The August 11 release date for the new Michael Jackson documentary, The Trial and Triumph of The King of Pop was timed to ride the wave of interest intended to crest with the superstar's much anticipated, already sold out final tour. Now, it seems, the 76-minute film will serve instead as another loving memorial to Jackson, and as an upbeat view of his extraordinary talents and turbulent life.

Directed by Pearl, Jr. (who also helmed Behind the Scenes at the Michael Jackson Trial in 2005), the forthcoming film focuses on the brighter aspects of the superstar’s persona, and attempts to explain his outlook on life and the behavior that‘s been at the root of so many questions people have had about him.

In announcing the DVD's release, Rock City Entertainment President and CEO Wilson Ebiye said, “We want to unpreserved his legacy of love and kindness that is evident in his music. Our goal with the documentary was to clearly establish the fact that Michael Jackson was found not guilty of child molestation in a court of law.”

The Trial and Triumph of The King of Pop features appearances by Kanye West, Jermaine Jackson, Tom Mesereau, Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Jon Voight, Fantasia, Mo'Nique, Aphrodite Jones, Linda Deutsch and others who were within the superstar's sphere.

Again, the release date is August 11, but meanwhile, you can watch the trailer or order the DVD.

(PHOTO: 'The Trials and Triumphs of the King of Pop' Poster Art. Courtesy Rock City Entertainment).

Legendary French filmmaker Agnes Varda's autobiographical documentary, The Beaches of Agnes (Les Plages d'Agnes) releases theatrically July 1, 2009 at Film Forum in New York.

Varda's cinematic memoir is a brilliant 'menage' of archival footage, photo montages and reenactments along with some extraordinarily inventive elements that deliver Varda's recollections and musings on her life, loves and art in as a complete package of compelling impressions.

At age 80, Varda has a lot to tell, and she recounts her story with a panache that's both intoxicating and inspiring.

Watch the trailer and read my full review.

(PHOTO: Agnes Varda On The Beach. Courtesy Cine Tamaris).

Seven documentary filmmakers have been invited to join the elite ranks of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) community as active, voting members. Congratulatons go to:

• William Gazecki - Waco: The Rules of Engagement (1997)
• Rachel Grady - Jesus Camp (2007)
• Rory Kennedy - Ghosts of Abu Ghraib (2007)
• Scott Hamilton Kennedy - The Garden (2008)
• James Marsh - Man On Wire (2008)
• Megan Mylan - Smile Pinki (2008)
• Doug Pray - Surwise (2007)

Of these fine filmmakers, James Marsh and Megan Mylan have won Oscars (for the films mentioned), and William Garecki, Rachel Grady and Scott Hamilton Kennedy have been nominated for Oscars (for the films mentioned).

Along with the documentarians, AMPAS extended invitions to eight narrative feature directors, including Rachid Bouchareb, Danny Boyle, David Frankel, Rod Lurie, Thomas McCarthy, Tyler Perry and Henry Selick and to 20 actors, including Casey Affleck, Emily Blunt, Michael Cera, Viola Davis, James Franco, Brendan Gleeson, Anne Hathaway, Taraji P. Henson, Emile Hirsch, Hugh Jackman, Melissa Leo, Jane Lynch, Eddie Marsan, James McAvoy, Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd, Amy Ryan, Michael Shannon, Michelle Williams and Jeffrey Wright.

Membership in the Academy is by invitation only, and there are about 6,000 members in all. Only 134 invitations were sent to prospective new members in all Academy branches for 2009. New members are formally accepted in to the Academy in September. They will participate in nominating and voting for the Oscars for next year.

Although the Academy has decided to increase the number of narrative feature nominees from five films to ten, the number of documentaries that will receive nominee nods remains at five. Seem fair to you?

Money rules! We all know that. But is it really the root of all evil?

The Ascent of Money presents Niall Ferguson--the Harvard professor, noted economist and accomplished historian--taking a bull's eye shot at explaining how money has played a key role in creating our current economic crisis.

Based on Ferguson's best selling book of the same title, the four-hour documentary, which actually contextualize the eyeopening I.O.U.S.A., creates a well-grounded understanding of how our money meltdown came to be and where it--and we--may be headed.

Divided into four chapters, The Ascent of Money, is scheduled to air on PBS in four parts on successive Wednesdays during July, but meanwhile the network has an online steaming schedule, starting with part one which begins showing today, with the rest rolling out over the next several weeks.

(PHOTO: Niall Ferguson. Courtesy BBC).