Thom Powers' Stranger Than Fiction documentaries screening series is a feast for New York moviegoers. Held on Tuesday nights at the IFC Center, it presents the best in new and classic documentaries, with screenings followed by discussions with the films' directors, producers and/or subjects. Here's the lineup for the Spring season, scheduled from March 31 through June 2.- Mar 31: The English Surgeon (2007) - Geoffrey Smith's documentary about Dr. Henry Marsh follows the brain surgeon's experiences in the Ukraine. The film won prizes at Hot Docs, Silverdocs and other festivals. Q&A with director Geoffrey Smith and Dr. Henry Marsh after the screening.
- Apr 6: (a Monday Special) Nursery University (2008) - This documentary about New York's pre-school scramble follows Manhattan parents possessed with enrolling their 3-year-old kids in elite and exclusive pre-schools that will get them on the fast track to the ivy league. Q&A with director Marc Simon & co-dir. Matthew Makar.
- Apr 7: Fallen Champ: The Untold Story Of Mike Tyson (1993) - Rarely seen since its initial release, this Barbara Kopple film presents multiple views of the controversial boxer. Q&A with director Barbara Kopple.
- Apr 14: Al Franken: God Spoke (2006) - Nick Doob and Chris Hegedus follow Al Franken as he transforms himself from comedian to politician in the lead-up to his news-making campaign for the Senate. Q&A with directors Nick Doob & Chris Hegedus.
- Apr 21: Native Land (1942) - This rarely seen classic documentary about America's pre-World War II labor movement combines the talents of narrator Paul Robeson, directors Paul Strand and Leo Hurwitz. Q&A with Tom Hurwitz (Leo's son) & Manny Kirchheimer (Leo's colleague).
- Apr 28: The Way We Get By (2008) - Senior citizens in Bangor, Maine greet soldiers returning home from war in this poignant film. Co-presented by the Camden International Film Festival. Q&A with director Aron Gaudet & producer Gita Pullapilly.
- May 5: Art & Copy (2009) - Meet the real "Mad Men" of advertising and get the behind-the-scenes stories about legendary ads in this documentary by Doug Pray, the director of Surfwise and Scratch. Q&A with director Doug Pray.
- May 12: Swimming To Cambodia (1987) - Spalding Gray reflects on art, history and travel in this great one-man classic. Co-presented by Woodstock Film Festival. Q&A with director Jonathan Demme.
- May 19: Peter Davis Tribure: An evening with the Oscar-winning director of Hearts & Minds, who will present a work, the title of which is yet to be announced. Q&A with director Peter Davis.
- May 26: The Glass House (2008) - An aspiring rap singer is among the rebellious Iranian teenage girls who take refuge at a school that gives them courage against the great challenges of their countries social and political environment. Q&A with director Hamid Rahmanian & producer Melissa Hibbard.
- Jun 2: Closing Night Special to be announced.
You can get additional information and purchase series passes or individual tickets at the Stranger Than Fiction Website. Hint: It's best to buy the series pass for a deeply discounted price of $95 because some of the individual screenings (tickets cost $16.50) sell out quickly, and you're allowed to let a friend use you pass if you can't make it to one of the screenings. The season pass includes two free documentary DVDs from Docurama, free popcorn and other perks. At $95 for ten evenings of insider entertainment, the season pass is a great buy for personal viewing, or to give as a gift.
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