FILM SERIES
The Little’s One Take Documentary Film Series presents a unique mix of documentaries—ranging from film festival favorites to unheralded gems—followed by panel discussions and filmmaker Q&As. The series was launched in 2012.
UPCOMING
Folktales – July 17 & 19
ONE TAKE | Thursday, July 17 at 7pm and Saturday, July 19 at 3pm |Exhausted by loneliness, social anxiety, and all the crushing barrage of pressures felt by their generation, three teenagers leave the comforts of home to enroll in a traditional “folk high school” in the wilds of northernmost Norway. Dropped in the arctic wilderness for one year, Hege, Romain, and Bjørn Tore must rely only on themselves and a pack of loyal sled dogs as they take the daunting step from childhood to adulthood.
PAST
Lily Topples the World – Sep 9 + 11, 2021
One Take Documentary Series LILY TOPPLES THE WORLD 2021 / 90 minutes / US / Not RatedPROOF OF VACCINATION REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE THURSDAY, SEPT. 9 SCREENINGIMPORTANT: Proof of vaccination, and a mask are REQUIRED to attend the 9/9 screening in Little Theatre 1. Please read our updated COVID Safety Guidelines for full details.LILY TOPPLES THE WORLD follows 20-year-old sensation Lily Hevesh – the...
Karen Dalton: In My Own Time – Oct 21 + 23, 2021
Blues and folk singer Karen Dalton was a prominent figure in 1960s New York. Idolized by Bob Dylan and Nick Cave, Karen discarded the traditional trappings of success and led an unconventional life until her early death. Since most images of Karen have been lost or destroyed, the film uses Karen’s dulcet melodies and interviews with loved ones to build a rich portrait of this singular woman and her hauntingly beautiful voice.
Voices from the Barrens – Nov 18 + 20, 2021
`Voices from the Barrens, Native People, Blueberries and Sovereignty` documents the wild blueberry harvest of the Wabanaki People from the USA and Canada.
Ascension – Jan 27 + 29, 2022
ONE TAKE DOC SERIES • Thursday, January 27 (with Q&A) and Saturday, January 29 • With pathos and humor, Kingdon captures the intense physical demands, aggressive corporate policies, and creative collaboration that fuel the ever-expanding labor force of the People’s Republic of China.
Ronnie’s – Feb 24 + 26, 2022
ONE TAKE DOC SERIES | Thursday, February 24 and Saturday, February 26 | Ronnie’s chronicles the life of saxophonist Ronnie Scott, a poor, Jewish kid growing up in 1940s East End, London who became owner of the eponymous night club. Musical greats spanning decades played at Ronnie’s including Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Nina Simone, Van Morrison, Chet Baker, and Jimi Hendrix.
Holy Heist – Mar 24 & 26, 2022
ONE TAKE DOC SERIES | Thursday, March 24 at 7:30pm and Saturdaym March 26 at 3pm | In an exclusive tell-all, never-before-seen interviews reveal missing millions, international terrorism, an unsolved murder, and more questions than answers in the Brink’s bank heist that liberated $7.4 million from an armored car depot.
Anonymous Club – Apr 28 + 30, 2022
ONE TAKE DOC SERIES | Thursday, April 28 and Saturday, April 30 | The antithesis of a rock biography, ANONYMOUS CLUB paints a raw and intimate picture of enigmatic singer-songwriter, Courtney Barnett – an anti-influencer who is a powerful voice for our times, a recluse acclaimed by audiences the world over and a strong female artist in conflict with herself.
Exposure – May 26 + 28, 2022
As the Arctic polar ice cap melts, reaching the North Pole has become increasingly dangerous. Yet an expedition of ordinary women from the Arab World and the West strap on skis and haul heaving sledges toward true North, against all odds and polar advice.
Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets – Jun 5, 2022
ROCHESTER COCKTAIL REVIVAL x ONE TAKE | Sunday, June 5 at 7:15pm (Doors at 6:15pm) | On the eve of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, and on its final night before closing, a Las Vegas dive bar becomes a stage where its employees and barflies commiserate one last time.
Fire of Love – Jun 23 + 25, 2022
From National Geographic Documentary Films comes the extraordinary love story of intrepid French scientists Katia and Maurice Krafft, who died just as explosively as they lived —capturing the most spectacular imagery ever recorded of their greatest passion: volcanoes.
The Human Trial – Jul 28 + 31, 2022
Behind every breakthrough are the patients who risk everything for everybody else.
The Territory – Aug 25 + 27, 2022
When a network of Brazilian farmers seizes a protected area of the Amazon rainforest, a young Indigenous leader and his mentor must fight back in defense of the land and an uncontacted group living deep within the forest.
Ethel: Live score-to-picture – Sep 23, 2022
ONE TAKE | LIVE SCORE | Friday, September 23 at Kilbourn Hall at Eastman | The untold story of Ethel Kennedy comes alive in this family-made documentary, complete with a live score composed by Miriam Cutler.
Terrible Children – Oct 20 + 22, 2022
ONE TAKE DOC SERIES | Thursday, October 20 at 7:30pm | The filmmaker discovers a story about her father from a letter that remained unopened for 20 years. She tells his lyrical nightmares and archival dreams about religious war, love, and redemption across India, Denmark, USA and Canada.
All That Breathes – Dec 3 + 4, 2022
In one of the world’s most populated cities, two brothers — Nadeem and Saud — devote their lives to the quixotic effort of protecting the black kite, a majestic bird of prey essential to the ecosystem of New Delhi that has been falling from the sky at alarming rates.
All the Beauty and the Bloodshed – Dec 15 & 17, 2022
ONE TAKE DOC SERIES | Thursday, December 15 at 7:30pm | Following the life of artist Nan Goldin and the downfall of the Sackler family, the pharmaceutical dynasty who was greatly responsible for the opioid epidemic’s unfathomable death toll.
Subject – Jan. 26 + 28, 2023
ONE TAKE DOC SERIES | Thursday, January 26 at 7:15pm + Saturday, January 28 at 3pm | SUBJECT explores the life-altering experience of sharing one’s life on screen through the participants of five acclaimed documentaries.
Okay! (The ASD Band Film) – Feb 16 + 18, 2023
ONE TAKE DOC SERIES | Thursday, February 16 at 7:15pm + Saturday, February 18 at 3pm | OKAY! (The ASD Band Film) follows the members of The ASD Band, four talented autistic musicians, as they embark upon the challenging journey of writing their first original album and gearing up to perform in their first live show.
A House Made of Splinters – Mar 9 + 11, 2023
ONE TAKE DOC SERIES | Thursday, March 9 at 7:15pm + Saturday, March 11 at 3pm | Children and staff in a special kind of home: an institution for children who have been removed from their homes while awaiting court custody decisions. Staff do their best to make the time children have there safe and supportive.
Nam June Paik: Moon is the Oldest TV – Apr 6 + 8, 2023
ONE TAKE DOC SERIES | Thursday, April 6 at 7:15pm + Saturday, April 8 at 3pm | A documentary about the journey of Nam June Paik, famous Asian artists of the 20th century, who revolutionized the use of technology as artistic canvas.
Sam Now – May 4 + 6, 2023
ONE TAKE DOC SERIES | Thursday, May 4 at 7:15pm + Saturday, May 6 at 3pm | A mother’s disappearance sends pain and mystery through her family. SAM NOW follows her son’s 25-year search for answers.
32 Sounds – Jul 6, 2023
ONE TAKE DOC SERIES | Thursday, June 15 at 7:15pm + Saturday, June 17 at 3pm | Explore the elemental phenomenon of sound and its power to bend time, cross borders, and profoundly shape our perception of the world around us.
Squaring the Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis) – Jul. 23
ONE TAKE | Thursday, July 13 at 7:15pm + Saturday, July 15 at 3pm | Documentary about the creative geniuses behind album art for Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Paul McCartney.
Depeche Mode 101 – Aug 10 + 12, 2023
ONE TAKE DOC SERIES | Thursday, August 10 at 7:15pm + Saturday, August 12 at 3pm | Hot off the heels of their breakthrough album, “Music for the Masses,” British synth pop group Depeche Mode embark on the last leg of its 1989 North American tour.
The Eternal Memory – Sep 7 + 9, 2023
ONE TAKE DOC SERIES | Thursday, Sept. 7 at 7:15pm + Saturday, Sept. 9 at 3pm | An epic love story that transcends time and memory, from the Oscar-nominated director of THE MOLE AGENT.
Joan Baez I Am a Noise – Oct 21 + 22
ONE TAKE DOC SERIES | Encore showings 12:20pm Saturday, Oct. 21 and Sunday, Oct. 22 | Facing the end of a 60-year musical career, legendary singer and activist Joan Baez takes an honest look back and a deep look inward as she tries to make sense of her large history-making life and reveals, for the first time, personal struggles she’s kept private, until now.
The Mission – Nov. 16 + 18
ONE TAKE DOC SERIES | Thursday, Nov. 16 at 7:15pm + Saturday Nov. 18 at 3pm | American Christian missionary John Chau was murdered when he tried to illegally contact and convert some of the world’s last uncontacted indigenous people.
One Take: The Short List Dec. 14 & 16
ONE TAKE | Thursday, Dec. 14 at 7:15pm + Saturday at 3pm | The newest local documentary short films curated by the One Take Documentary Film Series. Featuring films from Cat Ashworth, Don Casper, Logan Gridlestone, and Tayton T. Troidl.
All You Hear Is Noise – Jan. 11 + 13
ONE TAKE DOC SERIES | Thursday, January 11 at 7:15pm + Saturday January 13 at 3pm | A portrait of three athletes with intellectual disabilities navigating life beyond the international spotlight of the Special Olympics World Games.
Anselm – Feb. 15 + 17
ONE TAKE DOC SERIES | Thursday, Feb. 15 at 7:15pm + Saturday, Feb. 17 | Filmmaker Wim Wenders creates a portrait of Anselm Kiefer, one of the most innovative and important painters and sculptors of our time.
Maestra – Mar. 7 + 9
ONE TAKE DOC SERIES | Thursday, March 7 at 7pm & Saturday, March 9 at 3pm | Five incredible women from around the world, who are boldly breaking glass ceilings in the male-dominated world of orchestral conducting, take center stage.
The Arc of Oblivion – April 27
ONE TAKE DOC | 7pm Thursday April 25 & 3pm Saturday, April 27 | The Arc of Oblivion explores a quirk of humankind: in a universe that erases its tracks, we humans are hellbent on leaving a trace.
An Evening with Rashaad Parker – May 23 and 25
ONE TAKE | Thursday, May 23 at 7pm + Saturday, May 25 at 3pm | Four short films from Rochester filmmaker Rashaad Parker.
Confessions of a Good Samaritan – July 18 & 20
ONE TAKE DOC SERIES | Thursday, July 18 at 7pm (with filmmaker Q&A) + Saturday, July 20 at 3pm| Director Penny Lane’s decision to become a “good Samaritan” by giving one of her kidneys to a stranger turns into a funny and moving personal quest to understand the nature of altruism, asking an ancient question in a whole new way: who is your neighbor, and what do you owe them?
Sugarcane – Aug. 15 & 17
ONE TAKE DOC SERIES | Thursday, August 15 and Saturday, August 17 | An investigation into abuse and missing children at an Indian residential school sparks a reckoning on the nearby Sugarcane Reserve.
Plastic People – Sept. 28
ONE TAKE | Thursday, Sept. 26 at 7pm & Saturday, Sept. 26 at 3pm | Plastic People investigates our addiction to plastic and the growing threat of microplastics on human health. Presented with community partners, University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology.
Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat – Oct. 24 & 26
ONE TAKE | Oct. 24 & 26 | Jazz and decolonization are entwined in this historical rollercoaster that rewrites the Cold War episode that led musicians Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach to crash the UN Security Council in protest against the murder of Patrice Lumumba.
Luther: Never Too Much
ONE TAKE x BLACK CINEMA SERIES | Thursday, November 21 & Saturday, November 23 | The documentary, from director Dawn Porter, chronicles the story of a vocal virtuoso, Luther Vandross. Using a wealth of rarely seen archives, Luther tells his own story with assistance from his closest friends and musical collaborators including Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick, Valerie Simpson and Roberta Flack.
One Take: The Short List – Dec. 19 & 21
ONE TAKE DOC SERIES | Thursday, December 19 and Saturday, December 21 | Locally-produced short documentary films, featuring work from Boris Sapozhnikov, Jackie McGriff, Vinh Nguyen, and Robert Bilheimer.
Eno – Jan. 7
ONE TAKE | Tuesday, Jan. 7 at 7pm | A groundbreaking generative documentary about visionary musician and artist Brian Eno, a film that’s different every time it’s shown.
Every Little Thing – Feb. 20 & 22
ONE TAKE DOC SERIES | A woman in Hollywood cares for injured hummingbirds, experiencing personal growth as she witnesses their fragility and resilience.
Sally – Mar. 20 & 22
ONE TAKE DOC SERIES | March 20 & 22 | Sally Ride’s groundbreaking journey as the first American woman in space concealed a deeply personal story. Her life partner, Tam O’Shaughnessy, unveils their covert 27-year romance and its accompanying sacrifices.
Secret Mall Apartment – Apr. 10, 12, 19
ONE TAKE | Thursday, April 10 at 7pm and Saturday, April 12 at 3pm | In 2003, eight young Rhode Islanders created a secret apartment in a hidden space inside the Providence Place Mall and lived in it for four years, filming everything along the way. Far more than just a wild prank, the secret apartment became a deeply
meaningful place for all its inhabitants.
1-800-On-Her-Own – May 15 & 17
ONE TAKE | May 15 & 17 | 1–800–ON–HER–OWN follows ground breaking indie musician/feminist Ani DiFranco, founder of the first “woman–run non–corporate queer–happy” label, Righteous Babe Records, on a wild roadtrip from her punk–folk past to her life today as an activist and rockstar.
Prime Minister – June 10 & 14
ONE TAKE DOC | Tuesday, June 10 & Saturday, June 14 | A view inside the life of former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, capturing her through five tumultuous years in power and beyond as she redefined leadership on the world stage.
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