Documentary movies

After his teenage son goes missing, Daniel scours the depths of the Vistula River, torn between the dread of a fatal leap and the hope that his son may still be alive.

Standout tells the powerful story of Ben Kjar, born with Crouzon Syndrome, a rare craniofacial disorder. From birth, doctors warn that his life will be overshadowed by limitations. Ben yearns for an ordinary life free from the harsh scrutiny he faces daily. However, each experience of adversity, including relentless bullying and a series of painful surgeries, ignites a fire within him. Wrestling becomes his proving ground, a place where he learns to transform his facial difference into a source of power. Determined to succeed, he pushes himself relentlessly, breaking through physical, social, and even romantic barriers that once seemed insurmountable. But as unexpected challenges arise and ridicule resurfaces, Ben finds himself at a defining crossroads: fade into the background of a “normal” life, or fully embrace his unique path and boldly stand out.

In 2023, Elephant Gym was preparing to embark on a world tour—yet the band stood on the brink of breaking up. This documentary chronicles Elephant Gym’s journey, from their formation in 2012 to their recently completed “The World tour,” which spanned 23 countries and 60 shows. As the story progresses, we witness how the band gradually finds balance on tour, while each member confronts personal challenges and the ongoing search for self-worth. Spanning themes from individual growth and group dynamics to the global music industry and the challenges faced by Taiwanese musicians abroad, this documentary aims to portray the many layers of music—from deeply personal expression to its place in the international industry—through the lens of Elephant Gym.

Midwives usually attend more than a thousand births in their lifetime, be it in hospitals, at birth centers, or in homes. The personal stories of midwives from Ethiopia to Brazil, Austria to Nepal, and Morocco become a mirror that reflects the political and economic situation of women, their status, and demands in society, from the perspective of these wise women who are the first to see us in this world.

A deep dive into one of America’s most radical media experiments, this documentary uncovers how New York’s underground public access television turned everyday people into boundary-pushing creators. Using rare archival footage, it reveals a chaotic free-speech arena where rules were shattered, censors challenged, and anyone could seize the screen. Long before influencers existed, public access channels like Manhattan Cable Television gave New Yorkers total creative freedom — spawning interactive oddities, anarchic art shows, and pioneering LGBTQ+ programming. As sexually explicit content pushed limits and ignited public outrage, major First Amendment battles ensued. The result is an unfiltered look at a transformative moment in media history that anticipated today’s creator-driven digital world, warning viewers to “brace yourself” for the wildness that defined it.

One, two, three… statue. Will the bear come play with me? Where is he? Who is he? A game exploring our relationship to the wild.

Havfolket (en. The Sea People) is a witty, grand and unrestrained declaration of love to the coastal people and an expansion of the story of the Norwegian. The film narrative combines unique archive footage with strong voices from the coast, and explores what life close to the sea and far from the center of power has done to the coastal people's temperament, way of life and outlook on life.

Liump! Heuriger is the event bringing together a traditional Austrian pop-up wine tavern and a moth-watching set. The idea of inviting both people and insects to the same table is appealing for its simplicity, its naivety, and its likely failure.

A decade-long global journey chronicles the ever-changing record holders of the title of oldest person alive. What begins as a portrait of longevity becomes a meditation on the passage of time, the randomness of fate, and the joy and profound human experience of being alive.

When three American doctors — Palestinian, Jewish, and Zoroastrian — enter Gaza to save lives, they find themselves caught between medicine and politics, risking everything to expose the truth.