Edward Hopper’s work is the most recognizable art in America. But who was he, and how did a struggling illustrator create such a bounty of notable work? This film takes a deep look into Hopper’s art, his life, and his relationships. From his early career as an illustrator; his wife giving up her own promising art career to be his manager; his critical and commercial acclaim; and in his own words – this film explores the enigmatic personality behind the brush.
Read MoreGenre: Documentary
Part road movie, part living biography, part documentary, Paul Anka: His Way is a remarkably candid film, offering an intimate look at one of the most prolific artists in music history and his seventy-year journey through stardom. The film goes behind-the-scenes with Paul Anka today as he continues to perform in sold-out concert venues around the world, cut against stunning archival footage of his historic career and including performances by the legendary artists who have recorded his music. A Q&A with the filmmakers follows the film.
Read MoreWinner 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.
Read MoreThis groundbreaking documentary explores our addiction to plastic and the growing threat of microplastics to human health. These microscopic particles infiltrate air, water, and soil—now, scientists are finding them in our bodies. What are the consequences, and can we stop them? Acclaimed author Ziya Tong investigates firsthand, undergoing experiments and speaking with experts worldwide, in collaboration with award-winning director Ben Addelman, to deliver an urgent call to action.
Read MoreDuring WWII, a transport ship with non-functional lifeboats and inadequate lifebelts was sunk by one of the first radio-guided missiles, killing 1,015 U.S. soldiers—making it the greatest loss of life at sea in any U.S. war. Classified documents reveal that neglect and oversight played a role in the tragedy, yet the government declared the incident classified and silenced survivors. Many families never learned the truth. Following the screening, there will be a Q&A with the filmmakers and descendants of those aboard the Rohna. As a thank you for your service, veterans are invited to email programming@bedfordplayhouse.org for a special promo code.
Read MoreNo hope. No future … until a football season united a team and revealed the character that turned them into heroes. UNDEFEATED, an Academy Award-winning documentary, is the inspiring and moving tale of three underprivileged student athletes from inner-city Memphis and the volunteer coach, Bill Courtney, trying to help them beat the odds on and off the field.
Read MoreTHANK YOU VERY MUCH traces the life and career of legendary performance artist Andy Kaufman, exploring the enigmatic legend’s gonzo, boundary-shattering comedy which provoked and often outraged audiences. The film reveals a nuanced understanding of what drove the mercurial performer, who inspired an entire generation of offbeat comedians and entertainers after him. The film includes rare, never before seen footage and audio recordings that shed new light on Kaufman’s creative process; including newly uncovered archival footage and intimate recollections of friends, colleagues, and family members, and interviews with Kaufman’s closest collaborators such as Bob Zmuda, Lynne Margulies, Steve Martin, Danny DeVito, and Marilu Henner. THANK YOU VERY MUCH excavates the all-too-short life and career of a comedy iconoclast whose impact is felt all the more today with the blurring of artifice and reality that defines our present age.
Read MoreThis star studded tribute brings into focus the dazzling, complex period of Liza Minnelli’s life starting in the 1970s, just after the tragic death of her mother Judy Garland—as she confronts a range of personal and professional challenges on the way to becoming a bona fide legend. Over these years, Liza seeks out extraordinary mentors: Kay Thompson, Fred Ebb, Charles Aznavour, Halston, and Bob Fosse. With insightful participation from a coterie of colleagues such as Michael Feinstein, Mia Farrow, Ben Vereen, Joel Grey and the late Chita Rivera, along with the revelatory participation by the star herself, the film illuminates the contradiction of Liza Minnelli: her privilege and struggle, strength and vulnerability, unreal expectations and towering talent – the friction of which fueled her stunning rise, resilience and her enduring place as one of the greatest, most original performers in the history of entertainment.
Read MoreBecoming Led Zeppelin explores the origins of this iconic group and their meteoric rise in just one year against all the odds. Powered by awe-inspiring, psychedelic, never-before-seen footage, performances, and music, Bernard MacMahon’s experiential cinematic odyssey explores Led Zeppelin’s creative, musical, and personal origin story. The film is told in Led Zeppelin’s own words and is the first officially sanctioned film on the group.
Read MoreThis original documentary explores the iconic 1973 fashion event at the Palace of Versailles. Pitting French designers against a group of American talent – this film provides an in-depth look at the artistry, cultural significance, and impact of this pivotal point in fashion history. A Q&A follows the screening with director, Fritz Mitchell.
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