From deep behind enemy lines, a hidden chapter of American military history is uncovered, prompting the question of whether reckoning with the past can bring peace to those who lived it. The Vietnam War’s first Black special operations team reunites for one last time to tell their incredible story. As SOUL PATROL delves into the identity crises and racial tension these young soldiers faced in Vietnam, director J.M. Harper combines striking footage filmed by the soldiers themselves along with excellent recreations and astonishing first-person accounts of survival, harrowing escapes, and the shared experiences that have kept this troop bonded for life. Winner of the US Documentary Directing Award at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.“… haunting, revelatory…” — Variety
Genre: History
The Last Critic
THE LAST CRITIC explores the life and legacy of Robert Christgau, the self-proclaimed “Dean of American Rock Critics.” Christgau helped invent modern music criticism in 1967 while covering the Monterey Pop Festival for Esquire, then redefined the form with his iconic Consumer Guide at The Village Voice. Over five decades, he produced 18,000 letter-graded capsule reviews—a prolific output that continues today on Substack. Beyond his sharp-witted writing, Christgau was a transformative writer and editor who championed not just the punk of CBGB, but the funk of George Clinton and the soul of Al Green. Now in his eighties, Bob remains a vital force, writing with undiminished vigor from the NYC apartment he shares with his wife and fellow writer Carola Dibbell. Director Matty Wishnow reveals the legendary critic’s continuing desire to connect the music to the people.Winner of a Special Jury Award at SXSW 2026.“… inspirational beyond belief.” — Rolling StoneDirector Matty Wishnow is scheduled to attend on Wednesday, June 10.
Mineshaft: The Cruising Murders
MINESHAFT: THE CRUISING MURDERS peels back the layers of controversy surrounding the making of the 1980 thriller Cruising. Directed by William Friedkin, Cruising triggered fierce protests from the LGBTQ+ community for its portrayal of a serial killer targeting gay men in New York’s leather bars. Friedkin drew inspiration from the brutal murder of Variety reporter Addison Verrill, blurring the boundaries between cinematic fiction and real-life tragedy.Emmy®-winning director Jeffrey Schwarz (Vito, I Am Divine, Tab Hunter Confidential) brings his signature storytelling flair to this gripping chapter of queer history where true crime, moviemaking, and LGBTQ+ resistance collide.
Give Me the Ball!
Billie Jean King is a global icon whose impact on equality resonates far beyond tennis, yet the personal turmoil behind her rise has often remained hidden. GIVE ME THE BALL! reminds us of the immense sacrifices King made while fighting high-profile battles for both professionalization of her sport and equal treatment for women. From struggling with an unhappy marriage and hiding her sexual orientation to facing eating disorders and relentless misogyny, her journey was long and often lonely. This film explores her saga beyond the “Battle of the Sexes,” showcasing King as the persistent fighter she had to be. Through rare archival material and honest interviews, Liz Garbus and Elizabeth Wolff reveal the depths of agony King endured so others could follow a less painful path. This is a powerful story of selflessness and triumph, offering a deeper understanding of this remarkable legend.
Barbara Forever
This archive-driven exploration of the life, work, and legacy of pioneering lesbian filmmaker Barbara Hammer turns the lens on its genius subject with a sensitivity and spirit that recalls Hammer’s iconic artistic work. In her 2026 Berlinale Teddy Award-winning debut feature, Brydie O’Connor skillfully deploys a treasure trove of archival footage, immersing us in Barbara’s story, the footage frequently guided by Hammer’s own voice. BARBARA FOREVER is a celebration of a groundbreaking artist who chose to create work that embraced her life, body, and lesbian identity, told not only with tremendous affection but also a candor and curiosity of which Hammer would most certainty approve.“… a veritable goldmine of queer cinema history…” — Indiewire
Bang My Box: The Robin Byrd Story
BANG MY BOX: THE ROBIN BYRD STORY traces the rise of a boundary-pushing, sex-positive, NYC cable-access pioneer who became an accidental AIDS-era activist and First Amendment fighter. Now at 70, with 600 shows behind her, she considers her place in history.Robin Byrd never set out to be an activist. She followed her instincts toward pleasure, freedom, and inclusion. And in doing so, she became a lifeline for the gay community and for countless outsiders searching for joy without judgment. Through grit and consistency, Robin built something enduring. And now, in a profound turn, she is caring for the partner who helped make her success possible. Co-directors Jyllian Gunther and Stephanie Schwam look past the mythology to capture the woman herself–resilient, loving, and full of light.Directors Jyllian Gunther, Stephanie Schwam and Robin Byrd are scheduled to attend on Sunday, June 14.