Documentary

Documentary Shines Light on Dark Legacy of Catholic Boarding Schools in French Guiana, Wins Student Jury Medal

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CAYENNE, French Guiana — The documentary “Catholic Boarding Schools of French Guiana: The Wound” recently received the prestigious Student Jury Medal at the World Revolutionaries film festival. The film, produced by France TV, delves into the troubling history of the “Homes Indiens,” a system of Catholic boarding schools that operated from 1930 until 2023. The documentary highlights the harrowing experiences of approximately 2,000 children, primarily from indigenous Amerindian backgrounds, who were forcibly removed from their families. These children were placed in institutions with the aim of assimilating them into French culture, denying them their linguistic … Read more

Triumph in the Wild: Czechoslovak Documentary ‘Better Go Mad in the Wild’ Clinches Grand Prix at Karlovy Vary Film Festival

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Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic — The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival concluded its 59th edition on July 12, highlighting compelling cinematic narratives from around the globe. The festival’s top honor, the Grand Prix Crystal Globe, was awarded to the Czech-Slovak documentary Better Go Mad in the Wild, directed by Miro Remo. This film, loosely adapted from the book by Ales Palan and Jan Sibik, explores the lives of twin brothers as they investigate the possibility of living entirely in one place. The film’s whimsical nature and exploration of personal authenticity earned it accolades from the … Read more

Iranian Documentary ‘The Last of the Whale Shark’ Snags Special Jury Award at Inaugural SCO Film Festival

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TEHRAN, Iran — The inaugural Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Film Festival recently honored Iranian filmmaker Ramtin Balef with the Special Jury Award for his documentary “The Last of the Whale Shark.” The festival took place from July 3 to 7 in the Yongchuan district of Chongqing, China, coinciding with the BRICS Summit and the first Asian Countries Meeting. Balef’s documentary explores the poignant journey of a whale shark as it seeks its soul mate within the vastness of the ocean. It stands as a notable entry in a festival that showcased a diverse array of … Read more

Documentary Unveils PFAS Crisis as Key Legal Battles Loom: A Call to Action for Environmental Health

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Harrisburg, Pennsylvania — The ongoing fight against per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often termed "forever chemicals," drew significant attention at the MTMP Spring 2025 Mass Torts Track session. The event kicked off with a screening of the documentary How to Poison a Planet, which explores the far-reaching impact of PFAS contamination, deemed one of the most pressing environmental crises of our time. Directed by Katrina McGowan, the film sheds light on the extensive pollution linked to PFAS and the actions of major chemical manufacturers like 3M and DuPont in contributing to this issue while allegedly … Read more