Barber of Little Rock

Where to watch: The New Yorker

The scoop: Directors John Hoffman and Christine Turner tell the story of Arlo Washington, a barber in Little Rock, Arkansas, as he tries to close the wealth gap in his neighborhood. Infamous for resisting school desegregation in 1957, Little Rock remains racially, economically, and even physically divided by a highway. On one side of the freeway is the heart of the city’s Black community, where homes are boarded up. Across the interstate sits a nicer neighborhood that is predominantly white. Eight years ago, Washington started a small non-profit loan organization based out of a converted shipping container. It was the first Black-owned bank in the state.

ABCs of Book Banning

Where to watch: Youtube

The scoop: Sheila Nevins made her directorial debut last year with The ABCs of Book Banning. The film confronts the recent contemporary surge, spearheaded by conservative states and school districts, to censor books addressing themes of race and gender identity within educational institutions. Through a blend of accessible narration and incisive analysis, The ABCs of Book Banning navigates the historical underpinnings, motivations, and far-reaching consequences of book banning, shedding light on the tension between the fundamental right to freedom of expression and the societal sensitivities driving efforts to restrict it.

Island in Between

Where to watch: The New York Times

​​The scoop: For decades, Taiwan has found itself ensnared in the power struggle between two global giants. China views the island as a renegade province destined to reunite with the mainland. Conversely, the United States regards Taiwan as a vital democratic partner in the Asia-Pacific region, a crucial bastion of freedom, and a strategic military stronghold. Amidst this geopolitical tension, the sentiments of Taiwanese residents towards their nation's precarious position often go unnoticed. Leo Chiang delves into this overlooked aspect in his work Island in Between. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the Kinmen Islands, nestled along the coast of mainland China. Chiang paints a vivid picture of this locale, portraying its natural beauty juxtaposed with the scars of conflict – bombed-out edifices and camouflaged bunkers silently bearing witness to the island's tumultuous history.

Nǎi Nai and Wài Pó

Where to watch: Disney+

The scoop: Nǎi Nai and Wài Pó delves into the lives of director Sean Wang's grandmothers, Yi Yan Fuei and Chang Li Hua, affectionately referred to as Nǎi Nai (paternal grandmother) and Wài Pó (maternal grandmother) respectively. Both hailing from Taiwan, aged 86 and 96, they share a home where they care for each other intimately, even sharing a bed. Wang beautifully portrays their sisterly bond, highlighting how they complement one another. This heartfelt tribute serves as a poignant reminder that aging doesn't diminish the vitality of one's life or spirit.

Last Repair Shop 

Where to watch: Youtube

The scoop: ​​Los Angeles stands out as one of the few remaining major cities in the nation that offers free musical instruments to its public school students. However, with the wear and tear inevitable in woodwinds, brass, and strings, these instruments often require repair. Fortunately, for the past sixty years, a team of skilled artisans at a warehouse in Downtown LA has been diligently restoring guitars, saxophones, and more. Their compelling narratives take center stage in Kris Bowers and Ben Proudfoot’s short documentary produced by the Los Angeles Times, Last Repair Shop. Bowers was introduced to this repair haven by his co-director, prompting him to reflect on his own schooling experience.