LET THE CANARY SING

Follow Cyndi Lauper through exclusive never-before-seen footage, candid interviews, and untold stories, as she fearlessly blazes her own trail after achieving chart-topping success in her 30’s and continuing to create, innovate, and champion her beliefs four decades later. Famous pop artists such as Boy George share their thoughts on her musical talent and unique vocal sound, as well as how she has drawn attention to subjects like emancipation, abortion, racism, and gender discrimination.

Why this pick?

Girls DO just wanna have fun! You get to see Cindy Lauper's creative journey and how she has impacted the world in so many different ways throughout this film. Hearing the stories behind some of her biggest hits is a joy.

LET THE CANARY SING

GOOD ONE

On a weekend backpacking trip in the Catskills, 17-year-old Sam contends with the competing egos of her father and his oldest friend. A slight but sensitive and fantastically assured debut that unfolds with the pointillistic detail of a great short story, India Donaldson's GOOD ONE is a coming-of-age story that jettisons all of the genre's most familiar trappings in favor of a long walk in the woods.

Why this pick?

A little indie film with a big heart. I felt so seen by this movie. It's a fresh and incredibly heartfelt take on the coming of age narrative with a strong female lead.

GOOD ONE

HOW TO HAVE SEX

Three British teenagers go on a girls trip, drinking, clubbing and hooking up in what should be the best summer of their lives. As they dance their way across the sun-drenched streets of Malia, they find themselves navigating the complexities of sex, consent and self-discovery. Manning Walker’s directorial debut paints a painfully familiar portrait of young adulthood with a fresh take on consent, and how first sexual experiences should – or shouldn’t – play out.

Why this pick?

I cannot say enough good things about this movie! It's so girlhood in the BEST ways. I am truly obsessed with it. Plus it's wonderful visually, the cinematography is stunning.

HOW TO HAVE SEX

WHO CAN SEE FOREVER

WHO CAN SEE FOREVER is the first ever in-depth look into the life and music of Iron & Wine's Sam Beam. Shot over the course of three years and using the traditional concert film as his jumping-off point, director Josh Sliffe digs into the myth and ethos of Iron & Wine through a series of interviews and unguarded behind-the-scenes footage that welcome the viewer into the center of Beam’s universe.

Why this pick?

If you're exciting about Iron and Wine's new album... we've got the movie for you! So many music docs are action packed and rock n' roll, but this combo doc/concert film feels like a warm hug (with Iron and Wine playing in the background).

WHO CAN SEE FOREVER

DIANE WARREN: RELENTLESS

Boasting 15 Academy Award nominations, an Honorary Oscar, and Grammy, Emmy, and Golden Globe Awards, Diane Warren is responsible for the soundtrack of our lives. She's etched her name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame cementing herself as one of the greatest songwriters of all time. In this intimate documentary, filled with Diane’s signature humor, audiences get a rarely-seen glimpse into Diane’s life and underdog journey to where she is today.

Why this pick?

A movie about one of the greatest songwriters who writes songs for movies... a perfect Sound Vision film in my opinion!

DIANE WARREN: RELENTLESS

THE WORLD ACCORDING TO ALLEE WILLIS

Take one look at award-winning songwriter and artist Allee Willis and you see someone unafraid to be themselves. Dressed in a cacophony of prints and colors, her signature asymmetrical haircut and famed parties at her real-life Pee-wee’s Playhouse, Allee didn’t waste any opportunity to tell you what she was about. But privately, Allee struggled with not fitting established gender and sexual norms. She buried herself in her work, until true love manifested her ultimate masterpiece - self-acceptance.

Why this pick?

Allee Willis is definitely the most interesting woman that you've never heard of, but I can guarantee she's written one of your favorite songs. (Watch this movie to find out which ones!)

THE WORLD ACCORDING TO ALLEE WILLIS

DIG! XX

Originally seven years in the making, and culled from 2,500 hours of footage, Ondi Timoner’s DIG! gets a 20th-anniversary refresh, featuring 35 minutes of previously unseen footage. Tracking the tumultuous rise of two talented musicians and dissecting their star-crossed friendship and bitter rivalry, being at the right place at the right time is what makes DIG! XX important, but being in the wrong place, like in the path of a flying mic stand, is what makes it exhilarating.

Why this pick?

Even if you've already seen DIG! (and especially if you haven't) you'll want to make sure to see DIG! XX. The film has been re-edited for its 20th anniversary with 35 minutes of previously unreleased footage making one of the best rock documentaries ever made even better.

DIG! XX

THELMA

When 93-year-old Thelma Post gets duped by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson, she sets out on a treacherous quest across the city to reclaim what was taken from her. Inspired by a real-life experience of writer-director Josh Margolin’s own centenarian grandmother. Shining a spotlight on an elderly grandmother as an unlikely action hero, THELMA puts a clever and humorous spin on movies like MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE.

Why this pick?

So CUTE so FUN made me laugh so HARD. A wonderful, joyful, action packed adventure. One of the best films I've seen this year! (which is why Kerstin, Cara and I all have this as a pick!!!)

THELMA

Jack Feria - GenreQueer and Shorts Programmer

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Ernie Quiroz – Cine Sin Fronteras Programmer

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