CategoryDocumentaries
True-crime and horror documentaries — real cases, real crimes, and the films that retell them.
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DocumentariesEventsFilm FestivalsForeignMoviesNews
Popcorn Frights, Florida’s finest fear-fare film festival, is back once again from August 11-21, 2022 with another saliva-inducing lineup sure to make horror movie aficionados sit up and take notice. For those unable to travel to the fest, this year’s edition of the festival features a hybrid component that reaches all across the United States. From creature features to slasher flicks to gorefests to silent classics and beyond, Popcorn Frights has something for every stripe of horror movie lover. Check out the official press announcement below, and for more information visit www.PopcornFrights.com. Popcorn Frights is roaring back with a vengeance for its eighth edition to celebrate the one-of-a-kind, endless possibilities of genre cinema it champions in its retina-reeling, round-the-world showcase of some of the medium’s most boundary-pushing and mind-enhancing films. Popcorn Frights’ opening night is presented by Giggster and will open with the World Premiere of TINY CINEMA, Tyler Cornack’s follow-up to his acclaimed provocative feature debut Butt Boy. In
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DocumentariesNewsStreaming TVTrailersTrue CrimeTrue Story
The HBO Original documentary series “The Anarchists,” a six-part docuseries directed by Todd Schramke and produced by Blumhouse Television premieres this Sunday, July 10 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT) with new episodes airing subsequent Sundays at the same time on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max. Unfolding over six years, “The Anarchists” chronicles a strange and deadly series of events. What begins as an impulsive one-off gathering, turns into a full-on, annual event, growing in size and attracting sponsorship from crypto-currency companies featuring speakers such as Ron Paul and BitCoin investor Roger Ver. And when rule-avoidant freedom activists come together in one of the most dangerous cities in the world, utopian ideology collides with the unpredictability of human nature. Relationships are fractured, rivalries are forged and ultimately, lives are lost. In 2015, Jeff Berwick, a Canadian entrepreneur turned provocateur, launched a conference in Acapulco, Mexico in hopes of promoting anarchy in its purest form – an ideal espousing
Continue reading →
DocumentariesMoviesNewsTrailers
Small Town Monsters continues asking questions and delving into the legend of werewolves with their latest documentary, American Werewolves, out today. Seth Breedlove‘s newest project poses the question: do real werewolves exist? Breedlove presents a witness-focused study into the “dogman” phenomenon that pervades American folklore. Thousands of people go missing in the United States each year, and American Werewolves and Seth Breedlove allow witnesses and a few brave investigators to present their theory that perhaps real werewolves are behind some of these disturbing disappearances. American Werewolves aims to explore this oft-overlooked aspect of American folklore. However, where previous Small Town Monsters productions delved into similar subject matter by presenting the details of the phenomena through a panel of experts, authors, folklorists, and investigators, American Werewolves leaves the storytelling to the witnesses. Comprised of around a dozen witness accounts, the film takes on the strange topic by giving those who have experienced it the space to directly present their encounters to
Continue reading →
DocumentariesMoviesNewsTrailers
Small Town Monsters continues asking questions and delving into the legend of werewolves with their latest documentary, American Werewolves. Seth Breedlove‘s newest project poses the question: do real werewolves exist? Breedlove presents a witness-focused study into the “dogman” phenomenon that pervades through American folklore. Thousands of people go missing in the United States each year, and American Werewolves and Seth Breedlove allow witnesses and a few brave investigators to present their theory that perhaps real werewolves are behind some of these disturbing disappearances. American Werewolves aims to explore this oft-overlooked aspect of American folklore. However, where previous Small Town Monsters productions delved into the similar subject matter by presenting the details of the phenomena through a panel of experts, authors, folklorists, and investigators, American Werewolves leaves the storytelling to the witnesses. Comprised of around a dozen witness accounts, the film takes on the strange topic by giving those who have experienced it the space to directly present their encounters to
Continue reading →
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Wild Eye Releasing has now announced details on a special edition Blu-ray of Tom Savini: Smoke and Mirrors, the acclaimed documentary that explores the celebrated career of special makeup effects legend, actor, director, and stuntman Tom Savini. Smoke and Mirrors covers everything, from his childhood in Pittsburgh, PA, to his tour of duty during Vietnam, to his beginnings with George A. Romero, and beyond. Blu-ray extras will include commentary with Tom Savini and director Jason Baker, hours of Tom’s personal video archives, including behind-the-scenes footage from movies like Day of the Dead, From Dusk Till Dawn, Creepshow, Friday the 13th Part 4, and Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2. A collectible folded poster also comes with the purchase. The Blu-ray will be released just in time for Halloween.
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DocumentariesInterviewsMoviesNewsTrailersTrue Crime
When it comes to true crime, there are thousands of documentaries, and if you’re like me, you’ve probably seen a lot of them. There’s one new documentary headed your way that is different, more profound, and more emotionally charged, Lovely Jackson. In the documentary, the life and wrongful incarceration of Rickey Jackson are explored. Rickey was convicted of murder while just a teen and sentenced to death before his sentence was commuted to life in prison three years later. He spent the next 39 years fighting for his freedom. You see, Rickey was innocent, and the only thing that tied him to the crime was a lie told by a 12-year-old boy, who eventually recanted his statement. Rickey was convicted without evidence and even had a witness tell the police he wasn’t the man. But still, Rickey spent the majority of his life in prison until the Ohio innocents Project came to his aid. Finally, he was set free. Lovely
Continue reading →
DocumentariesMoviesNewsReviewsTrailersTrue Crime
Can you imagine being sentenced to death, having it commuted, only to spend 39 years facing the brutality and real horrors of prison and knowing that you are completely innocent? That was the reality for Rickey Jackson, prisoner A144-061. In the new documentary Lovely Jackson, we are introduced to Rickey and the hardships he experienced for many decades. Lovely Jackson is not your average true crime film. We rarely see through the eyes of someone who has experienced so much suffering at the hands of a failed justice system. You may be wondering how an innocent man found himself in such a situation, the state’s entire case hinged on a statement made b12-year-old-old, and it was a complete lie. Rickey waited for thirty-nine years for him to tell the truth. You would think Rickey would be bitter, but no. Somehow he remains kind and found forgiveness for the man who almost put him in the electric chair. I wasn’t sure
Continue reading →
Apple TVDocumentariesNewsStreaming TVTrailers
I have watched a lot of documentaries about dinosaurs; I am a colossal dino nerd and proud of it. Judging by the trailer for Apple TV’s “Prehistoric Planets” docuseries, I knew I was in for something good. I was wrong; what I got was something far beyond “good,” it’s incredible! Narrated by David Attenborough, who has long been the voice of the BBC and many scientific documentaries, series, and specials, “Prehistoric Planet” rolls back the clock 66 million years to when dinosaurs roamed the earth. With a combination of CGI and filming, the stunning docuseries explores the locations the beasts once called home. The first episode is titled “Coasts” and takes viewers to coastal lands and islands where we see a family of T-Rex, giant turtles, and more. The next episode takes us deep into the “Desert,” where dinosaurs struggle to survive. Next Prehistoric Plant delves into the “Freshwater” before giving us a glimpse into “Ice Worlds,” and finally, the
Continue reading →
DocumentariesMoviesNewsScreamboxStreaming TVTrailers
It’s been over 30 years since the 1990 mini-series adaptation of Stephen King’s “IT” debuted, and still, it remains dear in the hearts of horror fans. This July, the highly anticipated new documentary Pennywise: The Story of IT will delve into the story and its making, premiering this Summer. The documentary was co-directed by John Campopiano (Unearthed & Untold: The Path to Pet Sematary) and Christopher Griffiths (Leviathan: The Story of Hellraiser) and produced by Gary Smart (Dark Ditties Presents). It takes an in-depth look at the mini-series as well as its infamous villain, Pennywise, and the impact it made on culture. It features exclusive interviews with many cult classic’s key players, including cast members Richard Thomas, Seth Green, and Tim Curry, who portrayed the iconic killer clown Pennywise and director Tommy Lee Wallace and special effects makeup artist Bart Mixon. It also features behind-the-scenes footage and more. Pennywise: The Story of IT opens in select theaters and arrives on
Continue reading →
ClipsDocumentariesMoviesNewsTrue CrimeTrue Story
Is there anything worse than being punished for a crime you didn’t commit? Today, we have a new clip from Zodiac Features’ new biographical true crime docu-thriller, Lovely Jackson, the feature directorial debut from filmmaker Matt Waldeck, p.g.a. (“I See You”) ahead of its world premiere at the iconic American Black Film Festival on June 17th. Lovely Jackson is a boldly cinematic epic journey that begins in tragedy, hopelessness, injustice, and death but ends in triumph, beauty, and new life. Focused on America’s longest wrongfully held exonerated prisoner, Rickey Jackson, returns to the actual prison where his 39-year journey of survival began in 1976 and guides his younger self from death row to freedom while facing his real-life accusers along the way, along with critical assistance from The Ohio Innocence Project. Lovely Jackson is a shocking and moving true story about perseverance through the darkest and most hopeless of circumstances that begins in violence and ends with love. This documentary
Continue reading →
More from Documentaries
DocumentariesEventsFilm FestivalsForeignMoviesNews
Popcorn Frights, Florida’s finest fear-fare film festival, is back once again from August 11-21, 2022 with another saliva-inducing lineup sure to make horror movie aficionados sit up and take notice. For those unable to travel to the fest, this year’s edition of the festival features a hybrid component that reaches all across the United States. From creature features to slasher flicks to gorefests to silent classics and beyond, Popcorn Frights has something for every stripe of horror movie lover. Check out the official press announcement below, and for more information visit www.PopcornFrights.com. Popcorn Frights is roaring back with a vengeance for its eighth edition to celebrate the one-of-a-kind, endless possibilities of genre cinema it champions in its retina-reeling, round-the-world showcase of some of the medium’s most boundary-pushing and mind-enhancing films. Popcorn Frights’ opening night is presented by Giggster and will open with the World Premiere of TINY CINEMA, Tyler Cornack’s follow-up to his acclaimed provocative feature debut Butt Boy. In
Continue reading →
DocumentariesNewsStreaming TVTrailersTrue CrimeTrue Story
The HBO Original documentary series “The Anarchists,” a six-part docuseries directed by Todd Schramke and produced by Blumhouse Television premieres this Sunday, July 10 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT) with new episodes airing subsequent Sundays at the same time on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max. Unfolding over six years, “The Anarchists” chronicles a strange and deadly series of events. What begins as an impulsive one-off gathering, turns into a full-on, annual event, growing in size and attracting sponsorship from crypto-currency companies featuring speakers such as Ron Paul and BitCoin investor Roger Ver. And when rule-avoidant freedom activists come together in one of the most dangerous cities in the world, utopian ideology collides with the unpredictability of human nature. Relationships are fractured, rivalries are forged and ultimately, lives are lost. In 2015, Jeff Berwick, a Canadian entrepreneur turned provocateur, launched a conference in Acapulco, Mexico in hopes of promoting anarchy in its purest form – an ideal espousing
Continue reading →
DocumentariesMoviesNewsTrailers
Small Town Monsters continues asking questions and delving into the legend of werewolves with their latest documentary, American Werewolves, out today. Seth Breedlove‘s newest project poses the question: do real werewolves exist? Breedlove presents a witness-focused study into the “dogman” phenomenon that pervades American folklore. Thousands of people go missing in the United States each year, and American Werewolves and Seth Breedlove allow witnesses and a few brave investigators to present their theory that perhaps real werewolves are behind some of these disturbing disappearances. American Werewolves aims to explore this oft-overlooked aspect of American folklore. However, where previous Small Town Monsters productions delved into similar subject matter by presenting the details of the phenomena through a panel of experts, authors, folklorists, and investigators, American Werewolves leaves the storytelling to the witnesses. Comprised of around a dozen witness accounts, the film takes on the strange topic by giving those who have experienced it the space to directly present their encounters to
Continue reading →
DocumentariesMoviesNewsTrailers
Small Town Monsters continues asking questions and delving into the legend of werewolves with their latest documentary, American Werewolves. Seth Breedlove‘s newest project poses the question: do real werewolves exist? Breedlove presents a witness-focused study into the “dogman” phenomenon that pervades through American folklore. Thousands of people go missing in the United States each year, and American Werewolves and Seth Breedlove allow witnesses and a few brave investigators to present their theory that perhaps real werewolves are behind some of these disturbing disappearances. American Werewolves aims to explore this oft-overlooked aspect of American folklore. However, where previous Small Town Monsters productions delved into the similar subject matter by presenting the details of the phenomena through a panel of experts, authors, folklorists, and investigators, American Werewolves leaves the storytelling to the witnesses. Comprised of around a dozen witness accounts, the film takes on the strange topic by giving those who have experienced it the space to directly present their encounters to
Continue reading →
DocumentariesMoviesNewsProductTrailers
Wild Eye Releasing has now announced details on a special edition Blu-ray of Tom Savini: Smoke and Mirrors, the acclaimed documentary that explores the celebrated career of special makeup effects legend, actor, director, and stuntman Tom Savini. Smoke and Mirrors covers everything, from his childhood in Pittsburgh, PA, to his tour of duty during Vietnam, to his beginnings with George A. Romero, and beyond. Blu-ray extras will include commentary with Tom Savini and director Jason Baker, hours of Tom’s personal video archives, including behind-the-scenes footage from movies like Day of the Dead, From Dusk Till Dawn, Creepshow, Friday the 13th Part 4, and Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2. A collectible folded poster also comes with the purchase. The Blu-ray will be released just in time for Halloween.
Continue reading →
DocumentariesInterviewsMoviesNewsTrailersTrue Crime
When it comes to true crime, there are thousands of documentaries, and if you’re like me, you’ve probably seen a lot of them. There’s one new documentary headed your way that is different, more profound, and more emotionally charged, Lovely Jackson. In the documentary, the life and wrongful incarceration of Rickey Jackson are explored. Rickey was convicted of murder while just a teen and sentenced to death before his sentence was commuted to life in prison three years later. He spent the next 39 years fighting for his freedom. You see, Rickey was innocent, and the only thing that tied him to the crime was a lie told by a 12-year-old boy, who eventually recanted his statement. Rickey was convicted without evidence and even had a witness tell the police he wasn’t the man. But still, Rickey spent the majority of his life in prison until the Ohio innocents Project came to his aid. Finally, he was set free. Lovely
Continue reading →
DocumentariesMoviesNewsReviewsTrailersTrue Crime
Can you imagine being sentenced to death, having it commuted, only to spend 39 years facing the brutality and real horrors of prison and knowing that you are completely innocent? That was the reality for Rickey Jackson, prisoner A144-061. In the new documentary Lovely Jackson, we are introduced to Rickey and the hardships he experienced for many decades. Lovely Jackson is not your average true crime film. We rarely see through the eyes of someone who has experienced so much suffering at the hands of a failed justice system. You may be wondering how an innocent man found himself in such a situation, the state’s entire case hinged on a statement made b12-year-old-old, and it was a complete lie. Rickey waited for thirty-nine years for him to tell the truth. You would think Rickey would be bitter, but no. Somehow he remains kind and found forgiveness for the man who almost put him in the electric chair. I wasn’t sure
Continue reading →
Apple TVDocumentariesNewsStreaming TVTrailers
I have watched a lot of documentaries about dinosaurs; I am a colossal dino nerd and proud of it. Judging by the trailer for Apple TV’s “Prehistoric Planets” docuseries, I knew I was in for something good. I was wrong; what I got was something far beyond “good,” it’s incredible! Narrated by David Attenborough, who has long been the voice of the BBC and many scientific documentaries, series, and specials, “Prehistoric Planet” rolls back the clock 66 million years to when dinosaurs roamed the earth. With a combination of CGI and filming, the stunning docuseries explores the locations the beasts once called home. The first episode is titled “Coasts” and takes viewers to coastal lands and islands where we see a family of T-Rex, giant turtles, and more. The next episode takes us deep into the “Desert,” where dinosaurs struggle to survive. Next Prehistoric Plant delves into the “Freshwater” before giving us a glimpse into “Ice Worlds,” and finally, the
Continue reading →
DocumentariesMoviesNewsScreamboxStreaming TVTrailers
It’s been over 30 years since the 1990 mini-series adaptation of Stephen King’s “IT” debuted, and still, it remains dear in the hearts of horror fans. This July, the highly anticipated new documentary Pennywise: The Story of IT will delve into the story and its making, premiering this Summer. The documentary was co-directed by John Campopiano (Unearthed & Untold: The Path to Pet Sematary) and Christopher Griffiths (Leviathan: The Story of Hellraiser) and produced by Gary Smart (Dark Ditties Presents). It takes an in-depth look at the mini-series as well as its infamous villain, Pennywise, and the impact it made on culture. It features exclusive interviews with many cult classic’s key players, including cast members Richard Thomas, Seth Green, and Tim Curry, who portrayed the iconic killer clown Pennywise and director Tommy Lee Wallace and special effects makeup artist Bart Mixon. It also features behind-the-scenes footage and more. Pennywise: The Story of IT opens in select theaters and arrives on
Continue reading →
ClipsDocumentariesMoviesNewsTrue CrimeTrue Story
Is there anything worse than being punished for a crime you didn’t commit? Today, we have a new clip from Zodiac Features’ new biographical true crime docu-thriller, Lovely Jackson, the feature directorial debut from filmmaker Matt Waldeck, p.g.a. (“I See You”) ahead of its world premiere at the iconic American Black Film Festival on June 17th. Lovely Jackson is a boldly cinematic epic journey that begins in tragedy, hopelessness, injustice, and death but ends in triumph, beauty, and new life. Focused on America’s longest wrongfully held exonerated prisoner, Rickey Jackson, returns to the actual prison where his 39-year journey of survival began in 1976 and guides his younger self from death row to freedom while facing his real-life accusers along the way, along with critical assistance from The Ohio Innocence Project. Lovely Jackson is a shocking and moving true story about perseverance through the darkest and most hopeless of circumstances that begins in violence and ends with love. This documentary
Continue reading →
