The 12th annual GlobeDocs film festival, scheduled from October 21 to November 1, will present a diverse lineup of documentary films highlighting social activism, personal journeys, and calls for systemic change. The festival continues its tradition of showcasing nonfiction works that examine pressing contemporary issues across a global landscape.
Several films focus on activism and the fight for rights. Barbara Kopple’s "Union Town" explores the challenges faced by app-based delivery workers and drivers in New York City, documenting their efforts to organize and advocate for fair wages and safer working conditions. Similarly, "Tutu," directed by Sam Pollard, offers an intimate portrait of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Desmond Tutu, whose leadership was pivotal in dismantling apartheid in South Africa.
Migration and identity also feature prominently in the program. "A Long Way to Go," directed by Carolyn Jones, follows three nurses from the Philippines, Ghana, and India as they join the American healthcare workforce, raising questions about global health disparities and immigration. Meanwhile, "The Other Side of Memory" tells the personal story of Nick Capezzera, adopted from South Korea, as he seeks connections with his biological family, reflecting broader themes of adoption and cultural heritage.
Artistic and creative narratives appear in films such as "Anne Packard: An Artist’s Resolve," a contemplative look at the life of the Provincetown-based painter, and "Jean-Michel Basquiat," which traces the iconic artist’s rise from Brooklyn street graffiti to international acclaim while addressing his struggles with addiction. “Playing POTUS” delves into the tradition of presidential impersonations in American comedy, featuring interviews with performers like Alec Baldwin and Kate McKinnon who discuss the impact of political satire.
Personal resilience and coming-of-age stories are also central. "The Ascent" chronicles Mandy Horvath’s attempt to climb Mount Kilimanjaro following the loss of both legs in an accident, exploring themes of determination and overcoming adversity. "Remaining Native" follows Kutoven Stevens, a Native American high school runner from a Nevada reservation, weaving his athletic pursuits with reflections on his ancestral history.
Animal welfare and sustainability topics are explored in "Forever Home," which documents a North Carolina couple’s creation of a sanctuary for rescued farm animals, and "Fork in the Road," which examines efforts to develop sustainable farming methods amid the challenges of industrial agriculture.
Other offerings include "All About the Money," a documentary about Fergie Chambers, who used his inherited fortune to support a communist collective, and "The Oldest Person in the World," a reflective study of longevity and mortality through a decade-long project by filmmaker Sam Green.
The festival will provide screenings at venues including the Brattle Theatre, Coolidge Corner Theatre, and Alamo Drafthouse Seaport. Many screenings will be accompanied by live or recorded question-and-answer sessions featuring filmmakers and subjects, offering audiences deeper engagement with the topics presented. For further details about the schedule and films, viewers are encouraged to visit the festival’s website.