DocLands Program 2024

CALIFORNIA FILM INSTITUTE

The California Film Institute (CAFILM) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing film and media arts through acclaimed programs like the Mill Valley Film Festival and DocLands Documentary Film Festival. With CAFILM Education, we provide students of all ages with opportunities to learn about the world through the art of film and filmmaking. Our premier independent theater, the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center, engages over 275,000 guests annually with compelling cinema and storytelling on pressing social, environmental, and cultural issues. Additionally, CAFILM now owns and operates the Sequoia Cinema, reinforcing our commitment to preserving cinematic heritage and access to fine films locally. The organization relies on the generosity of its community; the invaluable support from our sponsors, foundations, donors, and members ensures our ability to continue expanding and sustaining our vital programs. Join us in celebrating, exploring, and championing the art of film. For more information, visit cafilm.org.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The California Film Institute and DocLands Film Festival are located in Marin County, California, on the traditional, ancestral, and contemporary homelands of the Coast Miwok, Pomo, and Wappo peoples. This includes the Southern Pomo and Graton Rancheria Tribes. These tribes were removed or displaced from their lands. We recognize this history and the harm to present-day Coast Miwok, Pomo, and Wappo peoples and to their ancestors. The California Film Institute commits to moving forward from a place of authenticity and working with present-day tribes to elevate their stories, history, and present-day legacy through film.

FROM THE DIRECTOR

I’d first thought to begin my welcome with an acknowledgment that everything has changed. But of course it has, and so it will. Over these last few years the changes have just kept coming. We’ve seen disruption in all sectors of the film world, including the independent space and including documentaries. What does it mean for us? Mostly that we’re happier than ever to welcome you back.

Makers of change, it just so happens, are the lifeblood of the 2024 DocLands festival lineup. These dozens of films dig right in to the most important issues of our time. And no, it’s not all doom and gloom. On the contrary, within these films you’ll meet many outstanding artists, scientists, activists, and athletes, including several extraordinary individuals who’ve pushed their own personal limits not just for fulfillment but also for the sake of justice, empathy, and human advancement. Where else can you learn what it’s like to surf a seven-story wave, or scale an actual skyscraper, or hike across a continent, or hold your breath for eight straight minutes, in a single long weekend? It’s my great

privilege to share with you this amazing array of true stories about how humans relate to the natural world, to technology, to fellow humans, and to themselves.

Yes, ours is a world where history happens fast, and isn’t necessarily taught the way it used to be, let alone scrutinized by other media. It’s a world with some deep divisions. But we wouldn’t be here if we didn’t believe the culture of cinema can help bridge those divisions. And so we renew our commitment to what we call films of merit, those works which give us some perspective on what it means to be alive together in this complex, quickly changing world.

I extend my special thanks to Programming Director Joni Cooper and her team, as well as everyone who has helped make the 2024 DocLands possible, including you.

Mark Fishkin Executive Director | Founder California Film Institute

ABOUT DOCLANDS

Presented by the California Film Institute, DocLands Documentary Film Festival brings compelling stories and the provocative insights behind them to Marin County, California. Expanding upon the exchange of ideas and inspiration through public screenings and engaged conversations, DocLands aims to bring diverse communities together for dialogue and build an active, inclusive, and fully supportive community around documentary film. Dedicated to initiating connections and partnerships that will illuminate and invigorate the business and art of non-fiction filmmakers.

DOCLANDS STRANDS

ART OF IMPACT

Engages and sparks action by sharing stories that open our eyes to the global community and its disparate cultures, politics, personal narratives, and biographies.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Transports us outside to truly appreciate, explore, and ultimately compel us to save and conserve our environment and the wilds of our precious planet.

WONDERLANDS

Lifts our spirits through stories of joy, wonder, and possibility.

SPONSORED BY DOWNTOWN SAN RAFAEL ARTS DISTRICT

SPONSORED BY NANCY P. and RICHARD K.

ROBBINS FAMILY FOUNDATION

SPONSORED BY BELLAM SELF STORAGE & BOXES

CAFILM MEMBERSHIP

CAFILM members ensure the future of independent film in our community, while enjoying amazing benefits like early access to the DocLands and Mill Valley Film Festivals, discounted tickets at the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center, and exclusive access to screenings and events. Choose the membership level that’s right for you and start watching great films today!

ASSOCIATE Perfect for the solo film lover, who loves watching films at the Smith Rafael Film Center or online, and receiving invitations to our exclusive member screenings. $80

FILM FAN All of the perks of Associate membership, but for two! Perfect for couples or two friends who love to see amazing films together. $130

DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE For the festival fan, Director’s Circle members receive even earlier access to tickets and a place in our early entry line, along with all the perks of Film Fan membership. $345

PREMIER PATRON Premier Patrons receive all of the benefits of Director’s Circle, plus earliest access to film tickets, invitations to exclusive events, and entry into the DocLands Filmmaker Lounge. $680

CINEMA BENEFACTOR Get behind-the-scenes access! With all of the Premier Patron perks, plus invitations to even more events, free tickets to films, and complimentary concession coupons at the Rafael Film Center. $1,300

DONOR CIRCLE Want even more? Explore our AllAccess levels in the Donor Circle. By joining the vibrant Donor Circle community you will deepen your knowledge and appreciation of independent film through exclusive access and opportunities, while supporting a world-class independent film nonprofit organization.

Your involvement at the Donor Circle level enables CAFILM to provide a platform for internationally acclaimed, established and emerging filmmakers to share their stories with our community, offer free programs to thousands of diverse Bay Area students each year, deliver tangible results in gender equity in film, support the sustainability, maintenance, and programming of a historic art house theater, and champion independent filmmakers to make impact nationwide.

To learn more about our Donor Circle levels visit cafilm.org/donor

BOX OFFICE + FESTIVAL INFO

BOX OFFICE

SMITH RAFAEL FILM CENTER

1118 FOURTH STREET | SAN RAFAEL

TICKETS AVAILABLE

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3

On sale to CAFILM Members following Member Preview

SATURDAY, APRIL 6 • 10:00am

On sale to the General Public

MAY 2-5: Available at the Rafael box office 60 min before first show until 15 min after start of last show of the day.

TICKET PRICES

General $16.50 | CAFILM Members $14 | Seniors (65+)

$15 | Students (with ID) and Youth (12 & under) $8

QUESTIONS ABOUT TICKETING?

877.874.6833 | boxoffice@cafilm.org

ARRIVE EARLY

To guarantee admittance, ticket and pass holders must be in line 30 minutes prior to showtime. Doors typically open 30 minutes before showtime.

LINE A Badge and ticket holders with A printed on their badge & reserved seat ticket holders.

LINE B is for all other ticket holders.

• Please do not sit in a reserved seat unless it has been arranged for you.

• Seat saving is not permitted.

• Outside food and beverages are not permitted.

• Digital devices must be turned off prior to the program introduction.

• The use of cameras and other recording equipment is strictly prohibited at all screenings and programs.

FESTIVAL GUIDELINES

Please review the California Film Institute’s Code of Conduct in advance of attending the Festival.

At the California Film Institute we appreciate, respect, and honor the vibrant diversity and viewpoints of our community of guests and staff. We hold steadfast a commitment to freedom of creative expression. We ask that everyone—artists, audiences, volunteers, press, industry, staff, board members, and beyond—maintain an environment that is welcoming to all by following our Code of Conduct.

ACCESSIBILITY

Please ask on-site staff for assistance with early seating and/or assisted listening devices. If you require effective communication in the form of an ASL interpreter, please contact us at doclands@cafilm.org at least 10 days prior to the screening you will be attending.

Festival venues are wheelchair accessible. Streaming titles are accompanied by English-language closedcaptions, if open-captions are not already included with the program.

We welcome and encourage your feedback. For any accessibility-related questions and/or additional needs, please email doclands@cafilm.org.

CONSENT TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED

California Film Institute and its representatives may photograph, film, and/or otherwise record attendees at all Festival activities. By attending, you consent to such photography, filming, and/or recording and to any use in any and all media throughout the universe in perpetuity and without compensation for the use of your appearance, voice, and name for promotional and/ or advertising or any other purpose by California Film Institute and its affiliates and representatives.

7 BEATS PER MINUTE

Yuqi Kang’s latest documentary explores the ancient art of freediving with China’s first female freediving champion Jessea Lu, who aims to reach 100 meters deep on a single breath. In 2018, at Dean’s Blue Hole in the Bahamas, Lu suffered a near-fatal four-minute blackout while attempting a depth of 93 meters. Four years later, preparing for her return, she must confront an even greater challenge: herself. This training transcends the physical; she must grapple with her psyche to prevent another hypoxic episode, as each breath demands clarity, listening, and focus. As Lu navigates her emotional past, Kang questions her dual role as both filmmaker and dive partner, blurring the lines between observer and participant. The result is a breathtaking cinematic journey into the blue abyss, capturing Lu's relentless pursuit of excellence and a transcendent search for enlightenment.

DIRECTOR

Yuqi Kang CANADA 2024

100 min IN PERSON

Yuqi Kang STRAND WONDERLANDS

WEST COAST PREMIERE

399: QUEEN OF THE TETONS

Just north of Jackson, Wyoming, is the Grand Teton mountain range known for its colorful history and breathtaking landscapes — as well as one very popular celebrity. Grizzly 399, also known as Queen of the Tetons, has more than earned her reputation as the most famous grizzly bear in the world, appearing regularly in the Grand Teton National Park as she struggles to raise an unusually large litter in the face of human intrusion, warming climate, and the possible loss of Endangered Species protection. For nearly two decades she has captivated photographers and animal biologists from around the world, and Elizabeth Leiter’s new documentary lets us all explore 399’s life through beautifully observed wildlife footage and interviews with those closest to her, including world-renowned nature photographer Thomas Mangelsen and activist Jane Goodall. This is a film that raises larger questions about humans’ relationship with nature — and how we connect, control, consume, and conserve it.

DIRECTOR

Elizabeth Leiter US 2023

87 min IN PERSON

Elizabeth Leiter STRAND

The Great Outdoors

WEST COAST PREMIERE

CLOSING NIGHT

500 DAYS IN THE WILD

“I chose this” isn’t a line you often hear uttered by modern-day adventurers in the midst of grueling journeys. But you’ll hear it in 500 Days in the Wild from filmmaker Dianne Whelan, the first person to complete the world’s longest recreational trail, connecting the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic oceans. Those three words signify Whelan’s full acceptance and appreciation of her six-year awareness-raising quest to traverse 24,000 kilometers (14,915 miles) of Canadian land and water trails, as well as the clear determination with which she won the 2020 DocPitch Audience Award and made this gutsy, glorious film. Attributing her success to the kindness of strangers and the wisdom of Indigenous elders, Whelan accomplished so much by fully settling into her journey of a lifetime—embracing all it offered to teach her, and us.

May 4 . Rafael One . 6:00pm

DIRECTOR

Dianne Whelan

CANADA 2023

120 min

IN PERSON

Dianne Whelan

Louisa Robinson STRAND

Great Outdoors

US PREMIERE SPONSORED BY

JACKSON SQUARE PARTNERS

AGENT OF HAPPINESS

Amber, a Nepalese refugee and caregiver for his ailing mother, works as a Bhutanese government agent, traversing the remote Himalayan mountains with his colleague to assess how their nation is feeling. That’s measured in Gross National Happiness (GNH), a response to global economic standards that challenged traditional Buddhist ideals of peace and prosperity. On Amber’s introspective journey, his own yearning for marriage intertwines with the diverse stories of those he encounters, including a transgender bar dancer, a man and his three wives, and a teenage girl grappling with familial challenges. Sparking profound contemplation, Agent of Happiness delves into the intricate tapestry of contentment, reflecting on the varied contextual influences—from modest joys to societal disparities—that affect our pursuit of fulfillment.

DIRECTORS

Arun Bhattarai

Dorottya Zurbó BHUTAN 2024

94 min STRAND WONDERLANDS

THE BODY POLITIC

With his beloved hometown of Baltimore plagued by gun violence, and the zero-tolerance policing policy that’s been in place his whole life no use against an ever-rising murder rate, Brandon Scott, the youngest-ever City Council President, has some big ideas to heal his city. Remembering his mother’s advice from years earlier, Scott takes the necessary steps to make change happen; in the midst of the George Floyd crisis, he also becomes Baltimore’s youngest-ever elected mayor. But will his brave and inspired new ways pave a safer road ahead for the people of his city? Through unfettered, authentic access to Mayor Scott, as well as an inspired soundtrack, director Gabriel Francis Paz Goodenough provides what could be a brighter view of not just one city’s future, but our nation’s too.

DIRECTOR

Gabriel Francis Paz Goodenough US 2023

91 min IN PERSON

Gabriel Francis Paz Goodenough

Erricka Bridgeford

STRAND

DAUGHTERS

Prepare for sweetness personified, as well as wisdom and love, as several young girls and their incarcerated fathers get ready for the very special occasion of a Daddy Daughter Dance. Winner of the 2024 Sundance Festival Favorite and US Documentary Audience Awards, this intimate eight-year documentary journey brings us into a unique program at a Washington, D.C., jail, where men work for 12 weeks with a gentle but skillfully prodding coach on the important matters of fatherhood. With daughters taking the lead and mothers remaining in the background, intimate scenes of conversation and pre-event preparation invite us in to share the anticipation of their long-awaited date. While the girls and young women have their hair done and dress to the nines, their fathers don pressed shirts and freshly shined shoes, busying themselves with neckties like giddy schoolboys dressing for the prom. It’s a poignant testament to the harm of incarceration, but also the healing potential of family bonds

DIRECTORS

Angela Patton

Natalie Rae US 2024

102 min

IN PERSON

Natalie Rae

Lisa Mazzotta

James Cunningham STRAND

ART OF IMPACT CALIFORNIA PREMIERE

FROM HERE / FROM THERE (DE AQUÍ / DE ALLÁ)

Meet Luis Cortes Romero, the charismatic Bay Area immigration attorney who defies stereotypes with his upbeat demeanor and relentless advocacy for the American Dream. As ICE threatens 700,000 undocumented residents, Luis emerges as a fearless champion, making history as the first undocumented immigrant to argue a case in the U.S. Supreme Court. This well-crafted blend of interviews, observational footage, archival news clips, and animations illuminates both his moving personal narrative and the ever-shifting political landscape for all undocumented people. Luis and his remarkable team’s landmark Supreme Court victory secured crucial protections for DACA recipients, yet recent court rulings jeopardize the program, imperiling the futures of hundreds of thousands of individuals. Directed by Oakland filmmaker Marlene “Mo" Morris, From Here / From There highlights the high-stakes urgency of immigration reform as well as the path paved by one leader’s inspiring journey.

Adding to the allure of the evening, Bay Area Rapper Deuce ECLIPSE, the creative force behind the film's closing song, will deliver a mesmerizing live performance. Renowned for his bilingual lyricism and profound cultural influences, Deuce ECLIPSE embodies the vibrant spirit of the San Francisco Bay Area and the global hip-hop community.

DIRECTOR

Marlene Gale Morris US 2024

66 min IN PERSON

Marlene Gale Morris

Jed Riffe

Luis Cortes Romero

Nicole Solis-Sison STRAND

May 3 . Rafael One . 7:00pm

GIANTS RISING

The towering redwood forests of Northern California are among nature’s most magnificent spectacles. Through the prism of Indigenous wisdom, scientific discovery, and artistic expression, this film illuminates the mysteries of these colossal beings: their impressive endurance, of more than 2,000 years, and their distinctive adaptive mechanisms, including innate defenses against wildfires. Director Lisa Landers captures the awe-inspiring scenery with magnificent cinematography, enhanced by state-of-theart animation techniques which vividly bring the forests’ inner world to life. Insightful interviews with Yurok tribal members, scientists, and conservationists emphasize the pressing need to protect these vital ecosystems, while Michael Franti’s narration and musical arrangements, further heightened by Skywalker Sound, carry us on an immersive auditory journey, deep into the woods.

PRECEDED BY:

THE FIRE POPPY US 2023, 11 min

In Bay Area filmmaker Sashwa Burrous’ stirring profile, California’s first state-certified “Burn Boss,” Sasha Berleman, helps us understand the vital role of fire in ecosystem health, and honors the women at the forefront of environmental stewardship. Director: Sashwa Burrous

DIRECTOR

Lisa Landers US 2023

80 min

IN PERSON

Lisa Landers

Zane Moore

Sarah Bird

Rosie Clayburn STRAND

GREAT OUTDOORS

BAY AREA PREMIERE

SPONSORED BY JIM BOYCE TRUST and KRIS OTIS

May 4 . Rafael One . 3:00pm

HAPPY CLOTHES: A FILM ABOUT PATRICIA FIELD

Enter the colorful world of Emmy-winning costume designer and fashion icon Patricia Field. From her vibrant personality to her groundbreaking fashion innovations, this candid documentary reveals Field’s extraordinary career, spanning decades of iconic contributions to television and film including renowned series such as Sex and the City and Ugly Betty . It’s an inviting inside look at Field’s creative mind as she navigates a bustling schedule, international shoots, and the opening of a style gallery. Meanwhile friends and colleagues reflect on her legendary New York City boutique, where even Madonna got turned away. As a queer first-generation Greek-American, this fiery redhead defied the odds, leaving an indelible mark on the fashion landscape and pop culture.

DIRECTOR

Michael Selditch US 2023

100 min IN PERSON

Michael Selditch STRAND WONDERLANDS

BAY AREA PREMIERE SPONSORED BY VICKIE

SOULIER

HOMECOMING (MÁHCCAN)

Suvi West and Anssi Kömi's latest documentary is a deeply personal pilgrimage to reclaim Sámi cultural heritage. The Sámi, Europe's northernmost Indigenous people, endured the erosion of their sovereign and cultural rights during the 19th and 20th centuries under nation-state suppression. Graves were looted, artifacts and bones plundered, and sacred drums removed from the hands of their last shamans. As West tours museum vaults across Europe, she unravels layers of history, grappling with questions of representation, exploitation, and the intricate tapestry of her own cultural identity. Recent decades have seen a growing demand for repatriation, with Scandinavian museums finally heeding the call. With West and community members repatriating their ancestral artifacts, they not only reclaim their cultural heritage but also rediscover a profound sense of belonging.

PRECEDED BY:

ELLAVUT CIMIRTUQ (OUR WORLD IS CHANGING) US 2023, 30 min

As the Bering Sea threatens to wash away an Alaskan coastal village, a Yup’ik filmmaker portrays the community’s steadfast refusal to be labeled as climate refugees. Through the excavation of ancestral artifacts and the strengthening of generational bonds, they remain resolute in preserving their cultural heritage. Directors: Mischa Hedges, Jacqueline Cleveland, Sonia Luokkala

DIRECTORS

Suvi West

Anssi Kömi

May 4 . Rafael Three . 12:30pm

FINLAND 2023

77 min

STRAND

ART OF IMPACT

BAY AREA PREMIERE

HUNT FOR THE OLDEST DNA

This fascinating film elucidates the passion of Danish evolutionary geneticist Eske Willerslev as he pioneers the field of ancient environmental DNA. Dismissing conventional wisdom, Willerslev seeks to uncover genetic remnants buried deep within our soil, breaking new ground in fossil-based research. Directed by Niobe Thompson ( Carbon: The Unauthorised Biography , DocLands 2022), the film chronicles Willerslev’s audacious hypothesis and unorthodox approach. Despite skepticism, his inspired tenacity leads him to unearth ancient genetic code dating back millions of years and revealing a world teeming with life before the Ice Age. Through 15 years of relentless dedication and numerous setbacks, Willerslev and his team revolutionize our understanding of ancient Earth, with profound implications for the planet's future.

DIRECTOR

Niobe Thompson CANADA 2024

90 min IN PERSON

John Rubin

STRAND

I HOPE THIS HELPS!

Inspired by concerns about AI’s potential threat, filmmaker Daniel Freed sets out to prevent a human-machine conflict, using AI to build his defense. Through a hybrid-documentary approach, we follow Freed’s interactions with the Google chatbot formerly known as “Bard” (now called Gemini), here portrayed at its own request as a furry blue muppet creature, and always ready with helpful suggestions such as baking and selling “We Will Not Be Replaced” cakes in order to finance Freed’s anti-AI army. Larkish though it may seem, this hugely entertaining exploration delves into the ethical and societal implications of AI’s rapid progress, inviting viewers to think more deeply about the rapidly evolving relationship between humanity and technology.

PRECEDED BY:

THE SHIT-THROPOCENE US 2024, 40 min

Ever feel like the influence of human activity in the current geological age has started to seem like one big waste product? Blending humor with expert insight, this quirky short prompts viewers to contemplate their role in fostering sustainability and social responsibility amidst modern-day challenges of consumerism. Director: David Garrett Byars

DIRECTOR

Daniel M. Freed US 2023

51 min IN PERSON

May 4 . Rafael Two . 4:45pm

Daniel M. Freed

Brendan Hubbard

Joshua Bowen

STRAND

ART OF IMPACT

WORLD PREMIERE

LIVING WITH WOLVES

(VIVRE AVEC LES LOUPS)

For the third film in his wolf trilogy, after The Valley of the Wolves (DocLands 2018) and Wolf Walk , French director Jean-Michel Bertrand once again transforms the simple nature documentary into a philosophical and sociological reflection on our ever-changing world. In Living With Wolves he accomplishes something very different from the previous films, here centering the relationship between wolves and other mountain inhabitants, particularly people. Filming for more than a year and a half, Bertrand observes these marvelous creatures in their natural environment from his cabin in the Hautes-Alpes, as well as giving voice to shepherds, hunters, and farmers offering a wide range of discussion on wildlife preservation and the question of a growing wolf population. What emerges is a message of hope about how humans can live peacefully with nature.

PRECEDED BY:

WAY OF THE SHEPHERD US 2023, 9 min

Away from his family home for up to three years at a time, and with the help of two faithful Border Collies, Peruvian shepherd Christian Aliaga leads his herd of goats through the lush hills of Northern California.

Director : Matthew Boyd

DIRECTOR

Jean-Michel

Bertrand

May 4 . Rafael One . 12:00pm

FRANCE 2023

89 min

STRAND GREAT OUTDOORS

NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE

MAKE A CIRCLE

No one can deny that children are our hope for the future, yet the dedicated workers who nourish these vital forces of nature now face an existential challenge of epic proportions. Since emerging from the intense upheaval of the pandemic years, many essential yet often invisible childcare providers have continued to feed young minds even while literally unable to feed themselves. The result: a new wave of unlikely political activists. This powerful film follows educators at three childcare centers in California over several years, and culminates as thousands march on the State Capitol demanding better working conditions. Weaving together the magic they create in the classroom, the struggles they endure at home, and their drive to change the system for the better, Make a Circle extends a rallying cry for a childcare system in crisis.

DIRECTORS

Jen Bradwell

Todd Boekelheide US 2024

90 min IN PERSON

Jen Bradwell

Todd Boekelheide

Rebekah Fergusson

Patricia Moran

Charlotte Guinn

Anne Bauer

MARRIED TO COMICS

Filmmaker John Kinhart sets out to explore the life of American cartoonist Justin Green, known as the “father of autobiographical comics.” But as filming progresses, with essential help from Green’s wife and fellow cartoonist, Carol Tyler, the narrative takes an unexpected turn, revealing the intricacies of their marriage and Carol’s restrained talents within a male-dominated industry. By contextualizing Green’s iconic Binky Brown Meets the Holy Virgin Mary and Tyler’s groundbreaking Soldier's Heart , Kinhart’s film highlights their significant contributions to the underground comic-book scene. Rounded out by rare cameos from influential comic figures including Chris Ware and Robert Crumb, Married to Comics also vividly portrays a partnership molded by passion, adversity, and the profound capacity of comic books to unveil our deepest selves.

DIRECTOR

John Kinhart US 2023

114 min IN PERSON

John Kinhart

STRAND WONDERLANDS

CALIFORNIA PREMIERE

MAYA AND THE WAVE

Pursuing her dreams against all odds, Brazilian big-wave surfer Maya Gabeira challenges the status quo in a very patriarchal sport. Filmmaker Stephanie Johnes chronicles Gabeira’s journey over several years, capturing achievements but also unwavering determination in the face of adversity. From taking on the infamously huge waves in Nazaré, Portugal, to enduring multiple spine surgeries and a subsequent breakdown, the film dives right in to Gabeira’s struggles and triumphs. With jaw-dropping footage of this extraordinary athlete in action, including on the unprecedented 73.5-foot wave she surfed to break her own world record, Maya and the Wave presents a thrilling portrait of tenacity, proving that stature and gender matter less than courage and determination.

May 5 . Rafael One . 12:30pm

DIRECTOR

Stephanie Johnes US 2022

100 min IN PERSON

Stephanie Johnes

Julian Cautherley

Alexandra Johnes

STRAND

GREAT OUTDOORS

BAY AREA PREMIERE

NOT JUST A GOOF

In 2022, directors Christopher Ninness and Eric Kimelton set out to make a simple documentary about their favorite Disney film. Then they discovered the complex power of art, and how a character as silly as Goofy can mean so much to so many people. So begins the untold story behind that unlikely cult-classic, A Goofy Movie . This captivating account reveals how a team of untested young filmmakers took on the challenge of building their first feature around an iconic Disney character, without realizing the obstacles, clashes, and victories awaiting them. Through interviews with the key figures involved in A Goofy Movie ’s creation, as well as rare, previously unreleased archival footage and stunning animation, Ninness and Kimelton’s film gets inside the studio’s inner workings and provides an unfiltered perspective on behind-the-scenes magic. It’s a must-watch for Disney enthusiasts young and old.

DIRECTORS

Christopher Ninness

Eric Kimelton US 2024

88 min

IN PERSON

Christopher Ninness

Eric Kimelton

Kevin Lima

Scott Seibold

Mason Trueblood

Cameron Chambers

REVIVAL69: THE CONCERT

THAT ROCKED THE WORLD

Everyone knows about the renowned Woodstock music festival in August of 1969, but what about that other one a month later in Toronto? Come look behind the scenes at the so-called “second most important event in Rock & Roll history,” for which a struggling young Canadian concert promoter went for broke and gathered some of the era’s greatest musicians including Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bo Diddley, The Doors, and Alice Cooper. Logistical chaos and poor ticket sales almost derailed the festivities, but things turned around with the last-minute arrival of rock god John Lennon for his first performance with the Plastic Ono Band — triggering his final decision to leave The Beatles forever. Exclusive conversations with the musicians who were on the scene, as well as more than 60 minutes of rare archival footage, make Revival69 an essential, rocking remembrance of this historic event.

DIRECTOR

Ron Chapman CANADA, FRANCE

2022 97 min IN PERSON

BAY AREA PREMIERE

SPONSORED BY BELLAM SELF STORAGE & BOXES May 5 . Rafael One . 6:30pm

SEND KELP!

Driven by a fervent desire to combat climate change and global food insecurity, self-described “seaweed nerd” Frances Wallace embarks on a daring mission to establish a kelp farm off the west coast of Canada. Discovering the plant’s extraordinary potential as a carbon sequestration powerhouse, she meticulously researches species and seeks help from a variety of experts. Frances invests everything in her risky venture, understanding she has little room for error and several surprises in store, including one which nearly derails her efforts entirely. Despite the odds, her unwavering determination and deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of seaweed makes for an unusual and captivating tale of resilience, environmental stewardship, and the boundless potential of nature to inspire change.

5 . Rafael Three . 3:45pm

DIRECTOR

Blake McWilliam CANADA 2024

90 min

BAY AREA PREMIERE

SPONSORED BY JIM BOYCE TRUST and KRIS OTISS

SHAKING IT UP: THE LIFE AND TIMES

OF LIZ CARPENTER

Pioneering Texan journalist and influential feminist leader Liz Carpenter takes center stage in this documentary co-directed by her daughter Christy Carpenter and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Abby Ginzberg. Carpenter’s journalistic career began during World War II, when she covered political events and rose to prominence in Washington, D.C. Her enduring relationships with leaders including Lyndon and Lady Bird Johnson left a significant impact on political narratives; it was Carpenter who wrote Johnson’s public remarks after the JFK assassination. Beyond the White House she remained active, writing a bestselling book and championing the Women’s Movement. Carpenter’s larger-than-life personality, optimism, and undeniable wit shine through in captivating archival footage and interviews; as Shaking It Up makes clear, she was a force of history.

DIRECTORS

Abby Ginzberg

Christy Carpenter US 2024

78 min

IN PERSON

Abby Ginzberg

Christy Carpenter STRAND WONDERLANDS

CALIFORNIA PREMIERE

OPENING NIGHT

SKYWALKERS: A LOVE STORY

Hold on tight for the adrenaline-fueled romance of Russian rooftoppers Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus as they embark on a daring quest to climb the world’s latest super skyscraper, risking life and limb to save both their careers and their relationship. As they scale dizzying heights and evade security measures, the duo’s heart-pounding journey unfolds against the backdrop of breathtaking cityscapes. With every perilous ascent, they push the boundaries of trust and love, capturing their vertigo-inducing feats on camera for the world to see. Though perhaps not our tip-top recommendation for viewers with any phobia of heights, this spellbinding film, which premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, does make the courageous bond between two gravity-defiant daredevils feel like a thrill worth seeking.

DIRECTORS

Jeff Zimbalist

Maria Bukhonina US 2023

99 min IN PERSON

Jeff Zimbalist

Maria Bukhonina

Allanah Byrnes

Tamir Ardon

STRAND WONDERLANDS

BAY AREA PREMIERE

THE STRIKE

Amidst the redwood trees on the California-Oregon border sits one of the most infamous prisons in US history. Pelican Bay is a supermax prison opened in 1989 and designed specifically for mass-scale solitary confinement. For decades, it held men alone in tiny cells indefinitely. Then one day in 2013, 30,000 prisoners went on hunger strike. The Strike weaves together a half century of personal and criminal justice history into a single, compelling narrative around the drama of the 2013 hunger strike to end indefinite isolation. Told through the stories of the men who survived this practice, the film details how the protest was conceived from a whisper inside the halls of Pelican Bay to a colossal feat across California prisons. The Strike goes beyond making a case against solitary; it illuminates the power of organizing and prisoner-led resistance, and in doing so, flips the true-crime genre on its head.

DIRECTORS

Lucas Guilkey

JoeBill Muñoz US 2024

86 min IN PERSON

Lucas Guilkey

JoeBill Muñoz STRAND

ART OF IMPACT

BAY AREA PREMIERE

SUGARCANE

Sugarcane offers a sensitive exploration of the harrowing legacy of the St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School, where Indigenous children endured unimaginable abuses aimed at eradicating their cultural identity. Directors Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie delicately unfold personal narratives of resilience amidst the revelation of unmarked children’s graves; through interviews with survivors such as activist Charlene Belleau and NoiseCat’s father, they gather poignant insights into the intergenerational effects of residential-school trauma. For former chief Rick Gilbert and other First Nations leaders, a pilgrimage to meet with the Pope represents an initial step towards healing and reconciliation. Registering Sugarcane ’s atrocities may seem daunting, but it’s crucial to shed light on these widespread injustices and demand accountability. In the hands of these directors, the message is unmistakable: addressing these issues requires compassion and empathy.

DIRECTORS

Julian Brave NoiseCat

Emily Kassie

US 2023

107 min

THIS WORLD IS NOT MY OWN

For most of her life, Nellie Mae Rowe made art in obscurity in her home in rural Georgia. There were dolls, vibrant crayon works on paper, chewing-gum sculptures, and elaborate found-object garlands hanging from the trees — an elaborate, miniature world that Rowe, who grew up poor and uneducated, built by hand against all odds. Then, just six years before her death, she was discovered by a wealthy New York city gallerist who introduced her art to the world. Directors Petter Ringbom and Marquise Stillwell immerse the viewer in Rowe’s visual universe, mixing traditional documentary techniques with vibrant animation and scripted reenactments on intricately detailed sets to bring her dynamic story to life. By carefully delving into the personal and political events that shaped her life’s work, This World is Not My Own maps out the extraordinary journey and legacy of a self-taught maker who struggled to dedicate herself to art, with dazzling results.

DIRECTORS

Petter Ringbom

Marquise Stillwell

US, SWEDEN 2023

97 min

STRAND

WONDERLANDS

BAY AREA PREMIERE

WILDING

An enchanting true tale of landscape restoration unfolds in this documentary inspired by Isabella Tree’s award-winning book and narrated by the author herself. Directed by David Allen, the film captures the inspiring adventure undertaken by Isabella and her husband Charlie Burrell as they rejuvenate their ancestral estate, a 3,500-acre British farm, triumphing over doubting naysayers with their innovative approach to “re-wilding” the land. Well documented with stunning cinematography and engaging animation, their project does have its occasional comical mishaps, as depicted in remarkable reenactment scenes replete with animal participation. By sharing these as well as making shrewd use of time-lapse photography, the film reveals how marvelous and enlightening nature’s fortitude is when given a chance, prompting welcome reflection on how best to steward our land.

PRECEDED BY:

A SYMPHONY OF TINY LIGHTS US 2023, 27 min

Nagged by his conscience after witnessing an oil spill, John Francis gave up motorized vehicles, took a vow of silence, earned a PhD, and roamed the country for decades spreading kindness without ever uttering a single word. Directors: Dominic Gill, Nadia Gill

DIRECTOR

David Allen

UK 2023

75 min

May 5 . Rafael Three . 5:30pm

STRAND ART OF IMPACT

BAY AREA PREMIERE

SPONSORED BY JIM BOYCE TRUST and KRIS OTIS

SYMPHONY

ELLAVUT CIMIRTUQ

(OUR WORLD IS CHANGING)

US 2023, 30 min

As the Bering Sea threatens to wash away an Alaskan coastal village, a Yup’ik filmmaker portrays the community’s steadfast refusal to be labeled as climate refugees. Through the excavation of ancestral artifacts and the strengthening of generational bonds, they remain resolute in preserving their cultural heritage. Directors: Mischa Hedges, Jacqueline Cleveland, Sonia Luokkala. Shown with HOMECOMING May 4, Rafael Three, 12:30pm

THE FIRE POPPY

US 2023, 11 min

In Bay Area filmmaker Sashwa Burrous’ stirring profile, California’s first state-certified “Burn Boss,” Sasha Berleman, helps us understand the vital role of fire in ecosystem health, and honors the women at the forefront of environmental stewardship. Director: Sashwa Burrous. Shown with GIANTS RISING May 4, Rafael One, 3:00pm

THE SHIT-THROPOCENE

US 2024, 40 min

Ever feel like the influence of human activity in the current geological age has started to seem like one big waste product? Blending humor

with expert insight, this quirky short prompts viewers to contemplate their role in fostering sustainability and social responsibility amidst modern-day challenges of consumerism. Director: David Garrett Byars. Shown with I HOPE THIS HELPS! May 4, Rafael Two, 4:45pm

A SYMPHONY OF TINY LIGHTS

US 2023, 27 min

Nagged by his conscience after witnessing an oil spill, John Francis gave up motorized vehicles, took a vow of silence, earned a PhD, and roamed the country for decades spreading kindness without ever uttering a single word. Directors: Dominic Gill, Nadia Gill. Shown with WILDING May 5, Rafael Two, 5:30pm

WAY OF THE SHEPHERD

US 2023, 9 min

Away from his family home for up to three years at a time, and with the help of two faithful Border Collies, Peruvian shepherd Christian Aliaga leads his herd of goats through the lush hills of Northern California. Director : Matthew Boyd. Shown with LIVING WITH WOLVES May 4, Rafael One, 12:00pm

SHORTS

IN PERSON

Mischa Hedges

Ellavut Cimirtuq

Dominic Gill

Nadia Gill

John Francis

A Symphony of Tiny Lights

Matthew Boyd Way of the Shepherd

DOC LANDS EDUCATION

DocLands Education offers FREE live and virtual field trips for students around the Bay Area and across the country to attend the 8th annual DocLands. Join us from April 19–May 3 for another season of great new films and special guests!

We are excited to share the festival with you and your students. The program includes:

• In-theater and online documentary film screenings for grades 7-12

• Live Q&As with filmmakers and film subjects

• Curriculum resources for teachers and students, including lesson plans, discussion guides, and activity toolkits

• In-person and virtual Filmmakers Go to School visits to classrooms

DocLands Education programs are open to school groups only. To register visit cafilmedu.org/doclands-education. Questions? Email education@cafilm.org.

DocLands Education is made possible through generous support from

NANCY P. and RICHARD K. ROBBINS

FAMILY FOUNDATION

MARIN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

From a backyard in San Francisco to a drag queen’s memorial celebration, this DocLands Education documentary shorts program encompasses complex and joyful portraits of community leaders, family dynamics, and an iconic familyowned business. Featuring mainly Bay Area filmmakers and offering distinct styles with unflinching directorial voices.

Total Program 72 min

IN PERSON: Filmmakers Luca Capponi, Tadashi Nakamura, Akira Boch, Kristal Sotomayor, Myah Overstreet

FRIDAY, MAY 3 7:00pm

MULTICULTURAL CENTER OF MARIN

709 Fifth Ave, San Rafael

FREE WITH RSVP

Co-presented with TAY RADIO + MULTICULTURAL CENTER OF MARIN

BENKYODO: THE LAST MANJU SHOP IN J-TOWN

US 202, 16 min

Ricky and Bobby Okamura wrestle with closing their beloved family-owned manju shop after serving the San Francisco Japantown community for 115 years. Directors: Tadashi Nakamura, Akira Boch

I WOULD’VE BEEN HAPPY

DON’T CRY FOR ME ALL YOU DRAG QUEENS

US 2024, 9 min

A striking portrait of belonging and memory: Joseph “Josie” Cavallucci (aka Mother Cavallucci) was a legendary New Hope, PA, drag queen in the ’70s and ’80s, who left a lasting impact on today’s community. Director: Kristal Sotomayor

I WOULD’VE BEEN HAPPY

US 2023, 9 min

Using exquisite animation, a filmmaker reconstructs memories from his family's domestic spaces in the hope of uncovering the logic of a broken home. Jordan Wong

TO BE INVISIBLE

US 2023, 25 min

Every week for the past three years, Alexis and Kellie have stood outside Durham County’s child welfare agency, demanding the return of their children. Together, they embark on a journey to bring their children home. Director: Myah Overstreet

SMALL STEPS, BIG FUTURE

US 2023, 17 min

In San Francisco, a bilingual preschool driven by communitybuilding and inclusivity highlights the transformative power of education. Director: Luca Capponi *This film contains references to domestic violence*

BENKYODO: THE LAST MANJU SHOP IN J-TOWN

DOCTALK

In addition to a slate of remarkable films, DocLands provides an in-person interactive forum to explore creative aspects of the practice, help invigorate its business and art, and build an active and fully supportive community around nonfiction filmmaking. Join us. Be part of the story.

FINDING YOUR DOCUMENTARY FORM:

WHAT COMES FIRST?

Documentaries come in different forms—and depending upon the genesis of a film, the form can vary immensely. What comes first: the topic, an idea, a character?

Unless it’s film school, we don’t typically label documentaries; we simply choose films to watch based upon a topic of interest. But the mode a filmmaker chooses for any particular film, and how they instigate it, can make the difference between “good” and “outstanding.” Though these modes are somewhat subjective, whether filmmakers choose expository (narrated) or participatory

(direct engagement between filmmaker and subjects); observational (fly-on-the-wall) or performative (filmmaker as participant); reflexive (awareness of film process within the film) or poetic (subjective/artistic expression) — or possibly a combination of these, can make all the difference in the world!

Join us for a casual conversation as we explore the choices some of this year’s filmmakers have made to bring us their outstanding films!

PARTICIPANTS:

Lucas Guilkey, JoeBill Muñoz, The Strike

Stephanie Johnes, Maya and the Wave

Yuqi Kang, 7 Beats Per Minute

John Rubin, Hunt for the Oldest DNA

Dianne Whelan, 500 Days in the Wild

DOCPITCH

The California Film Institute fundraising initiative DocPitch is designed to aid filmmakers in completing a featurelength documentary project currently in development/production. With 150 worthy submissions this year, the selection committees had the difficult task of winnowing that number down to five finalists to be in contention for both the Audience and Jury Awards. All funds go toward the continued development and production of the film projects.

2024 DocPitch finalists will be announced and voting will commence for the Audience Award on Monday, April 15. Voting will close May 1, 11:59pm. Winners will be announced May 5 at Closing Night film as well as online.

DOCPITCH AWARDS FUNDING PROVIDED BY RESONANCE PHILANTHROPIES

NANCY P. AND RICHARD K. ROBBINS FAMILY FOUNDATION

SPONSORS

SIGNATURE

VICKIE SOULIER

NANCY P. and RICHARD K. ROBBINS FOUNDATION

JENNIFER COSLETT M

ac CREADY RESONANCE

PHILANTHROPIES

MAJOR

JIM BOYCE TRUST and KRIS OTIS

PREMIER MEDIA

FESTIVAL

MAJOR MEDIA

CREATIVE

SPONSORS

HOTELS

OFFICIAL SERVICE PROVDER

PROMOTIONAL

San Rafael Marin County

ASIAN AMERICAN ALLIANCE OF MARIN

350MARIN

BAMPFA | UC BERKELEY ART MUSEUM and PACIFIC FILM ARCHIVE

BAY AREA FREEDIVING

BERLIN & BEYOND

BOOK PASSAGE

CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

CITY SURF PROJECT

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

FILM SF

FINS & FOAM FREEDIVING

FLUFFY LITTLE CLOUDS

GEN AI ACADEMY

GROUND FLOOR CLUB

INTERNATIONAL BUDDHIST FILM FOUNDATION

MARIN ARTS

MARIN OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

MULTICULTURAL CENTER OF MARIN

THE REDFORD CENTER

REVEAL CENTER FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING

SALTED ROOTS

SAVE THE REDWOODS LEAGUE

SURJ MARIN

TEN THOUSAND BUDDHAS

TURTLE ISLAND RESTORATION NETWORK

CAFILM BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mark Fishkin

BOARD

Wellington Bowler

Christina Cook (Treasurer )

Richard J. Idell (Secretary )

Daniel Kenyon

Amy Keroes

Jacqui Lopez

Jennifer Coslett MacCready (Board Chair )

Kurt Mobley

Cathy Nourafshan

Maggie O’Donnell (President )

Jonathan Parker

(Co -Vice President )

Susan Schwartz

Dr. Joel Sklar (Co -Vice President )

EMERITUS BOARD

Ann Brebner (1923-2017)

Rita Cahill

Sid Ganis

Bruce Katz (1947-2022)

Gary Meyer

Gordon Radley

Christopher B. Smith

Henry Timnick

FOUNDING BOARD

Rita Cahill

Mark Fishkin

Lois Kohl Shore

HONORARY ADVISORY BOARD

Honorable Barbara Boxer

Stewart Boxer

Drusie Davis

Jeff Fisher

Peter Flaxman

Robert Greber

Linda Gruber

Peggy Haas

Michael Klein

Roxanne Klein

KC Lauck

Andrew McGuire

Mary Poland

Eric Schwartz

Michael Schwartz

Skip Whitney

DOCLANDS STAFF

MARK FISHKIN

Executive Director | Founder | CAFILM

LIANA BENDER

Chief Development Officer

BEAU BLANCHARD

Associate Director of Institutional Giving

MAUREEN GALLIANI

Stewardship Manager

CHRISTINE FUJIKI

Operations + Communications Manager

DERRICK DOVER

Membership Manager

JONI COOPER

Director of Programming

KELLY CLEMENT

Programmer

MICHELLE SVENSON

Senior Programmer

STERLING HEDGPETH

Programming Manager

DIANA SÁNCHEZ

Education Program Manager

YVONNE FOX

Senior Event Producer

DAN ZASTROW

Technical Director

GRIFFIN COUILLARD

Projectionist

NORMAN MELLO

IT Manager

SHELLEY SPICER

Director of Marketing, Publicity, + Media & Studio Relations

SHAYNA YASUHARA

Marketing + Audience

Engagement Manager

COURTNEY BUFFINGTON

Design + Brand Manager

BRIAN LEHMAN

Publications

KATIE WOODRUFF

Community Outreach Manager

JONATHAN KIEFER

Publications Managing Editor

CASEY HERRMANN

Rafael One House Manager

DANIEL FEDER-JOHNSON

Rafael Two + Three House Manager

JACOB RODRIGUEZ

Line Manager

JENNIFER DRONSKY

Line Manager

PHOTO: AMELIA PLUMB PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: IMAGESPACE