land project. More than 70 years later, scientists, students, conservationists, and visitors are still exploring, studying, and discovering its secrets. Above all, Irreplaceable is a testament to what people can accomplish when they come together to save a place they love—and a call to each of us to protect what matters before it is gone.

Joe is a short documentary about Joe Gagnon, who has run every day since 2001 and completed hundreds of endurance events. As he prepares for Badwater 135, a grueling 135-mile race through Death Valley, the film explores his obsessive discipline, curious habits, and the deeper meaning of endurance. A Q&A with Joe Gagnon follows the screening.

Winner of the 2024 Sundance Grand Jury Prize: U.S. Documentary, PORCELAIN WAR is a powerful portrait of resilience and hope. As war engulfs Ukraine, three artists stay to fight—armed with their art, cameras, and, for the first time, guns. From the award-winning producers of The Cove, Chasing Ice, and Quincy, PORCELAIN WAR is one of 2024’s most celebrated documentaries. Presented in Ukranian, English and Russian with English subtitles.

An immersive journey into the world of wild horses, Wild Beauty illuminates both the profound beauty, and desperate plight currently faced by the wild horses in the Western United States.  Filmmaker Ashley Avis (Disney’s Black Beauty) and crew go on a multi-year expedition to uncover the truth in hopes to protect them, before wild horses disappear forever. A Q&A with the filmmaker Ashley Avis follows the film, moderated by Elizabeth Novogratz.

Filmmaker Rustin Thompson travels 10,825 miles across 10 states to explore the fate of America’s small-town movie theaters, from abandoned cinemas to those thriving against the odds. Interweaving excerpts from Peter Bogdanovich’s The Last Picture Show, this documentary examines the challenges facing theatrical exhibition while celebrating the movie theater’s enduring role as a place of community, connection, and wonder.

A Q&A follows the screening, with panelists to be announced. Thom Browne – The Man Who Tailors Dreams follows the influential American designer over two years, exploring his groundbreaking collections, gender-fluid designs, and rise to the forefront of global fashion. A portion of the proceeds benefits The Museum at FIT. Presented in partnership with The Bolton Foundation and BANCO.

A decade after his death, filmmaker William Greaves returns with a newly restored portrait of the Harlem Renaissance’s leading artists and intellectuals, captured at a remarkable 1972 gathering. Directed by his son David, this landmark film explores their lives, creative legacy, and the enduring role of artists in shaping culture across generations.

A very special evening of music, photography and documentary film. Join us for a tribute to the life and legacy of the late photographer (and Katonah resident) John Shearer, featuring the New York premiere of the documentary American Moments, a gallery show of Mr. Shearer's extraordinary pictures, and a live performance by the Alison Shearer Quartet.