Film & Documentary July 27, 2020 Letter from the editor: Several new biographical documentaries have recently come out. Seph Rodney discusses how Flannery obscures author Flannery O’Connor’s racism, while Deana Bianco talks to the director of The Bad and the Beautiful, about photographer Helmut Newton. Jourdain Searles writes about how the acclaimed Vision Portraits explores the lives of blind artists. And Serena Scateni examines the works of feminist filmmaker Lynne Sachs, and the unique ways she depicts labor and familial relations. Every year, JAPAN CUTS presents some of the most vibrant new works from Japan, and this year’s online edition is no exception. Serena Scateni reviews Life: Untitled, about sex work in the country, and Ryan Swen surveys the long, often ignored career of director Nobuhiko Obayashi, whose final film Labyrinth of Cinema is playing at the festival. As long as cinema is quarantined online, Hyperallergic will be on top of everything streaming. Until we can see you at the movies again, stay safe. Grappling with his own loss of sight, Rodney Evans surveys the experiences of blind artists in Vision Portraits. Jourdain Searles Flannery expresses the author’s genius but goes to tortured lengths to excuse her racism. Seph Rodney Director Gero von Boehm discusses The Bad and the Beautiful, his new film about the “King of Kink.” Deana Bianco As arts communities around the world experience a time of challenge and change, accessible, independent reporting on these developments is more important than ever. Please consider supporting our journalism, and help keep our independent reporting free and accessible to all. Become a Member All new sustaining members receive an exclusive Hyperallergic Tote Bag and more! Now streaming as part of JAPAN CUTS, Kana Yamada’s Life: Untitled features a wealth of skillfully written characters attuned to Japan’s contemporary social dysfunctions. Serena Scateni The prolific and innovative Japanese director passed away earlier this year. Now, JAPAN CUTS is celebrating him with a series of conversations and his final film. Ryan Swen Oxy Arts’s Streetview Video Series includes recent MFA grads and a special commission reflecting on the pandemic. Elisa Wouk Almino After Civilization, a free, month-long film series presented by Maysles Documentary Center, explores broader questions of what if and what now. Dessane Lopez Cassell Forward this newsletter to a friend! If this email was forwarded to you, click here to subscribe Hyperallergic, 181 N11th St, Ste 302, Brooklyn, NY 11211 This email was sent to [email protected]. Manage your preferences to subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletters. Forward Preferences | Unsubscribe |