Words of Advice: William S. Burroughs On the Road
Microcinema International DVD released a documentary about renowned author and beatnik William S. Burroughs
Words of Advice: William S. Burroughs On the Road features archival footage of the writer, the author of classic Naked Lunch, from a 1983 trip throughout Scandinavia. After finding the footage of Burroughs’ time in Copenhagen, filmmakers Lars Movin and Steen Moller Rasmussen set out to repeat the writer’s journey and record new material about Burroughs’ later work. This documentary is a combination of that and includes music from Patti Smith and Islamic Diggers. The DVD, priced at $24.95, also contains a nearly complete documentation of Burroughs’ reading in Copenhagen on Oct. 29, 1983; a statement by Columbia University professor Ann Douglas; and two short films, One Shot I and II.
Sunrise/Sunset
Alive Mind looks at another public figure in Sunrise/Sunset, which gives viewers a rare look at the daily life of the Dalai Lama. Released on DVD May 18, 2010, the documentary was timed to the U.S. tour of the Dalai Lama.
In Sunrise/Sunset, filmmaker Vitali Mansky and his crew follow the Dalai Lama from when he wakes up at 3am until his bedtime at dusk, including his morning fitness routine, private audiences, press conferences and blessings. The filmmakers also shot an interview with the Dalai Lama that covers topics from the essence of the Universe, the gap between rich and poop and the role at individual has to play in religion and society.
Three documentaries, issued on DVD by PBS on May 4, 2010, explore the lives and triumphs of America’s poorest communities.
In Ten9Eight, a group of impoverished teens from across the country learn to be business people and compete in a competition for young entrepreneurs.
P-Star Rising looks at the life of 80s hip hop star Jesse Diaz and his 9-year-old daughter in her attempts to become a superstar.
And Lost Souls (Animas Perdidas) examines the struggles of America’s immigrant population, following the true story of filmmaker Monika Navarro, who goes on a eight-year journey to discover her family’s troubled history, including crime, physical abuse and drug problems.
Each PBS documentary was priced at $24.99 on DVD.
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