In order to be considered for a nomination, a documentary must have had a theatrical release during the year.
The International Documentary Association (IDA) produces its annual DocWeeks screening series in New York and Los Angeles in order to provide documentaries with the required theatrical showings.
The DocuWeeks program is vetted. IDA charges a substanial fee for participation in the program. Screenings are open to the public for the price of admission.
Of course, documentaries that have theatrical releases through studio or independent distributors are also qualified to be considered for the Oscars, but the DocuWeeks program does give audiences a chance to see qualifying documentaries yet that might not have other distribution.
DocuWeeks 2011 Documentaries Program
The 15th Annual DocuWeeks Theatrical Documentary Showcase program is presenting 17 feature length documentaries, including:
- Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey
- Better This World
- A Bitter Taste of Freedom
- The Boy Mir - Ten Years in Afghanistan
- The Carrier
- Darwin
- Dying To Do Letterman
- Hell and Back Again
- The Mexican Suitcase
- Miss Representation
- Phnom Penh Lullaby
- The Power of Two
- Semper Fi; Always Faithful
- S.O.S. / State of Security
- The Tiniest Place (El Lugar Mas Pequeno)
- To Be Heard
- Unfinished Spaces
DocuWeeks also presents documentary shorts. The 2011 program includes:
- The Barber of Birmingham
- The Home Front
- Library of Dust
- Maya Deren's Sink
- Poetry of Resilience
- Sand
- Sun City Picture House
DocuWeeks 2011 Schedule
DocuWeeks 2011 takes place in New York from August 12 to September 1, 2011, at the IFC Center and in Los Angeles from August 19 to September 8, 2011, at Laemmle Sunset 5. Tickets for individual tickets at the IFC Center cost $13.00 for general admission, $8.00 for IDA members and $9.00 for seniors and children. Tickets for individual films at the Laemmle Sunset 5 are $11.00 for general admission, $8.00 for IDA members, and $8.00 for seniors and children. Tickets can be purchased at the respective box offices, or through www.documentary.org/docuweeks2011.
