Stranger Than Fiction Documentary Series - New York City

Stranger Than Fiction is New York City’s premier documentary screenings series. Programmed and hosted by Thom Powers, who is one of the programmers for the Toronto Film Festival, the series presents exclusive screenings for documentary film lovers. The Fall 2008 season runs from September 23 to November 25. Each week, on Tuesday evening, Powers screens a sneak preview of a documentary that‘s not yet been released, a lost gem or a special event. Discussions with filmmakers and special guests follow each screening and very often the guests and audience meet up for a longer post-screening discussion at a local bar. Season passes are sold, and their use is liberal--if the pass holder can’t make a screening, the pass may be used by a friend. Tickets to individual screenings are sold when available. For more information, see see the Stranger Than Fiction Website

Stranger Than Fiction - Fall 2008 Screenings:

• Tuesday, September 23 at 8 PM - At The Edge Of The World (2008) - Q&A with director Dan Stone
  Thom Powers writes: “If you think pirate stories are a thing of the past, meet the members of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, seafarers who raise customized Jolly Rogers over their ships while conducting contemporary battles on the Antarctic Ocean. The treasures they protect are the lives of whales on the verge of extinction. Their enemies are Japanese vessels that continue to hunt whales despite an international ban. These poachers exploit a loophole that allows killing for scientific research, but the meat usually ends up in restaurant kitchens. The Sea Shepherd's goal is to stop the slaughter, even if it requires aggressive actions.

  At the Edge of the World follows one season in this high-stakes war. At the helm of Sea Shepherd is controversial Canadian activist Paul Watson, who left Greenpeace to pursue his own methods. He sets out with a crew of forty-six international volunteers who are relatively inexperienced at sea. The ships, named Robert Hunter and Farley Mowat, carry a helicopter that enables stunning overhead photography. Its combat tools include a steel "can opener" designed to rip open the hull of enemy ships while they lie in part, rope to tangle propellers and stink bombs that make whale meat inedible.

  How far would you go to save an animal's life? That is the question at the heart of Watson's expedition. Much of the team's time is spent searching and waiting, but when Sea Shepherd finally encounters a whaling vessel, the young activists must face challenges that are both physical and mental.

  For his first feature, director Dan Stone has assembled a stellar crew. Their cameras keep hot on the tail of the action, and the suspense of watching two real boats collide is more gripping than any computer-generated version.

  Whatever you think of Sea Shepherd's outlaw tactics, At the Edge of the World will force you to grapple with the difficult question of how to protect endangered species when the law proves inadequate.

• Tuesday, September 30 at 8 PM - What Remains: The Life And Work Of Sally Mann (2005) - Q&A with director Steven Cantor
  This study of the controversial photographer (known for nude portraits of her children) offers a beautiful observation of an artist pushing boundaries. From the prolific, Oscar-nominated director Steven Cantor.

• Tuesday, October 7 at 8 PM - Blood Trail (2008) - Q&A with director Richard Parry
  Fresh from its world premiere at Toronto, Blood Trail follows war photographer Robert King over 15 years, from Bosnia to Chechnya to Iraq. This night is bound to attract a gathering of New York's photo journalism community
• Tuesday, October 14 at 8 PM - Of All The Things (2008) - Q&A with director Jody Lambert and film subject Dennis Lambert
  Even if you've never heard of Dennis Lambert, you've definitely heard the many hit songs he wrote from Rhinestone Cowboy to Night Shift. When he comes out of retirement to tour the Philippines, his filmmaking son tags along on a poignant journey. Co-presented by SXSW where the film had its world premiere. The night following STF, Dennis will be performing at Joe's Pub.
• Tuesday, October 21 at 8 PM - George Stoney Tribute - Q&A with George Stoney
  Born in 1916, Stoney is a documentary legend, both as a filmmaker and a longtime teacher at New York University. This special tribute will showcase clips from his career with an in-depth interview.
• Tuesday, October 28 at 8 PM - St. Clair Bourne Tribute - Guests to be announced.
  St. Clair Bourne died last year at age 64, leaving behind a legacy as a filmmaker and community builder. This night pays tribute with a screening and guests to be announced. Co-presented by Black Documentary Collective.
• Tuesday, November 4 at 8 PM -Chisholm, 72: Unbought and Unbossed (2004) - Q&A with director Shola Lynch
  What better way to celebrate election night than with this marvelous doc about this historic Presidential primary campaign of African-American Shirley Chisholm?
• Tuesday, November 11 at 8 PM - The Dungeon Masters (2008) - Q&A with director Keven McAlester
  Following its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, The Dungeon Masters explores the world of three devoted Dungeons & Dragons players. Director Keven McAlester previously appeared at STF with his debut film You're Gonna Miss Me.
• Tuesday, November 18 at 8 PM - How To Draw A Bunny (2002) - Q&A with director John Walter
  Artist Ray Johnson, best known for his witty collage work, had a death as puzzling as his life. Director John Walter pursues the case like a mystery story set in the New York art world. The film won a jury prize at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival.
• Tuesday, November 25 at 8 PM - TBA

The Stranger Than Fiction series is presented at the IFC CENTER at 323 Sixth Ave @ 3rd St, New York City, New York 10024.