Documentary Wachlist

Three young men find solace in each other as they try to leave behind difficult family situations in their Rust Belt hometown. Years later, as they navigate the challenges of adulthood, long-held secrets emerge and put their decade-long friendship to…

Finnish black metal is characterized by its extreme viewpoints and uncompromising stance. The genre frequently carries strong ideological weight, often involving themes of Satanism, embracing evil, rejecting solidarity, and expressing hatred toward Christian and multicultural society – beliefs deeply held…

The avant-garde has gone online, and they have a plan. Emerging from computer programming circles, internet trolls are frustrated with mass media's focus on sensationalism and are using it to spread their influence. They manipulate elections, journalists, and popular culture,…

Electronic music often conjures images of men experimenting with technology. However, women have been essential to its development since the start, pioneering the instruments, methods, and musical ideas that shaped the genre.

This documentary follows a woman who faced rejection as a child for being believed to be possessed, and endured hardship as an adult for adhering to traditional beliefs. She ultimately becomes a respected shaman, embracing the suffering of others. Throughout…

Children Underground tells the story of five street children, aged eight to sixteen, who make their home in a Bucharest subway station. Daily, commuters pass them by as the children struggle to survive, resorting to begging, petty theft, and deception…

Director Koreyoshi Kurahara follows Flep and Leila, two foxes in Hokkaido, Japan, through a year of challenges. The island's long winters and brief summers shape their lives. After Flep wins a fight for Leila's affection, they become mates and have…

Jason Osder recounts the events that led to and unfolded during the 1985 confrontation between the radical African-American group MOVE and Philadelphia police. The intense clash resulted in eleven deaths and widespread destruction within a neighborhood.

This collection of rare live performances chronicles the history of Acid Mothers Temple & The Melting Paraiso U.F.O. The first disc charts the band's development from 1998 to 2007, featuring previously unseen live video footage and appearances by special guests…

"Animals Are Beautiful People" (also known as "Beautiful People") is a 1974 South African nature documentary created by Jamie Uys. The film showcases wildlife in Southern Africa, incorporating comedic elements. Filmed in the Namib, Kalahari, and Okavango deserts and along…

Tokyo's experimental music scene is globally recognized for its daring approaches, ranging from innovative turntablism to laptop-based music and unconventional classical instrument playing. "We Don't Care About Music Anyway..." Introduces some of the city's leading musicians, offering a multifaceted look…

Tokyo: a city alive with noise, activity, and unique culture. This film features interviews with a diverse group of Tokyo residents, including celebrated photographer Nobuyoshi Araki, game designer Shono, and musician Mayuko Hino.

Inside the dark mine, illuminated by miners' lamps and filled with the noise of machinery and the constant scent of ore, time and space blur. This documentary, filmed at the Panasqueiras Mine in 2008/09, presents an observational view. The camera…

This documentary examines the slow decline of American society throughout its history. Using a wealth of rare footage, it explores events that have contributed to this decline, including race riots and the rise of serial killers. The film presents a…

Oscar-winning composer Ryuichi Sakamoto blends electronic and acoustic sounds in his music. Following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, he became a vocal anti-nuclear activist. His career was interrupted only by a 2014 cancer diagnosis.

In 1970s Japan, biker gangs called Bōsōzoku became a media sensation. God Speed You! Black Emperor centers on a member of one such gang and his relationship with his parents, following an incident that lands him in trouble with the…

This documentary follows a DJ as he travels across West Africa in search of rare 1970s Afro-beat vinyl records. He explores the region, seeking out these musical treasures.

A2 follows director Tatsuya Mori's film A (1998), offering a stark look inside the compound of Japan's Aum Shinrikyo cult following the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attacks. Many followers were unaware of the planned attacks or their religion’s violent…

Yayoi Kusama, now a globally renowned artist, defied societal constraints to share her unique vision with the world. Overcoming sexism, racism, and mental health challenges, she achieved international acclaim. At 88, Kusama currently resides in a mental institution and continues…

Ulrich Seidl's first feature film offers a look at the lives of street newspaper vendors in Vienna. The film focuses on men from Turkey, India, Pakistan, Egypt, and Eastern Europe who work in all weather conditions selling local tabloids. It…

This film offers a rare and insightful look into the work of Gisaburo Sugii, a leading figure in Japanese animation. Sugii shares his experiences and methods, discussing his career and how he approaches his creative work.

Following a brutal assault that results in brain damage and financial ruin, Mark Hogancamp finds a path to healing in "Marwencol." He builds a miniature World War II town in his backyard, meticulously recreating it in 1/6th scale.

This film explores the disturbing world behind a prominent bondage website, delving into the mind of its creator. It examines the complexities of personal responsibility and reveals intense interests in bondage and sadomasochism, which become increasingly linked to financial gain.…

Ryuichi runs a small Japanese company, "I Want To Cheer You Up Ltd," managing it from his phone and laptop. He rents out people – family, friends, colleagues, or strangers – to help others conceal secrets and create the appearance…

Chris Watts projected an image of domestic bliss, but he unexpectedly confessed to murdering his pregnant wife and two daughters.

This documentary explores the creative approaches of key artists in the experimental music scene, including Coil, Current 93, Foetus, and Test Dept. It offers a unique look at their processes, philosophies, and the ideas behind their legendary status. Filmed in…

Two years after the discovery of "Sue," the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton ever found, authorities take possession of the remains. They assert that "Sue" was illegally taken from government property.

Somm offers a humorous, emotional, and insightful glimpse into the enigmatic world of the Court of Master Sommeliers and their notoriously challenging Master Sommelier Exam.

This collection of films explores the intersection of art and sexuality. It presents a series of erotic works that examine moments where the two converge.

Noise Collection, a rare 1992 compilation from Japan's leading noise musicians, features an interview with David Hopkins about the Japanese noise scene. The film documents Aube's installation using halogen lamps in a parking garage, Merzbow performing in a Korean village…

Filmmaker Werner Herzog receives rare permission to film within the Chauvet caves of southern France. His camera documents the world's oldest known cave paintings, offering a breathtaking look at early human artistry in their original environment.

Kon Ichikawa's 1965 film, "Tokyo Olympiad," offers a captivating look at the 1964 Summer Olympics, focusing on the energy and emotions of athletes and spectators alike. The film explores the human connections and determination at play during this historic event.…

What does it take to become Peter Brötzmann? To become a true artist – a painter, a musician? In post-war Europe, young Germans were consumed by ruin and shame, yearning to rebuild and rediscover unity. They sought to break the…

"Race d’Ep!" Was created by Guy Hocquenghem, considered a key figure in queer theory, and Lionel Soukaz, a radical queer filmmaker. The film explores the history of modern homosexuality throughout the 20th century, from early sexology and the photographs of…

In a future where women no longer bear male children, a reserved housekeeper named Andrew Myers unexpectedly becomes key to preventing the extinction of men.

This documentary explores the career of horror and mystery film director Dario Argento. It includes a detailed interview with Argento himself, examining his films made between 1969 and 1985.

Over five years and filmed in twenty-five countries across five continents, *Samsara* is shot on 70mm film. It takes viewers to diverse locations: sacred sites, disaster areas, industrial facilities, and natural landscapes.

'Giallo' is Italian for 'yellow,' the color of the lurid pulp novels that sparked one of cinema's most intense and influential genres. This collection presents the complete history of giallo through over 100 rare and classic trailers from filmmakers like…

Black Metal Veins unflinchingly portrays the harsh realities of despair and self-destruction experienced by five heroin addicts. Their interconnected stories of pain, loss, sadness, and abandonment lead the viewer through a harrowing descent into psychological and spiritual ruin as heroin…

Art dealer Salvatore Viviano and director Angela Christlieb search for the elusive artist collective Gelitin. Since the 1990s, Gelitin has repeatedly challenged conventional artistic boundaries with its outrageous actions and installations. The film interweaves interviews with former colleagues and friends…

Boyd Rice is possibly the only person still connected by name to both Charles Manson and Marilyn Manson. For over thirty years, he has been a central figure in underground culture and a source of controversy.

This film offers a stark look at life where peaceful countryside meets the harsh reality of a nearby slaughterhouse. It vividly portrays the difficult lives of both the animals and the workers, presenting an unflinching view of the connection between…

This documentary follows Jimmy Mirikitani, a spirited street painter known for his red beret, who lives and works near the World Trade Center. His life is profoundly impacted by the 9/11 attacks that devastate his neighborhood. A film editor named…

The film uses four landscape shots featuring a replica of Ted Kaczynski's cabin, one for each season. Throughout, Benning reads excerpts from Kaczynski’s journals dating back to the early 1970s, detailing his hunting and gathering skills and his bond with…

Through 39 interviews with actors, writers, producers, and crew, combined with clips and images from his films, Shindō chronicles the life and career of his friend and mentor, Mizoguchi.

This documentary is a comprehensive look at Lydia Lunch's fiercely confrontational and electrifying artistic career. A leading figure in New York City's No Wave scene of the late 1970s, Lunch has dedicated her music and spoken word to celebrating women's…

Before home video and the internet, "Bahnhofskinos" (train station cinemas) in West Germany were known for screening low-quality and erotic films. The documentary "Cinema Perverso – the wonderful and broken world of Bahnhofskino" features recollections and perspectives from filmmakers and…

Ghana's e-waste holds a wealth of data. Opening discarded hard drives reveals photos and personal information about the people who owned them. With a name and address, finding someone online is easy. Ama, an internet con artist in this film,…

Lucky People Center International explores diverse human experiences across the globe. The film’s dynamic visual style, inspired by music videos, offers a fresh perspective on documentary filmmaking. Over two years, the filmmakers traveled internationally to capture people and ways of…

Japanese photographer Tsurisaki Kiyotaka returns with his distinctive perspective on the world. *The Wasteland* explores the consequences of war, religion, and other destructive forces that have ravaged the Earth.

This film is a darkly humorous exploration of city life, presenting a series of bizarre and interconnected moments. It's a collection of strange sounds and happenings, creating a unique and unsettling urban experience.

This documentary follows acclaimed director Kim Ki-Duk as he reflects on his extensive film career.

This film explores the profound link between an artist's life and their work. It offers a unique look at Berlin, delving into the world behind the city's iconic red and blue graffiti. The story examines the relationship between art, lettering,…

This film explores the history of Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, a place of worship for over two million Japanese war dead. Among those enshrined are more than a thousand convicted war criminals from the 1946-1948 Tokyo tribunal, including 14 Class-A…

In 1989, five Black and Latino teenagers from Harlem were arrested and convicted of raping a white woman in New York City's Central Park. They served six to thirteen years in prison before a serial rapist confessed to the crime,…

Near the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River, a group of young people find work on a cruise ship. There, they face the challenges of increasing floodwaters and a rapidly transforming China.

Director S.R. Bindler's documentary explores a peculiar Texan competition where contestants compete by holding onto a truck with one hand for as long as they can. The film follows these determined individuals as they test their endurance, battling rivals and…

This film explores the history of the most extreme and shocking movies ever created. It charts the timeline of "Red Films"—movies considered too controversial for mainstream release and historically distributed through underground channels.

Five women veterans, deeply affected by trauma from their service, form a supportive bond to assist the growing number of homeless women veterans. They participate in a competition that unexpectedly brings about significant changes in their personal lives.

This visually stunning documentary takes viewers on a global journey through different landscapes and time periods to explore the connections between all living things. The film features breathtaking cinematography, showcasing the beauty of Earth while presenting a thoughtful story about…

Slave to Sirens, the first and only all-female thrash metal band in the Middle East, are captivating. Against the backdrop of political turmoil and Beirut's decline, these five women create a space for expression, resistance, and independence. Director Rita Baghdadi…

Goran Colak is a free-diver who has devoted his life to surviving without oxygen. Determined to be the world's best, he has accomplished every challenge in the sport. In doing so, he's pushed the limits of human potential, existing in…

*Caniba* is a film exploring themes of flesh and desire. It examines the unsettling role of cannibalism in human nature through the story of Issei Sagawa, a Japanese man, and his enigmatic connection with his brother, Jun Sagawa.

This documentary follows a young woman named Caroline in 1960s London as she becomes addicted to drugs. The film depicts her journey into the contemporary drug culture of the time, showing the transformation of a seemingly innocent young woman into…

This psychedelic documentary explores the workings of the human body, featuring music by Pink Floyd. Directed and produced by Roy Battersby, the film includes commentary from narrators Frank Finlay and Vanessa Redgrave, drawing on insights from human biologists and anatomical…

This film follows a musician who relentlessly pursues his artistic vision throughout his life. It's a story about his unwavering ambition and his tendency towards self-destruction as he strives for self-expression.

Ulrich Seidl examines the darker aspects of human nature by venturing into Austrian basements. These spaces are private realms where people indulge their secrets and obsessions.

This film examines Japan's deep connection to girl bands and their music, focusing on a young woman hoping to become a pop star and her devoted fans. It explores the culture's fixation on youthful female attractiveness and the increasing distance…

This film explores the work of Gualtiero Jacopetti and Franco Prosperi, the duo who created the "mondo" film genre with *Mondo Cane* in 1962. It charts their careers from that groundbreaking film to their separation after the production of *Goodbye…

This documentary examines the forgotten history of American exploitation films. It explores this frequently overlooked genre of U.S. Cinema, revealing the often brazen and sometimes shocking beginnings of this popular form of entertainment.

This film explores the development of adult cinema through its most significant movies, spanning from the 1970s to the present day. It examines why certain erotic films achieved such popularity, their effects on the film industry and society, and their…

Daniel is a young student and writer who openly embraces his homosexuality and affection for a boy. He has never harmed a child. The film explores the inner lives of people with pedophilia, focusing on Daniel and the Czech community.…

Above and Below follows five survivors navigating a challenging existence in a post-apocalyptic world. The film journeys through difficult landscapes, following Rick & Cindy, Godfather Lalo in the flooded tunnels beneath Las Vegas, Dave in the desolate Californian desert, and…

This documentary offers an unprecedented look at "Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently," a collective of anonymous citizen journalists. Formed after their city was taken over by ISIS, they risk everything to fight back against a major global threat.

Kazuo Hara documents the lives of Yokota Hiroshi and Yokozuka Koichi, two members of an activist group comprised of individuals with cerebral palsy.

This documentary examines Aum Shinrikyo, a Buddhist sect led by Shoko Asahara, between September 1996 and November 1997. It covers the sect's reaction to media attention, the trials following the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin attack, and the cult's dwindling finances…

In a world where drive-in theaters are gone, monsters exist on the fringes of society. Texas artists, embracing unconventional identities, create their own myths and challenge societal norms. Through masks and unique rituals, they offer an intimate look into their…

Kenzo Okuzaki, a 62-year-old World War II veteran who fought in the New Guinea campaign, undertakes a personal quest to understand the truth behind disturbing events from one of the war's fiercest battles. As part of a trapped Japanese unit,…

"Reverberation" features recordings of five music performances in overlooked areas of Silesia. Held in temporary, undefined locations, these spaces are filled with unconventional sounds – noise pushed to the edges of cities. The film explores new ways to experience marginal…

Between 1939 and 1942, over 400 Jewish children were sheltered, educated, and ultimately rescued in the French village of Chabannes. This was made possible by the courageous work of the school's director and teachers, along with Jewish rescue organizations who…

"The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia," produced by Johnny Knoxville and Jeff Tremaine for MTV and Dickhouse Productions, documents Jesco White, a famous outlaw, and his unusual family in the Appalachian mountains. The Whites face legal troubles alongside…

Two decades after a highly publicized child murder, the event's lasting effects and consequences are examined.

"Live From Tokyo" explores Tokyo's vibrant music scene, a place where musical boundaries are constantly being challenged. The documentary examines Tokyo's music culture as a mirror of Japanese society and its connection to global music trends. The city’s reputation for…

Málaga, July 2012. Legendary director Jesus "Jess" Franco, 82, is working on what will be his final film, with virtually no money. A small crew of four actors and three technicians should have ensured a calm production. However, Jess Franco's…

This documentary recounts the events of June 12th, 2000, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, when a young man hijacked bus 174, threatening to harm the passengers. The incident, broadcast live across Brazilian television, became a deeply disturbing portrayal of violence…

Directed by Arata Oshima, son of the acclaimed filmmaker Nagisa Oshima, who admired Sion Sono's early work, this documentary explores the life of Sion Sono – the artist, the writer, the husband, and the child he once was. The film…