Movies About The Harlem Renaissance

From Linda Hattendorf, starring Bob Bruck, Jess Espinosa, Linda Hattendorf, Richard Hill
Rated Not Rated

The Cats of Mirikitani is a documentary film directed by Linda Hattendorf that follows the life of Jimmy Mirikitani, a homeless Japanese-American artist living on the streets of New York City after the events of September 11th. The film explores Jimmy’s struggles with homelessness, his life during World War II, and his attempts to reconcile his past with his present life in the city. Through interviews with family members in Japan and archival footage of the war, the film paints a portrait of Jimmy’s struggles to regain his identity in a post-9/11 world. Along the way, Jimmy discovers that his artwork has become a source of solace for many of the people he meets, and ultimately gains the courage to confront his demons and the ghosts of his past.

From Banksy, starring Banksy, Mr. Brainwash, Space Invader, Debora Guetta
Rated R

Exit Through the Gift Shop is a 2010 documentary directed by the anonymous British graffiti artist Banksy. The film follows Thierry Guetta, an eccentric French shopkeeper in Los Angeles who has an obsession with filming his every move. After following various graffiti artists around the world, Guetta finally meets Banksy and is introduced to the world of street art. Banksy then challenges Guetta to make a documentary about street art, offering his own help and guidance. Guetta then turns the camera on himself, and sets out to become a street art superstar, launching a new career as ‘Mr. Brainwash’. Exit Through the Gift Shop is a captivating exploration of the world of street art, featuring works from Banksy and other established street artists. It also looks at the rise of ‘Mr. Brainwash’ and the commercialization of the street art scene.

From Richard Press, starring Bill Cunningham, Anna Wintour, Michael Kors, Editta Sherman
Rated Not Rated

In Bill Cunningham: New York, the acclaimed documentary by director Richard Press, viewers are introduced to the passionate and eccentric fashion photographer Bill Cunningham. For over 40 years, Cunningham has dedicated himself to documenting New York City's ever-changing street style. Through a series of interviews with fashionistas and celebrities, archival footage, and vérité-style camerawork, the film paints a portrait of a man whose devotion to his craft has kept him from forming any meaningful personal connections. Despite his fame in the fashion world, Cunningham remains humble and lives a simple life, sleeping on a cot in his tiny studio apartment. Bill Cunningham: New York is a touching tribute to a man who is celebrated for his contributions to the world of fashion.

From Directors: Matthew Akers, Jeff Dupre, starring Marina Abramovic, Ulay, Klaus Biesenbach, David Balliano
Rated Not Rated

Marina Abramovic: The Artist Is Present is a 2012 documentary about the groundbreaking performance artist, Marina Abramovic. Directed by Matthew Akers and Jeff Dupre, the film chronicles Abramovic’s career, from her early beginnings in Yugoslavia, to her rise to fame in the United States, to her much-heralded retrospective exhibition at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art in 2010. Along the way, the film explores Abramovic’s personal journey, from her difficult childhood and the influence of her mother, to her collaborations with her former partner, Ulay, and her ongoing pursuit of artistic perfection. The film culminates with her performance at the MOMA retrospective, where Abramovic spent three months sitting in a chair, silently engaging with museum visitors in a powerful and deeply meaningful way.

From Thomas Riedelsheimer, starring Andy Goldsworthy, Anna Goldsworthy, Holly Goldsworthy, James Goldsworthy
Rated TV-G

Rivers and Tides is a documentary that follows the life and work of Scottish sculptor and artist Andy Goldsworthy. The film follows Goldsworthy as he interacts with his environment to create temporary and permanent works of art from natural materials such as leaves, rocks, and branches. As he creates his sculptures, Goldsworthy reflects on his artwork, his relationship to nature, and his life. The film is an exploration of the artist's relationship to the natural world and his creative process. Interspersed throughout are interviews with Goldsworthy, offering insight into his work, his views on nature, and his approach to life. The film is an intimate and visually stunning look at the power of nature and the beauty of Goldsworthy's ephemeral sculptures.

From Tamra Davis, starring Jean Michel Basquiat, Julian Schnabel, Larry Gagosian, Bruno Bischofberger
Rated Not Rated

Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child is a 2010 documentary by director Tamra Davis chronicling the life of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat and his meteoric rise to fame in the early 1980s. The film features interviews with Basquiat's family, friends, and fellow artists, as well as exclusive archival footage. It explores Basquiat's beginnings as a street artist, his refusal to be defined by society's expectations, and his eventual success as an internationally renowned artist. The film also looks at Basquiat's struggles with mental illness, drug addiction, and his untimely death. Ultimately, the film paints a portrait of an artist and human being who defied the odds, and whose legacy continues to be felt today.

From Directors: Lucy Walker, Karen Harley, João Jardim, starring Star: Vik Muniz
Rated Not Rated

Waste Land is a 2010 documentary directed by Lucy Walker, Karen Harley and João Jardim that follows renowned artist Vik Muniz as he travels to the world's largest landfill, located in Brazil. Through his collaboration with the local catadores, or garbage collectors, he creates art from the materials found in the landfill. As Muniz works on his art project, the film takes a deep dive into the lives of the catadores, who reveal the struggles and joys of life in and around the landfill. The film follows their journey as they reclaim their lives and create a sense of hope for a better future. Ultimately, Waste Land is an uplifting exploration of the transformative power of art and the beauty that can be found in the most unlikely of places.

From Steve James, starring Roger Ebert, Chaz Ebert, Gene Siskel, Martin Scorsese
Rated R

Life Itself is a documentary film directed by Steve James that chronicles the life and work of the renowned film critic and social commentator Roger Ebert. Through interviews with Ebert himself and other close friends, family, and colleagues, the film provides an intimate and honest look at the man behind the public persona. It also examines Ebert's influence on American culture and his role in the rise of independent cinema, as well as exploring his brave struggle with cancer. It is an emotional and inspiring tribute to a beloved figure who touched the lives of so many.

From Greg 'Freddy' Camalier, starring Rick Hall, Aretha Franklin, Keith Richards, Candi Staton
Rated PG

"Muscle Shoals" is a 2013 documentary film directed by Greg 'Freddy' Camalier. It tells the story of a small town in Alabama called Muscle Shoals which has produced some of the most influential and iconic songs of all time. Through interviews with artists and producers, the film examines the unique musical style and sound of Muscle Shoals, and the cultural impact it has had on the world. The documentary explores how the small town has been the birthplace of some of the greatest soul music ever heard, and how its legacy has helped shape the sound of modern music. The film also highlights the importance of musical collaboration and how it has led to the success of many of the artists and producers featured in the film. Lastly, the film gives viewers a glimpse into the life of the people of Muscle Shoals, and the unique sense of community that exists there.

From Directors: John Maloof, Charlie Siskel, starring Vivian Maier, John Maloof, Daniel Arnaud, Simon Amédé
Rated Not Rated

Finding Vivian Maier is a 2013 documentary film by filmmakers John Maloof and Charlie Siskel. The film tells the story of Vivian Maier, an amateur street photographer who was unknown until her work was discovered in 2007. Through interviews with her family, friends, and historians, the film tells the story of Maier's life and her unique body of work. The film also features interviews with Maier's acquaintances and explores her mysterious background and motivations for her photography. The film ultimately reveals how her work has been embraced and celebrated in the art world. It also reflects upon the growing appreciation for Maier's work and how her legacy continues to live on in the present day.

From Wim Wenders, starring Pina Bausch, Regina Advento, Malou Airaudo, Ruth Amarante
Rated PG

Pina is a 2011 documentary film directed by Wim Wenders about the German dancer, choreographer and director Pina Bausch. The film is an homage to Bausch, whose unique approach to dance revolutionized the art form. Pina includes performances of Bausch's most acclaimed creations, including "Café Müller" and "The Rite of Spring", performed by her Tanztheater Wuppertal company. The documentary also features interviews with Bausch's dancers, who discuss her life and work, as well as the impact she had on them personally and on the world of dance. The film culminates in a final performance of Bausch's masterpiece, "Vollmond", at the historic Opernhaus Wuppertal. Pina is a unique and visually beautiful exploration of the power of movement and human connection.

From Denny Tedesco, starring Brian Wilson, Dick Clark, Cher, Herb Alpert
Rated PG

The Wrecking Crew! is a 2008 documentary directed by Denny Tedesco. The film chronicles the lives and careers of a group of American session musicians, known as the Wrecking Crew, who worked in the Los Angeles recording industry during the 1960s and 1970s. Featuring interviews with renowned musicians such as Herb Alpert, Glen Campbell, Brian Wilson and Nancy Sinatra, as well as music legends including Phil Spector, Hal Blaine and Leon Russell, the film explores the impact the Wrecking Crew had on the evolution of popular music. The documentary also serves as a tribute to Tedesco's father, Tommy Tedesco, who was a member of the Wrecking Crew and a celebrated session guitarist.

From Don Argott, starring Julian Bond, David D'Arcy, Richard Feigen, Richard H. Glanton
Rated Unrated

The Art of the Steal is a 2009 documentary directed by Don Argott. The film follows a long-running battle over the future of the multi-billion dollar art collection of the late Albert C. Barnes. After his death, Barnes' collection has been subject to a series of maneuvers by the modern art establishment, which have sought to wrest control of the collection away from the Barnes Foundation. Through interviews and archival footage, Argott documents the struggle over the collection, and the various individuals and organizations attempting to influence the outcome. The film ultimately examines the consequences of the machinations of the art world and what it means for the future of the Barnes collection.

From Megumi Sasaki, starring Paula Antebi, Will Barnet, Robert Barry, Lynda Benglis
Rated Not Rated

Herb & Dorothy is a 2008 documentary film by director Megumi Sasaki that follows the story of Herb and Dorothy Vogel, a couple living in New York City who amassed an impressive art collection with modest means. Despite their limited funds, they were able to purchase works by some of the most acclaimed artists of the 20th century, including artists such as Sol LeWitt, Christo, Lucio Fontana, Lynda Benglis, Richard Tuttle, and Robert Mangold. Despite the value of their collection, the Vogels kept it in their one-bedroom apartment in the Upper East Side of Manhattan for nearly 30 years. The documentary follows the Vogels as they transition from living in their apartment to donating the collection, valued at over 15 million dollars, to the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. The film not only highlights the Vogels' passion and commitment to art collecting, but also showcases the close relationship and mutual understanding between the two. The Vogels' story is an inspiring one that speaks to the power of passion and dedication.

From Thorsten Schütte, starring Frank Zappa, Steve Allen, Angel, Chuck Ash
Rated R

Eat That Question is a 2016 documentary film by director Thorsten Schütte that follows the career of legendary composer and keyboardist Frank Zappa. The film explores Zappa's music, politics, and life through interviews, archival footage, and rare live performance clips. It follows his rise to fame in the 1960s and his continuing influence on modern music. Zappa's views on art, politics, and society are explored, as well as his relationships with other musicians, from the Mothers of Invention to his collaborations with the London Symphony Orchestra. While some of Zappa's more controversial statements and behavior are addressed, the film ultimately serves as an homage to the musician's life and legacy.

From Martin Provost, starring Yolande Moreau, Ulrich Tukur, Anne Bennent, Geneviève Mnich
Rated Unrated

From Directors: Keith Fulton, Louis Pepe, starring Terry Gilliam, Johnny Depp, Jeff Bridges, Tony Grisoni
Rated R

From Ondi Timoner, starring Josh Harris, Tom Harris, Carlos Alvarez, David Amron
Rated Unrated

From Directors: Jason Cohn, Bill Jersey, starring Charles Eames, Ray Eames, James Franco, Jeannine Oppewall
Rated Not Rated

From Jeremy Whelehan, starring Kevin Spacey, Maureen Anderman, Stephen Lee Anderson, Jeremy Bobb
Rated Not Rated

From Laurent Tirard, starring Romain Duris, Fabrice Luchini, Laura Morante, Edouard Baer
Rated PG-13

From Sydney Pollack, starring Frank Gehry, Sydney Pollack, Julian Schnabel, Charles Arnoldi
Rated PG-13

From Laura Archibald, starring Susan Sarandon, Happy Traum, Tom Bernadin, Doug Yeager
Rated Unrated

From Directors: Carlos Carcas, Norberto López Amado, starring Norman Foster, Deyan Sudjic
Rated Not Rated

From Steven Sebring, starring Patti Smith, Lenny Kaye, Oliver Ray, Tony Shanahan
Rated Not Rated