Documentaries Theatrical Releases November 13, 2009

Two excellent documentaries are opening this week in select theaters across the U.S.

• William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe is a biodoc about the noted civil rights attorney, who was undoubtedly one of the most famous and controversial lawyers in American history. A self-styled 'radical' lawyer, Bill Kunstler represented a long list of famous and infamous clients -- Martin Luther King, H. Rap Brown, Angela Davis, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., the Weather Underground, Chicago Seven, Catonsville Nine, Jack Ruby and Omar Abdel-Rahman ("the Blind Sheik") among them, in his ongoing mission to uphold First Amendment Rights.

  Produced and directed by Kunster's daughters, filmmakers Emily Kunstler and Sarah Kunstler, the documentary traces the lawyer's career, covering many of his biggest trials and his stint as president of the ACLU with archival footage and on camera interviews with admirers, including politicians Tom Hayden, Julian Bond and Herman Badillo. among others. The film is comprehensive, balanced and fascinating. In addition to their detailed investigation of their father's career, Kunstler's daughters bring a compelling sense of intimacy to this film. Released by Arthouse Film, it is opening on November 13 in New York and Boston, with wider release on November 20 in Los Angeles, Berkeley, San Francisco and D.C.

• Ten9Eight: Shoot for the Moon is Mary Mazzio's compelling documentary about inner city teens who are trying to win the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship's business plan competition. Picked from 24,000 submissions, 35 teens are in the final competition. Having overcome significant challenges in their lives, these enterprising kids have already got a head start on their business futures, and are looking for the win -- which comes with $10,000 to help with the start up of their fledgling business, and consults with leading entrepreneurs -- Arthur Blank of Home Depot, Tom Scott of Nantucket Nectars, Ralph Schlosstein of BlackRock, Kay Koplovitz of USA Network and Wyc Grousbeck, owner of the Celtics. The kids are terrific. Really, they're all winners, and so's the film. Opening on November 13 at AMC Theaters in New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, DC, Atlanta, Miami and Kansas City.

(PHOTO: 'William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe' Poster Art. Courtesy of Arthouse Film).