For Science Lovers: Q&A with BABY GOD director Hannah Olson and LAPSIS writer/director Noah Hutton

Today we’re highlighting films at NFF NOW: AT HOME that explore the intersection of technology and ethics. These two thought-provoking films detail the far-reaching consequences of new technological developments.

BABY GOD: Hailed a miracle worker, Las Vegas fertility doctor Dr. Quincy Fortier practiced for decades. Now, with the advent of commercial DNA testing, his secret is out.

LAPSIS: In this sci-fi parable, deliveryman Ray Tincelli is struggling to support himself and his ailing younger brother. When he turns to a strange new corner of the gig economy, Ray faces a pivotal choice to either help his fellow workers or to get rich and get out.

Take a look at these two filmmaker Q&As, and catch these technologically-focused films through tomorrow, June 30, at NFF NOW: AT HOME!

For Music Lovers: Q&A with JIMMY CARTER: ROCK & ROLL PRESIDENT director Mary Wharton and RIVER CITY DRUMBEAT directors Marlon Johnson and Anne Flatté and producer Owsley Brown

For the music lovers: enjoy these two stories that share how the power of music brings us together.

JIMMY CARTER: ROCK & ROLL PRESIDENT: A testament to the power of music, JIMMY CARTER: ROCK & ROLL PRESIDENT traces how popular music helped propel Jimmy Carter into the White House and explores the significant role that music has played in President Carter's life and work.

RIVER CITY DRUMBEAT: For 30 years, Nardie White has dedicated his life to empowering African American youth in Louisville, Kentucky through his River City Drum Corps. With retirement approaching, he must train his successor in this powerful, uplifting story of music, love, and legacies.

Take a look at these two filmmaker Q&As, and watch these music-filled documentaries now through June 30 at NFF NOW: AT HOME!

For Strong Women: Q&A with 9TO5 dirs Julia Reichert & Steve Bognar and editor Jaime Meyers Schlenck, & JULIA SCOTTI: FUNNY THAT WAY dir Susan Sandler & subject Julia Scotti

Today at NFF NOW: AT HOME we’re spotlighting stories of indomitable women!

9TO5: THE STORY OF A MOVEMENT - In the early 1970s, a group of secretaries in Boston decided that they had suffered in silence long enough. They started fighting back, creating a movement to force changes in their workplaces.

JULIA SCOTTI: FUNNY THAT WAY - Decades ago, Julia Scotti performed as Rick Scotti, and appeared on bills with Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock. Now, the trans comedian returns to the stage as “the crazy old lady of comedy,” in this tender, funny, and triumphant comeback story. WORLD PREMIERE!

Take a look at these two insightful interviews, and celebrate the power of women by watching these two stories now through June 30.

Short Film Lovers: Q&As with Short Narrative and Short Documentary Filmmakers

We have three fantastic short film programs at NFF NOW: AT HOME!

NARRATIVE SHORTS PROGRAM: FAMILY MATTERS
Values, love, and support are highlighted in this deep exploration of what a family looks like.
Films by Marco Baldonado & Walter Woodman, The Bragg Brothers, Rachel Harrison Gordon, Kantú Lentz, Chris Low, Will McCormack & Michael Govier

NARRATIVE SHORTS PROGRAM: HUMOR AND HONEY
Stories about the trials and potential of modern life, with a hint of sweetness.
Films by Cary Anderson, Chloé Atkas, Nira Burstein, Connor Hanney & Jamie Lewis, Sophie Kargman & Ryan Farhoudi, Eamonn Murphy, Deepak Sethi, Robert Summerlin & Tom Basis

DOCUMENTARY SHORTS PROGRAM: EXCELLENCE IN ACTION
Films that chronicle historic and contemporary commitments to breaking barriers.
Films by Chris Temple & Zach Ingrasci, Bill Nicoletti, Jenny Schweitzer Bell, Laurence Topham, & Charlie Tyrell

Take a look at these filmmaker interviews, and see their short films streaming online now through June 30 at NFF NOW: AT HOME! Sponsored by Eleish Van Breems.

For Art Lovers: Q&A with AGGIE director Catherine Gund and MADE YOU LOOK: A TRUE STORY ABOUT FAKE ART director Barry Avrich

Today we're profiling films for art lovers!

AGGIE explores the nexus of art, race, and justice through the story of art collector and philanthropist Agnes “Aggie” Gund, a true maverick who demonstrates the power of art to transform consciousness and inspire social change.

In MADE YOU LOOK: A TRUE STORY ABOUT FAKE ART, controversy erupts when an unassuming couple floods the American art market with a collection of fake art valued in the millions, bewildering the art world elite. This is an entertaining and suspenseful tale of an ingenious con that everyone wanted to believe was real.

Take a look at these filmmaker Q&As, and stream their films now through June 30 at NFF NOW: AT HOME!

For Globetrotters: Q&A with MAYOR director David Osit and THE MOLE AGENT director Maite Alberdi

Are you a globetrotter? Do you enjoy international stories of intrigue? Then you don’t want to miss MAYOR by David Osit and THE MOLE AGENT by Maite Alberdi!

MAYOR: This captivating portrait of life in Palestine under Israeli occupation follows Musa Hadid, the Christian mayor of Ramallah, over the course of his second term as he navigates civic responsibilities in a volatile political climate.

THE MOLE AGENT: When a family becomes concerned about their mother’s well-being in a retirement home, they hire a private investigator, who plants 83-year-old Sergio inside the home as an undercover spy.

Take a look below at Q&As with both directors, then stream their films June 23-30 at NFF NOW: AT HOME!

NFF NOW: AT HOME Opening Night Q&A with BOYS STATE directors Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine

Boys State is an entertaining and revealing look at American democracy and political division, following a group of high school boys as they create a mock government at an annual civics program hosted by the American Legion in Austin, Texas.

Before NFF NOW: AT HOME opening night film BOYS STATE, Digital Operations Director Allyson Morgan talks with directors Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine. Take a look, and join us this evening for our one-night-only presentation of BOYS STATE!

An Announcement from NFF!

Dear Friends,

It is with much joy that we announce our new initiative, NFF NOW: AT HOME, an online film and conversation series taking place June 23-30, ​during the originally scheduled dates of the Festival. ​NFF NOW: AT HOME offers a selection of new feature-length and short films, plus In Their Shoes conversations - all accessible from the comfort and safety of your home.​ The film line-up will be announced on June 8th. 
Feature-length narrative films, documentaries, and short film programs will be available for pass-holders to stream for the 8 days beginning June 23. The collection of films will include new features exploring the worlds of art, politics, music, comedy, and much more, with filmmaker Q&As for select presentations, as well as three shorts programs featuring fresh new voices.​ 

​NFF NOW: AT HOME will also present an In Their Shoes conversation with the legendary ​Norman Lear​, the film and television writer/director/producer known for ​All in the Family, Maude, Good Times, The Jeffersons, Sanford and Son, ​and​ One Day at a Time. ​At 98, Mr. Lear is executive producing Season 3 of the reimagined One Day at a Time and a third installment of the Emmy-winning Live! In Front of a Studio Audience.  He will join NPR’s Ophira Eisenberg to discuss his expansive body of work. Also included in this online program is an In Their Shoes conversation with the Academy Award-winning screenwriter of Forrest Gump, Eric Roth, about his newest films, including ​Dune​ with Timothée Chalamet, Jason Momoa, Zendaya, and Josh Brolin and ​Killers of the Flower Moon,​ ​to be directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert DeNiro.​ ​More conversations to be announced.

While we look forward immensely to seeing everybody in person on Nantucket for the Nantucket Film Festival in June of 2021, we are so very pleased to be able to bring NFF NOW: AT HOME to you, our loyal supporters, this summer. On with the show!


Mystelle Brabbée

Executive Director | Nantucket Film Festival