NewFilmmakers Los Angeles Presents Annual DocuSlate December 1st

LOS ANGELES - Nov. 26, 2018 - PRLog -- Program #1 – Giving Care

Room 140, Dir. Priscilla Gonzalez Sainz, USA

Immigrants just released from detention centers spend their first night in Oakland at a motel, paid through the charity of a local pastor.

When Mother Goes to Work, Dir. Azar Kafaei, Iran

Newark, NJ is one of the most unsafe inner-cities in the United States. Marked by a history of racism and segregation, people of Newark are heavily policed on a daily basis. In this film, three siblings from Newark have to find a way to spend time together in the absence of their mother who is away working three long shifts.

Mon Amour, Mon Ami, Dir. Adriano Valerio, Italy/France

Somewhere in Italy, Daniela takes in Fouad, a Moroccan immigrant. He lives in her home for two years. To allow him to get his work papers, she accepts to marry him. But very quickly, she realizes that Fouad has feelings for her and feels very uncomfortable with the idea of a fake wedding with someone who really loves her.

Holding Space, Dir. Rebecca Kenyon, UK
West Coast Premiere

Three people on the threshold between life and death turn to an end of life doula to support them as they prepare.

Period. End of Sentence, Dir. Rayka Zehtabchi, USA/India

In an effort to improve feminine hygiene, a machine that creates low-cost biodegradable sanitary pads is installed in a rural village in Northern India. Using the machine, a group of local women is employed to produce and sell pads, offering them newfound independence and helping to de-stigmatize menstruation for all.

Program #2 – Feature Program: The Reluctant Radical

The Reluctant Radical, Dir. Lindsey Grayzel, USA

If a crime is committed in order to prevent a greater crime, is it forgivable? Is it, in fact, necessary? We follow activist Ken Ward as he confronts his fears and puts himself in the direct path of the fossil fuel industry to combat climate change.

Program #3 – Fighting Hate

Beneath the Ink, Dir. Cy Dodson, USA

A timely look at hate and racism in on Ohio community, that reveals heartfelt stories of change and redemption.

Man on Fire, Dir. Joel Fendelman, USA

Grand Saline, Texas was a sleepy, unremarkable town--until a white preacher lit himself on fire to protest the town's racism in 2014.

Program #4 –Feature Program: Dare to Struggle, Dare to Win

Dare to Struggle, Dare to Win, Dir. Christopher Gruse, USA

Detroit still burned after the fires of the '67 rebellion were extinguished. Black Detroiters were still trampled on by decades of racist policing and practices. The national drug epidemic was raging in the Motor City. The Detroit Police Department responded by creating S.T.R.E.S.S. (Stop The Robberies, Enjoy Safe Streets) – a brutal, murderous decoy unit that was responsible for the execution of 22 Black citizens. A radical Marxist Attorney Ken Cockrel, led a group of activists and community leaders to abolish the unit and restore justice.

Program #5 – Shorts Program: Loving Life

Sole Doctor, Dir. Paula Bernstein, USA

A generational tale of craftsmanship and community set at George's Shoe Repair, a family-owned business in Portland, Oregon that has served the community for over 50 years.

Shoto, Dir. Firul Maithya & Stories Found Nairobi Team, Kenya

West Coast Premiere

Shifting gears in the Eastlands of Nairobi, a local man strives to take over the matatu bus industry with a promise to uphold its vibrant culture.

Life on a String, Dir. Jonatas da Silva, USA/India

In the face of great sacrifice, two Los Angeles puppeteers refuse to give up their insatiable passion for their art. Both men, Cain near the beginning of his career, Gary nearing its conclusion, seek validation and purpose in a world that seems to be leaving this ancient art form behind.

Zumari, Dir. Jackline Wangeci & Stories Found Nairobi Team, Kenya

West Coast Premiere

In Nairobi's toughest slum, a young man summons the courage to change his life and discovers peace in an unlikely place.

Swipe Me Tender, Dir. Valentino N. Misino, USA

Valentino. 31. Italian in Los Angeles with one foot still in the closet. Looking for that special someone to help me out.

Program #6 – Feature Program: RISE: The Story of Augustines

RISE: The Story of Augustines, Dir. Todd Howe, USA/UK/Germany/France/Netherlands

The story of a band that overcame massive adversity & personal tragedy to become one of the most critically acclaimed indie bands in the world. It chronicles the journey of two men who faced their demons, refused to fall and established a lifelong brotherhood as they struggled to finish their seminal debut record, all while trying to maintain their own sanity and pay tribute to a lost loved one.

Program #7 – Feature Program: Joe Frank - Somewhere Out There

Joe Frank - Somewhere Out There, Dir. D.P. Carlson, USA

An exploration of the life of award-winning audio artist Joe Frank whose innovative work and career on radio has spanned four decades.

Additional event information is available at www.nfmla.org

Founded in 2007, NewFilmmakers Los Angeles is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. NFMLA's programs annually serve approximately 25,000 patrons in the Greater Los Angeles area. NFMLA has screened over 2,500 films from 75+ countries, highlighting local and international talent. NFMLA is supported by Presenting Venue Sponsor South Park Center, Executive Sponsors FilmLA and HBO and Producers Circle Sponsors SAG-AFTRA, 21st Century Fox Global Inclusion, The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), The Los Angeles County Arts Commission and the Los Angeles City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA).