Documentaries

The Tallest Dwarf

Diagnosed with hypochondroplasia dwarfism as an adult, filmmaker Julie Forrest Wyman explores her condition in this captivating documentary. Through personal reflections and conversations with her family, especially her father, Wyman raises essential questions about societal perceptions of dwarfism and the complexities of identity. The film features interactions with members of the little people community, offering a profound and humorous look at their experiences and viewpoints. 'The Tallest Dwarf' invites audiences to reflect on biases and understandings surrounding human diversity.

Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive

Sun, Apr 27 • 12:00 PM

I Dreamed His Name

Through powerful and poetic storytelling, *I Dreamed His Name* follows director Ángela Carabalí and her sister Juliana as they traverse Colombia’s Indigenous farmlands to investigate the disappearance of their father. Thirty years ago, the Afro-Latino farmer became a victim of the violence enveloping the country during a period of civil unrest. Now, as Ángela and Juliana probe their missing parent’s story, they encounter others who lost family members in similar circumstances. Gorgeous and intimate cinematography further illuminates the tenderness in each frame of Carabalí's moving documentary debut, a chronicle not only of loss but also of the love the sisters have for their family and for one another.

Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive

Sun, Apr 27 • 2:30 PM

Deaf President Now!

For eight days in March 1988, students of Gallaudet University in Washington, DC, protested the appointment of a hearing president. Demanding truly representative leadership, the students broke the cycle of pity and condescension that defined their experience at the world’s first university for deaf and hard of hearing students. Actor Nyle DiMarco, a Gallaudet graduate, makes his directorial debut with this documentary that memorializes a watershed moment not only in American disability rights activism but also in the history of US student movements. Key players in the protest lead the audience through the events of those heady days and relate how they overcame sexism, ableism, and paternalism to ensure an equitable future for the generations of Gallaudet students that followed. Narrated through American Sign Language and voiceovers, Deaf President Now! relates the involving story of an under-reported triumph.

Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive

Sun, Apr 27 • 5:00 PM

The Outbursts (My mouth, my revolt, my name)

A companion film to Georges’ first feature, May They Rest in Revolt (2011), The Outbursts follows migrants in Calais as they attempt to cross into England. Fragments of voices, laughter and rage; snatches of words, images and memory reflect the struggles against the colonialism and unacceptability of the world as it is. The film is preceded by the shorts No Border (2008) and Nocturne White Hunter (2015). After the screening, director Sylvain George will be present for a Q&A. This film is part of a multi-day retrospective titled NO BORDER: The Films of Sylvain George playing across the Bay Area, supported by various institutions.

Roxie Theater

Mon, Apr 28 • 6:00 PM

Obscure Night—Goodbye Here, Anywhere

Join us for a special screening of Sylvain George's acclaimed film 'Obscure Night—Goodbye Here, Anywhere,' which captures the poignant journeys of African migrants in Spain seeking a better life. This black and white cinematic piece highlights the struggles and dreams of the protagonists, presented through stunning imagery that resonates with the viewers. The film will be followed by a discussion featuring notable guests, including Sylvain George himself. Don't miss this insightful exploration of migration and hope.

Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive

Wed, Apr 30 • 7:00 PM

Björk: Cornucopia

Björk: Cornucopia is a highly anticipated concert film recorded live in Lisbon, capturing the celebrated artist’s groundbreaking tour that mesmerized audiences worldwide for five years. This unique cinematic experience immerses viewers in Björk’s spectacular stage production, featuring a setlist that spans her iconic works to her albums Utopia (2017) and Fossora (2023). The immersive production showcases bespoke instruments and is accompanied by an impressive group of musicians, providing an experience unlike anything seen before. Directed by Ísold Uggadóttir, the film is enhanced by meticulously crafted Dolby Atmos spatial audio, pushing the boundaries of live performance.

Landmark's Opera Plaza Cinema

Wed, May 7 • 7:00 PM

CAAMFest 2025: Mistress Dispeller

As part of the 2025 CAAMFest series, 'Mistress Dispeller' takes viewers into the emerging industry in China dedicated to preserving marriages amidst infidelity. Focusing on Wang Zhenxi, a 'mistress dispeller,' the film explores his methods to restore marital bonds and dismantle affairs. Through an intimate and real case of infidelity, the narrative shifts sympathies between the husband, wife, and mistress, highlighting the complex interplay of emotions and cultural norms that shape contemporary relationships in China.

Roxie Theater

Sat, May 10 • 12:00 PM

CAAMFest 2025: Because Of You: A History of Kilawin Kolektibo

Part of the 2025 CAAMFest series, this archival documentary traces the history of Kilawin Kolektibo, a pioneering collective of Filipnxs who came together in NYC in the mid-nineties. Having experienced marginalization in Filipino culture due to their queerness, as well as in mainstream gay culture because of their race, language, and gender, the members sought political empowerment and increased visibility. Above all, they sought to create a space of friendship and safety for those suspended between cultures and identities.

Roxie Theater

Sat, May 10 • 2:30 PM

CAAMFest 2025: Centerpiece Shorts

Part of the 2025 CAAMFest series, the Centerpiece Shorts program highlights ambitious, bold short films that experiment with narrative and documentary forms. This year marks the first time short films have served as a festival centerpiece in CAAM's recent memory. The program includes a selection of diverse stories showcasing new perspectives from Asian and Asian American filmmakers. Some noteworthy films include 'On My Road to Dharma' directed by Yihuan Zhang, and 'Kumar Kumar' directed by Kiran Koshy, offering a rich array of cultural insights and powerful narratives.

Roxie Theater

Sun, May 11 • 12:00 PM

Pavements

Pavements is an examination of the iconic 90s indie band, featuring a unique blend of documentary and musical storytelling. The film intimately captures the band preparing for their sold-out 2022 reunion tour while also tracking the development of a musical based on their songs and a biopic inspired by their story. It is described as a 'prismatic, narrative, scripted, documentary, musical, metatextual hybrid.' Following the screening, band members Mark Ibold and Scott 'Spiral Stairs' Kannberg will be present to engage with the audience, making this a must-see event for fans of the band and indie music.

Roxie Theater

Thurs, May 15 • 6:00 PM

Hospital

Part of THIS IS AMERICA: Frederick Wiseman – 7 Dispatches, introduced by series co-programmer & co-host of “Wiseman Podcast”, Arlin Golden. HOSPITAL shows the daily activities of a large urban hospital with the emphasis on the emergency ward and outpatient clinics. The cases depicted illustrate how medical expertise, availability of resources, organizational considerations, and the nature of communication among the staff and patients affect the delivery of appropriate health care.

Roxie Theater

Sat, May 17 • 1:00 PM

Left Behind

Director Anna Toomey will be present for a Q&A with film participant Kareem Weaver after the screening of 'Left Behind'. This gripping documentary tells the story of five tenacious mothers who are determined to establish the first public school in New York City tailored for children with dyslexia. With dyslexia affecting one in five children, the film highlights the struggles of families who lack access to essential resources and support, especially in underserved communities. It aims to showcase how dyslexia is not a barrier to success but rather an opportunity for creativity and innovation, making a case for the need for equality in education. This event underscores the urgency of raising awareness about dyslexia as a civil rights issue.

Roxie Theater

Sat, May 17 • 3:15 PM

The Times of Harvey Milk

Join us for the 40th Anniversary Screening on Harvey Milk Day, co-presented by the Friends of Harvey Milk Plaza and Opera Parallèle. This event will feature special guests and includes a post-screening Q&A. The film, directed by Rob Epstein, chronicles the life of Harvey Milk, California's first openly gay elected official, and highlights his significant contributions to LGBTQ+ rights. The screening is part of a larger community celebration, including a joyful march and performances from the cast of Harvey Milk Reimagined, taking place at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts from May 31 to June 7, 2025.

Roxie Theater

Thurs, May 22 • 7:00 PM

MEANWHILE

MEANWHILE is a docu-poem in six verses about artists breathing through chaos. In dynamic collaboration, Jacqueline Woodson (text), Meshell Ndegeocello (soundscape), Erika Dilday (support), M. Trevino (structure), and Catherine Gund (direction) combine artists’ expressions with historical and observational footage to unveil a rare cinematic mediation about identity, race, racism, and resistance as they shape our shared breath. Centering breath as a symbol of resilience, MEANWHILE captures raw, unfinished moments—dancers in rehearsal, artists midway through their work—focusing on the act of creation. Rooted in the upheavals of 2020, the film uses breath as its through-line to symbolize collective survival. It invites viewers to witness the process of liberation and be present in the “meanwhile”—a moment of creation, struggle, and hope that transcends fixed identities.

Roxie Theater

Sun, May 25 • 3:30 PM

Bluegrass and Old-time Documentary Film Festival

Presented by The California Bluegrass Association, the Bluegrass and Old-time Documentary Film Festival celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Father's Day Bluegrass Festival. The event features short documentaries highlighting artists who will perform at the festival. Notable documentaries include 'In the Groove', which explores the lives of three beloved California bluegrass musicians, and 'Don't Get Trouble in Your Mind', chronicling The Carolina Chocolate Drops. Join us for an insightful cinematic experience that combines music, history, and personal stories.

Roxie Theater

Tues, Jun 3 • 8:30 PM