The GlobeDocs Film Festival presented by Cross Insurance is pleased to announce the full film slate for its ninth season, running both in-person and virtually October 25-29. Over the course of 5 days of non-fiction programming, GlobeDocs Film Festival celebrates documentary film from award-winning journalists, filmmakers, and guests from around the globe.
This year’s festival continues the tradition of highlighting important stories and recognizing Boston as a touchstone of the non-fiction film world with its lineup of 28 films, which includes 15 feature-length documentaries, and 13 short documentary films. The festival programming, curated by Lisa Viola, Director of Programming for GlobeDocs, foregrounds distinct perspectives, diverse communities and BIPOC voices, covering a range of topics including climate change, public health, the arts, LGBTQ+ and women’s issues, racial injustice, education, and politics.
The 2023 season will open with the World Premiere of THE HIGHEST STANDARD, directed by Isara Krieger on Wednesday, October 25 at the Coolidge Corner Theatre. The documentary tells the story of three Boston-area middle schoolers facing a life-changing transition at the non-profit Beacon Academy, a 14-month program between middle school and high school that aims to help low-income students of color prepare to apply to the most competitive private high schools in the Northeast.
GlobeDocs’ Centerpiece Film this year is SORRY/NOT SORRY, directed by Caroline Suh and Cara Mones, re-examining Louis C.K.’s sexual misconduct over his long comedy career, focusing on the perspectives of three women who spoke out. The film charts how an open secret evolved into on-the-record allegations and features interviews with the reporters who broke the original story along with comedians, entertainers, and cultural commentators including Michael Ian Black, Michael Schur, Aida Rodriguez, and Wesley Morris.
This year’s Closing Night Film will feature the World Premiere of INUNDATION DISTRICT, directed by David Abel, screening on Sunday, October 29 at 7pm at The Brattle Theatre. This film explores the construction of Boston’s Seaport District in the midst of climate change, rising sea levels, and intensifying storms.
GlobeDocs will also include a Special Presentation of Errol Morris’ new film THE PIGEON TUNNEL featuring John le Carré’s final interview and director Errol Morris will be on hand at the festival for a Q&A following the screening on Sunday, October 29 at 4pm at The Brattle Theatre.
"We are thrilled to present this inspiring slate of new, acclaimed documentaries featuring two World Premieres for our opening and closing night films," said Lisa Viola, Director of Programming. "At GlobeDocs, we invite the filmgoing community to join us for a unique opportunity to meet world-class filmmakers and engage in spirited conversations hosted by Boston Globe journalists at the Coolidge Corner Theatre and The Brattle Theatre, as well as our virtual showcase.”
Screenings will be followed by in-person or virtual discussions with filmmakers, moderated by an incredible list of Boston Globe journalists. Festival-goers will also have the opportunity to vote for the annual Audience Award which is awarded to one feature film and one short film.