DOC NYC, America’s largest documentary fest, returns

The 13th annual DOC NYC, America’s largest documentary festival—running in-person Nov. 9-17 at IFC Center, SVA Theatre and Cinépolis Chelsea and continuing online until Nov. 27—includes more than 110 feature-length documentaries among over 200 films and events. Included are 29 world premieres and 27 U.S. premieres with most festival films available digitally to U.S. viewers. Films include:

“African Moot,” directed by Shameela Seedat

Students across the African continent come together for an annual contest of oratory skills and knowledge of the law. The film follows diverse teams of law students as they prepare for this prestigious, high-stakes mock trial, the African Human Rights Moot Competition. In her feature film debut, former lawyer-turned-filmmaker Shameela Seedat gives us this feel-good chronicle showcasing the best and brightest of African youth. (South Africa, 85 min.)

“Aftershock,” directed by Paula Eiselt, Tonya Lewis Lee

Aftershock puts a spotlight on the crisis of Black maternal deaths in the United States by focusing on the cases of two New York City mothers, Shamony Gibson and Amber Isaac, who died during childbirth-related complications in recent years. We watch how their bereaved families become activists on this issue. “Aftershock is a moving ode to Black families in a society where too many forces work to tear them apart” (NY Times). (USA, 87 min.) (Onyx Collective)

“Dusty & Stones,” directed by Jesse Rudoy