TAKE CENTERSTAGE WITH DOC NYC

Returning this year is our Centerstage section. In these performance-focused films, a stage actress turned teacher, sex workers, stand-up comedians, and an avant-garde legend each tell their one-of-a kind stories.

In the World Premiere Can We Take A Joke?, notable stand-up comedians Gilbert Gottfried (scheduled to attend at the Nov. 13th screening), Lisa Lampanelli and Adam Carolla detail the stifling impact of outrage culture on everyone’s free speech. While individuals have always found something to be offended by, people’s ability to organize a groundswell of opposition to – and public censure of – their offender has never been more powerful. Director Ted Balaker (also in attendance) offers a thought-provoking and wry exploration of outrage through the lens of stand-up comedy. Producers Courtney Balaker, Zach Weissmueller, subjects Greg Lukianoff, Karith Foster will be joining them at the festival.

For tickets, go here:

Below is a description of all Centerstage films:

FEELINGS ARE FACTS: THE LIFE OF YVONNE RAINER

Dir: Jack Walsh, NYC Premiere

A long-overdue portrait of iconoclast dancer, choreographer and filmmaker Yvonne Rainer. In person: Jack Walsh, subject Yvonne Rainer

THE RED UMBRELLA DIARIES

Dir: David Kornfield, NYC Premiere

Seven diverse sex workers tell their tales at NYC’s Joe’s Pub. In person: producer Audacia Ray

SHE’S THE BEST THING IN IT

Dir: Ron Nyswaner, NYC Premiere

Tony-winning character actor Mary Louise Wilson (Grey Gardens) finds few opportunities on the stage, so turns to teaching. In person: Ron Nyswaner, subject Mary Louise Wilson

CAN WE TAKE A JOKE?

Dir: Ted Balaker, World Premiere

A thought-provoking exploration of outrage culture through the lens of stand-up comedy.

In person: Ted Balaker, subjects Greg Lukianoff, Karith Foster, Gilbert Gottfried