Jane Rosenthal Warns Political Documentaries Could Be Waning: ‘I'm Worried'
When asked how the 'business' of documentary films are going — citing how the Tribeca Festival is known for spotlighting pioneering docs — Rosenthal lamented that perhaps the golden age of political documentaries has passed.
More from IndieWire
Darren Aronofsky Produces 'Mythological' Cave Documentary 'Underland' with Sandra Hüller Narrating - Watch the First Look
'Stealing Pulp Fiction' Trailer: Cazzie David Helps Plan a Heist of Quentin Tarantino's Personal 35mm Print
'I'm worried about that space,' Rosenthal said. 'Fewer places are buying hard-hitting documentaries. If it's about true crime, you'll get a deal someplace. The bigger platforms — Netflix and Amazon — want more celebrity stories and sports stories. But for political stories, it's harder to find a home.'
It's a concern that many documentaries and distributors alike have also voiced: 'We are caught in this terrible place with what's been happening on the commercial side with streaming companies focusing on true crime above everything else, and the existential threat on the public media side,' a documentary industry insider recently told IndieWire.
Companies are pulling back on buying docs, as A24 all but shuttered their doc division, laying off five employees, which was a majority of the staff. After getting an Oscar win for 'Navalny,' CNN limited their nonfiction production, while 'No Other Land' didn't even land a distributor before winning an Oscar.
Nonfiction programming at Showtime Networks, which produced Oscar-nominated 'Attica' in 2022, closed, along with 'An Inconvenient Truth,' 'All the Beauty and the Bloodshed,' and 'American Factory' producer studio Participant. Political documentarians have now had to turn to self-distribution; 'Union' and 'Zurawski v Texas,' despite the latter being executive produced by Hillary and Chelsea Clinton and Jennifer Lawrence, all were self-distributed by their respective filmmakers.
Netflix VP of original documentary films and limited series Adam Del Deo told IndieWire's Anne Thompson that after winning Oscars for 'Icarus,' 'American Factory,' and 'My Octopus Teacher,' the demand for documentaries has grown on the platform. Yet how much of that demand are for political films versus celebrity-driven features?
'We want to program titles that our members as a whole are going to love,' Del Deo said. 'Some of those are going to be biopics, some of the content is going to be in the true crime space. And some is going to be in sports. There are also members that like films that are about topics that are important to them. That may not be the biggest audience, but we want to also be able to deliver those titles as well. So it's really about variety.'
Best of IndieWire
Guillermo del Toro's Favorite Movies: 56 Films the Director Wants You to See
'Song of the South': 14 Things to Know About Disney's Most Controversial Movie
The 55 Best LGBTQ Movies and TV Shows Streaming on Netflix Right Now
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Geek Girl Authority
2 hours ago
- Geek Girl Authority
New TV Shows This Week (July 6 - 12)
Welcome to another edition of New TV Shows. This week, a well-known killer is coming back to our screens. A rare but totally hilarious crossover continues with its adventures in Philadelphia. A new spin-off to Bosch. And a series with Megan Stalter comes to Netflix. Some exciting series and two anime are premiering this week. Get ready because things are about to get good. Here's what's new on TV for July 6-12. NEW ON TV, JULY 6-12 July 6 – The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity tells the story of two rival schools. Chidori High is a school for boys with a not-so-great track record. Kikyo Girls' High is for students from wealthy families. What happens when Rintaro and Kaoruko cross paths and form an unlikely friendship? Will they be able to overcome their school rivalry? The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity premieres Sunday, July 6 at 3/2 am on Netflix. RELATED: Anime Roundup: Everything Coming Out in July 2025 (Part 1) July 9 – Ballard If you enjoyed Bosch , its spin-off might be the perfect new series for you. Prime Video brings Maggie Q and Titus Welliver to Ballard . The series will expand on the universe created by Michael Connelly and find Detective Renée Ballard as the head of the LAPD cold case division. Ballard premieres Wednesday, July 9 at 3/2 am on Prime Video. RELATED: Everything Coming to Netflix in July 2025 July 9 – The Gringo Hunters A new series is coming to Netflix based on the Tijuana International Liaison Unit. The series is set at a time when businesspeople and politicians wanted to make the city an attractive tourist destination. That is how the story of the Gringo Hunters comes to life as a unit that chases fugitives who travel from the US to Mexico to escape their crimes. The Gringo Hunters premieres Wednesday, July 9 at 3/2 am on Netflix. RELATED: Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: Princess Yona July 9 – Leviathan Leviathan is about Alek, a fugitive prince and heir to the Astro-Hungarian throne. He is learning to navigate his new reality between royalty and political exile. On the other hand, there is Deryn Sharp, a Scottish girl who pretends to be a boy to join the British air service. Her path crosses with Alek aboard a living whale airship and their bond helps them confront their fears and challenges. Leviathan premieres Wednesday, July 9 at 3/2 am on Netflix. July 9 – It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia If the Abbott Elementary and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia crossover is a favorite, you'll be happy to know it continues when the latter returns for Season 17. The first episode of the season features Ava sharing unseen footage with the viewers, revealing the true intentions of the volunteers. Charlie Day, Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, Kaitlin Olson and Danny DeVito are returning for the new season. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 17 returns Wednesday, July 9 at 9/8c on FX and Hulu. RELATED: Top 20 Episodes of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia July 10 – Too Much Megan Stalter and Will Sharpe join forces for Netflix's newest series, Too Much . The show tells the story of Jessica, a workaholic living in New York. As she tries to heal from a broken relationship, she begins to realize the city only reminds her of every mistake she ever made. That is why she decides to take a job in London and live like a Brontë sister. Instead, she meets Felix. Despite the red flags, they form an unusual connection. Too Much premieres Thursday, July 10 at 3/2 am on Netflix. RELATED: Welcome to the Chatsubo: Apple TV+'s Neuromancer Is Now in Production July 11 – Foundation Foundation Season 3 is set 152 years after the events of Season 2. Even though The Foundation and the Cleonic Dynasty's empire have joined forces, there is a threat to the galaxy. The Mule is set on using military forces and mind control to gain control of the universe. Cherry Jones, Brandon P. Bell, Synnøve Karlsen, Cody Fern, Tómas Lemarquis and Alexander Siddig join Laura Birn, Cassian Bilton, Terrence Mann and Rowena King for this new season. Foundation Season 3 premieres Friday, July 11 at Midnight/11c on Apple TV+. RELATED: The Mule Wreaks Havoc in FOUNDATION Season 3 Trailer and New Photos July 11 – Dexter: Resurrection After waking up from a coma and realizing his son shot him, Dexter travels to New York to find Harrison. At the same time, Angel Batista travels to the Big Apple to ask questions that might lead Dexter's past right into his present. Michael C. Hall, Jack Alcott, David Zayas and James Remar star in the new Dexter spin-off. RELATED: Dexter: Resurrection Releases Teaser and Sets Summer Premiere Date Dexter: Resurrection premieres Friday, July 11 at 3/2 am on Paramount+. Check back next week for What's New on TV for July 13-19. Three Series Regulars on DEXTER: RESURRECTION Have Been Revealed By day, Lara Rosales (she/her) is a solo mom by choice and a bilingual writer with a BA in Latin-American Literature known as a Media Relations Expert. By night, she is a TV enjoyer who used to host a podcast (Cats, Milfs & Lesbian Things). You can find her work published on Tell-Tale TV, Eulalie Magazine, W Spotlight, Collider, USA Wire, Mentors Collective, Instelite, Noodle, Dear Movies, Nicki Swift, and Flip Screened.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Netflix heads to space: NASA teams up for live content on NASA+
NASA announced that it will partner with Netflix to stream live programming through NASA+ starting this summer. The collaboration will allow audiences to stream rocket launches, astronaut spacewalks, mission coverage, and live views of Earth from the International Space Station. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< 'The National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 calls on us to share our story of space exploration with the broadest possible audience,' said Rebecca Sirmons, general manager of NASA+ at the agency's headquarters in Washington. 'Together, we're committed to a Golden Age of Innovation and Exploration – inspiring new generations, right from the comfort of their couch or in the palm of their hand from their phone.' Through this partnership, NASA aims to make its scientific work and exploration efforts more accessible. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] NASA+ will remain free and ad-free, accessible through the NASA app and the agency's website. Additional programming details and schedules will be announced ahead of the launch. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] To learn more about NASA's missions, click here.
Time Business News
2 hours ago
- Time Business News
How Entertainment Reshaped the World
Ever get that feeling like you're drowning in choices for what to watch or listen to? There are so many shows, movies, and songs out there, it's tough to pick one without scrolling forever or shelling out for another subscription. And honestly, it's hard to see how all this stuff does more than just help you unwind after a long day. Like, how does a Netflix show or a viral song actually make a difference in the world? It can feel like a lot to wrap your head around. Don't worry, we're breaking it all down for you! This post is like a chat with a friend, showing you how movies, music, and games are changing the world in ways you might not even notice. From bringing people together to sparking new ideas, entertainment's doing some pretty cool stuff. So, grab your favorite drink, kick back, and let's talk about how Entertainment Reshaped the World! Entertainment's like the ultimate glue that brings people together. Whether it's a show you're obsessed with or a song you can't stop humming, it creates moments we all share. Have you ever freaked out with a friend over Stranger Things or argued about who's the best in One Direction ? On places like X, fans are posting memes or chatting about the latest Marvel movie. It's like joining a big, global club where everyone gets your vibe. Movies and music are like a window to the world. Watching a Thai drama might make you curious about street food in Bangkok, or jamming to Bad Bunny could have you practicing your Spanish. I got totally into Korean barbecue after binging Itaewon Class , it's that good! Entertainment makes faraway places feel close. A film like Soul or a song like Adele's 'Easy on Me' lets us see life from someone else's view. It's like they're saying, 'Hey, you're not alone in how you feel.' That kind of connection makes us kinder and more understanding. The shows and games you love aren't just fun—they're behind some of the slickest tech we've got. Entertainment's always pushing for better gadgets and apps. Apps like Disney+ or Spotify need super-fast internet to work without buffering. That's why our phones and Wi-Fi keep getting better. I used to struggle with video calls, but now they're crystal clear—entertainment's got a hand in that! Games like Minecraft or God of War are so huge, they've made computers faster and brought us stuff like virtual reality. My buddy got a VR headset after trying Star Wars: Squadrons , and now he's living in a sci-fi world half the time! Ever wonder how YouTube picks videos you'll love? That's AI, figuring out your taste. It's even helping make songs or edit movie trailers, so everything feels like it's made just for you. Entertainment's not just a good time—it's a big deal for the economy, making jobs and bringing in money. From actors to TikTok dancers, entertainment's creating tons of jobs. My neighbor's kid started streaming on Twitch, and it's actually paying for his snacks! Being a content creator is a real gig now. Big movies like Inside Out 2 make billions, helping studios, theaters, and even food trucks outside cinemas. Countries like Nigeria are cashing in by sharing their awesome Nollywood films with the world. Platforms like SoundCloud or Patreon let regular folks share their music or videos and get paid. When you listen to a small artist's song, you're helping them keep going. Entertainment's more than stories—it can change how we think and act. A movie or song can light a spark that shifts the world. if you want to entertainment yourslef then dooflix apk or other movie apps is the best option for you. Documentaries like Blue Planet II make you care about the ocean, while songs like Sam Smith's 'Unholy' get you thinking about freedom. I watched The True Cost and started checking where my clothes come from—crazy impact! Shows like Dopesick or films like Judas and the Black Messiah push us to think about fairness and justice. They get us talking and acting to make things better. Stars chatting on podcasts or shows like This Is Us make it okay to talk about mental health. It's like entertainment's giving us a big hug, saying it's cool to be real. Entertainment's not just about kicking back—it's changing how we connect, learn, and grow. From making you laugh to showing you new ideas, it's reshaping the world every day. Whether you're streaming a comedy, singing along to music, or battling it out in a game, you're part of something huge. What's a movie, show, or song that's changed your world? Maybe it made you think or just got you through a bad day. Drop it in the comments or share it online—we're dying to know what's got you hooked! TIME BUSINESS NEWS
