Apollo 1

Three pioneering astronauts in a race to the Moon pin their hopes on an untried spacecraft riddled with problems.

The Apology

THE APOLOGY investigates an incident in the 1960s in which Alameda County and the City of Hayward dismantled the entire community of Russell City, pushing 1,400 residents out of their homes and off their land – all to claim the 200 acres for an industrial park.

Behind the Lines

A cast of notable actors bring to life a collection of letters written during wartime.

The Blues Society

Blues masters and white hippies come together in 1960s Memphis to create a music festival whose significance still resonates today.

Coup 53

The explosive story of the 1953 CIA/MI6 overthrow of democracy in Iran

Florida's Forgotten Fort

FLORIDA'S FORGOTTEN FORT tells the story of North America's first sanctioned free Black community, an important chapter of colonial history buried by a legacy of racism and indifference. Through interviews, reenactments and archival footage, this documentary short chronicles the legacy of Fort Mose-- the final destination of the first underground railroad, where those escaping the horrors of British chattel slavery ran south to La Florida.

A Long March

Filipino veterans trace their path from war to erasure by the US government, in search of promises denied.

On Healing Land, Birds Perch

A short documentary that tells the remarkable stories behind one of the most iconic photos in history, while acting as a portal into the “varied carols,” to borrow from Walt Whitman, of trauma and the American journey.

Features

Cinematic History Shorts

There are no small parts on the stage of cinema history. These films show how our collective cultural memory has been impacted by a little giant in the publishing of sci-fi film adaptations, the most recognizable Foley sound, the most ridiculous 80's soundtrack song, the first arthouse theater in NY, a rare intimate recording of the early Beatles, and the Vietnamese extras on the set of Apocalypse Now.

Preserving our Past Shorts

History is written by the winners, but also by the survivors who chose to tell their stories. These short films show how knowledge and traditions are preserved through photos, books, sculptures, artifacts, reenactments, and rhythmic dances.

The Renegades (FREE)

RENEGADES, originally broadcast in 2024 on PBS, is an American Masters series of short films that showcases the lives and cultural contributions of little-known historical figures with disabilities.

War & Justice Shorts

This powerful program of shorts explores courage, resilience, and the fight for justice across generations and battlefields.

Shorts

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Passes

Explore our on-demand catalog of films that were shown at our in-person festival in Savannah, as well as several new online-only selections.

Welcome to America's first major film festival for historical documentaries.  Join us on an exploration of our shared past from fresh perspectives!

Here's what's coming up soon. Can't make it? No sweat. Many live streams will be available for on-demand viewing as well.