10 New(ish) Movies, Shows, and Documentaries to Stream Over Winter Break
The Fall 2020 semester is coming to a close and, since many of us are staying at home this holiday season, that means one thing — more time to binge our favorite shows, movies, and documentaries. Whether you’re looking to laugh, cry, or learn something new, these 10 binge worthy movies by New School faculty and alumni will make the perfect addition to your #mustwatch list.
1. TINY PRETTY THINGS
Written by Sona Charaipotra, MFA Creative Writing ’12, and Dhonielle Clayton, MFA Creative Writing ’12
Released December 2020, this juicy drama came out in perfect time to binge over winter break. Based on alumni Sona Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton’s bestselling young adult novel by the same name, Tiny Pretty Things follows dancer Neveah and her journey to navigate the cutthroat competition of an elite ballet school. Available to stream on Netflix.
2. HABLA NOW
Neyda Martinez, Associate Professor of Media Management, Associate Producer
Featuring interviews with influential Latinos from all walks of life, HABLA NOW lifts the voices of the nearly 50 million+ Latinos who live and thrive in the United States. “The Latino population is incredibly diverse, but it is still burdened by persistent stereotyping that has and continues to be damaging to the community. HABLA NOW creates a space to include Latinos from all walks of life, and lifts their voices and experiences to shine a light on our diversity,” says Martinez. Available to stream on HBO Max.
3. DISCLOSURE
Sam Federer, MA Media Studies ’04, Director, with Laverne Cox, 2016 New School Honorary Degree Recipient, Executive Producer
Sam Federer partnered with Laverne Cox for this in-depth, eye-opening documentary. Disclosure explores and analyzes Hollywood’s representation of transgender people and shares stories that confront and challenge the way many Americans see and understand them. Available to stream on Netflix.
4. P.S. I STILL LOVE YOU
Jenny Han, MFA Creative Writing ’04, Creator and Executive Producer
The second film adaption of Han’s New York Times best-selling young adult novel series, this heartwarming romantic comedy, tells the story of high school senior Lara Jean as she navigates a — complicated — new relationship with her boyfriend, Peter (get to know both Lara Jean and Peter in Han’s first film, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before). Available to stream on Netflix.
5. THE GREAT HACK
David Carroll, MFA Design and Technology ’00, Featured interviewee
Featuring Parsons Professor David Carrol, this documentary focuses on the British political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica and explores the dark side of social media in the wake of the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Available to stream on Netflix.
6. TRUE JUSTICE: BRYAN STEVENSON’S FIGHT FOR EQUALITY
Maya Mumma, MA Media Studies ’09, Editor and Producer
This powerful documentary follows Bryan Stevenson, an Alabama public interest attorney and founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, as he struggles to create more fairness in the legal system. Available to stream on HBO.
7. MAKING THE CUT
Ji Won Choi, BFA Fashion Design ’17, Contestant and Fashion Designer
The highly anticipated return of Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum comes in the form of Making the Cut, where Ji Won Choi is one of twelve contestants vying to win one million dollars to invest in their brands. Available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
8. DECADE OF FIRE
Neyda Martinez, Associate Professor of Professional Practice in Media Management, Producer
The 2019 documentary shares the impact and lasting effect of the fires that consumed the south bronx in the 1970s and shows how residents came together to save their community. Available to stream on PBS.
9. MY FAVORITE SHAPES
Julio Torres, BA Literary Studies ’11, Star and Executive Producer
The Space Prince himself! SNL writer and star of HBO’s “Los Espookys,” Julio Torres brings his unique brand of humor to an hour-long comedy special. Available to stream on HBO Go.
10. THIS IS US
Bekah Brunstetter, MFA Playwriting ’07, Writer and Producer
Chronicling the Pearson family over the course of several decades, this award-winning, grounded, and life-affirming dramedy is lucky to count Bekah Brunstetter among its writers and producers. Available to stream on Hulu.
