Documentary films have become the conscience of the nation, providing a deeper study of contemporary, and often unnoticed, social issues. By using the unique medium of film, Documentarians are able to cultivate a more compelling and fruitful discussion by mixing strongly-driven narratives with vivid imagery.

In recognition of the rising importance of documentaries to public dialogue, the Martha’s Vineyard Film Society is proud to announce its Tenth Annual Documentary Week from July 29 to August 2, 2024.

Schedule:

Monday, July 29th

7:30pm - GIRLS STATE

Followed by a live Q and A with the directors: Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss

What would American democracy look like in the hands of teenage girls? A political coming-of-age story and a stirring reimagination of what it means to govern, “Girls State” follows young female leaders - from wildly different backgrounds across Missouri - as they navigate an immersive experiment to build a government from the ground up.

“Following a distinctly female perspective and filled with teenage insecurity, biting humor and a yearning for true friendship, the young leaders of “Girls State” win hearts and minds-not just elections.” - Deadline

“it offers an intimate, in-depth, potentially inspiring platform for a generation’s hopes and fears.” - stuff.co.nz

“it’s a fascinating movie.” - Filmweek

“At first it proves every bit as gripping. Then it gets more so.” - Financial Times

Tuesday, July 30th

7:30pm - SUGARCANE

Followed by a discussion with directors Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie live in person!

A National Geographic Film

A stunning tribute to the resilience of Native people and their way of life, SUGARCANE, the debut feature documentary from Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie, is an epic cinematic portrait of a community during a moment of international reckoning.

In 2021, evidence of unmarked graves was discovered on the grounds of an Indian residential school run by the Catholic Church in Canada. After years of silence, the forced separation, assimilation and abuse many children experienced at these segregated boarding schools was brought to light, sparking a national outcry against a system designed to destroy Indigenous communities. Set amidst a groundbreaking investigation, SUGARCANE illuminates the beauty of a community breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma and finding the strength to persevere.

“‘Sugarcane’ is something more meaningful than a mere history lesson. It’s a portrait of what remains when injustice occurs.” - Indiewire

“This powerful documentary operates from a place of pure and total empathy.” - Deadline Hollywood Daily

Wednesday, July 31st

7:30pm - DONYALE LUNA: SUPERMODEL

Followed by a live Q and A with the producers Isoul H. Harris and Melissa Kramer and moderated by Donnell Baldwin

Donyale Luna: Supermodel chronicles the remarkable life and career of Donyale Luna, the first Black model to grace the cover of both Harper’s Bazaar (1965) andVogue (1966). Breaking barriers in the fashion industry, challenging the prevailing ideals of beauty, and influencing culture in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Luna remains largely unknown despite her stunning body of work and her collaborations with some of the foremost fashion photographers of the 20th century.

“The story of the short, brilliant career of the first Black supermodel is told, and what a story! Rich, intensely visual, sad, and beautifully executed by Nailah Jefferson.” - What She Said

Thursday, August 1st

7:30pm - PORCELAIN WAR

Followed by Q&A

Amidst the chaos and destruction of the brutal Russian invasion of Ukraine, three artists defiantly find inspiration and beauty as they defend their culture and their country. In a war waged by professional soldiers against ordinary civilians, Slava Leontyev, Anya Stasenko, and Andrey Stefanov choose to stay behind, armed with their art, their cameras, and, for the first time in their lives, their guns. Despite daily shelling, Anya finds resistance and purpose in her art, Andrey takes the dangerous journey to get his young family to safety abroad, and Slava becomes a weapons instructor for ordinary people who have become unlikely soldiers. As the war intensifies, Andrey picks up his camera to film their story, and on tiny porcelain figurines, Anya and Slava capture their idyllic past, uncertain present, and hope for the future.

porcelain

Co-directed by Leontyev and Brendan Bellomo, with extraordinary footage from first-time cinematographer Stefanov, Porcelain War is a stunning tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, one which embodies the passion and fight, that only an artist can put back into the world when it’s crumbling around them.

porcelain

“A combination of whimsy and devastation…” - The Wall Street Journal

porcelain

“Porcelain War masterfully illustrates the enduring power of art in the face of adversity.” - Awards Daily

porcelain

“This doc’s depiction of Ukraine war horrors will knock you down.” - The Wrap

Buy Tickets

Date: July 29-August 1, 2024

Time: 7:30pm

Location: Martha's Vineyard Film Center

79 Beach Road  Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

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