by Rosalie Kicks, Editor in Chief and Old Sport

Documentaries are such a wonderful way to learn about subjects and people. Often they spark curiosity which leads me down rabbit holes in an attempt to uncover more information. I find what some people do in this life rather fascinating and these are some of the noteworthy documentary films we caught during Sundance.

Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project
Written and Directed by Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson

“The only way to leave something is to transition it.”

What makes this documentary special is the subject, Nikki Giovanni. Through the use of archival footage, personal interviews, and present day clips, the filmmakers weave a beautiful portrait of an inspiration. Nikki shares intimate details on her life and experiences as a queer poet, as well as her hopes of her legacy having a transformative impact. Its impossible to not be inspired by this amazing woman.

Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project won the U.S. Nonfiction Award at Sundance 2023. It is still seeking distribution at this time.

It’s Only Life After All
Directed by Alexandria Bombach

I’m so glad this flick was on my partner in crime’s watch list. Prior to viewing this doc, I did not know squat about the folk-rock band the Indigo Girls. What an amazing duo Amy Ray and Emily Sailers are. Their story is uplifting and I found myself moved by the wonderful contributions they have made not only to the music scene but also the LGBTQ+ community and their environmental activism work. Additionally, for the amount of material that was handed to the director by Amy, I am impressed by the way Alexandria Bombach was able to piece together a comprehensive yet cohesive story. Even if you are not a fan of the music, I believe there is still something you will find worthwhile from this film.

It’s Only Life After All is still seeking distribution at this time.

Little Richard: I Am Everything
Directed by Lisa Cortés

It is kind of incredible that we are not talking about Little Richard more. This dude was an icon and clearly an influence to so many performers and artists from David Bowie and The Beatles to John Waters. This documentary provides an overview of his career through the ups and downs. As a queer black man in an industry that was not supportive, it was encouraging to witness him persevere and unapologetically be himself.

Little Richard: I Am Everything was purchased by Magnolia and will be distributed soon.

by Benjamin Leonard, Managing Editor and Best Boy

Twice Colonized
Directed by Lin Alluna

The film follows Aaju Peter as she confronts the EU over their lack of considering Indigenous peoples’ rights (and ways of life) when they instituted the seal trade ban. However, the focus of the film is much more personal than global. The way the effects of colonization aren't just geographical but also cultural, political, physical, mental and emotional isn't quite what I'd call subtle, but it is a long way from hitting you over the head with it like it could.

Twice Colonized is still seeking distribution at this time.

The Stroll
Directed by Kristen Lovell and Zackary Drucker

Centered around the lives of Black Trans Women that worked New York City’s Meatpacking district throughout the ‘90s and ‘00s, The Stroll shows the ups and downs of the neighborhood and the LGBTQIA movement and community as a whole. Refusing to focus only on struggles and hardships, this is a good portrait of the diverse experiences over those years, as well as the time since. What makes this so enjoyable is that the stories are told with equal parts of heart and humor.

The Stroll won the U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award: Clarity of Vision and will be available via HBO shortly.