The common view that actual events are more compelling than fictional stories is rarely translated into documentary programs. The HBO documentary series THE INVISIBLE PILOT produced by Emmy award honoree filmmakers Phil Lon and Ari Mark delivers this message. Central to the three- part program is the life story of 81-year old Gary Betzner. The program covers his professional accomplishments, financial success in many areas, his numerous marriages with large families, and his tim...

Diego Maradona, Review: Feet of gold, hand of God Amy got him the Academy Award. Senna got him the BAFTA. And now, Diego Maradona has raked in £ 2.2 mn, since its release in June, which is a welcome collection for any docu-feature. Asif Kapadia has now won three matches in a row. And by convincing margins, at that. By definition, a documentary appeals to niche audiences only. Though football is the most popular team sport in the world, it is not the numero uno sport in India, unlike Ar...

The Redrum-A Love Story, Review: Tell-tale heart has no tale, no heart and little story Did you notice? Edgar Allan Poe just turned in his grave. And what might have caused that change of posture, you might ask. Valid question. He learnt from his underground network of informants that a short story he wrote 175 years ago called Tell-Tale Heart has been made into a film. Not just any film, a ‘psychological thriller’ called The Redrum. Curiosity aroused? For those without a murdero...

Amy, Review: Alcohol, Drugs, Sex and all that JAZZ (a.k.a. Amy: The Girl Behind The Name) If you are a film-maker looking for a subject, a feature-length documentary on a recently deceased top-ranking female jazz-soul artiste, who had troubled relationships and died at 27, would be as good as it gets. Add to that the fact that extensive, excellent quality footage is available or obtainable, and you are in business. But, as is inevitably the case, the million-dollar questions faced by a docum...

My trailer for "The Martini Effect" was invited into the competition at Krakow...Would love to get a vote or two from you all here in the filmfestivals community: http://trailers.krakowfilmfestival.pl/en/menu/trailers/-/trailers/0/the%20martini%20effect "The Martini Effect" stars Emanuele Secci, known in Italy for his fastweb spot with George Clooney, and in the US for his fine ensemble work in the 2012 Sundance Producer's Award winner, "Nobody Walks", scripted...