AFI Film Series

Time

 Introduction

 Jul 9

At nearly 400 pounds, Tracy Orbison is a wide target. When he sets out to pursue his dream of acting, the grocery clerk finds an assortment of people waiting to dash his dreams: his acting coach (William Baldwin), who has designs on his sister Peggy (24's Mary Lynn Rajskub); his juvenile-delinquent friends, who suck him into their petty crimes; and his God-fearing, self-loathing mother (Academy Award nominee Kathleen Quinlan).  Through it all, Tracy remains irrepressibly upbeat, convinced he's destined for something big.

 Jul 10

In the 1970s, songwriter Dennis Lambert had four songs in the top 100 at once, a feat previously accomplished only by the Beatles. Now retired, and selling real estate, Lambert's discovery of an unlikely cult following—in the Philippines!—lures him back on tour. This hilarious doc captures every note.

 Jul 16

In November 2005, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf won a surprise victory over international soccer star George Weah to become Africa’s first elected female president.  A former finance minister known as the “Iron Lady,” Sirleaf quickly appointed a team of strong women around her, including the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Commerce, and the Chief of Police.  Iron Ladies of Liberia follows these women over the course of their first year in office – a year which will determine the future of their country.  The stakes are high, and the outcome uncertain, but the commitment of the Iron Ladies will not falter.

 Jul 17

Chinese director Chen Weijun conducts an experiment in democracy in Wuhan.  A Grade 3 class at Evergreen Primary School has their first encounter with democracy by holding an election to select a Class Monitor.  Eight-year-olds compete against each other for the coveted position, abetted and egged on by teachers and doting parents.

 Jul 23

Kidnapped at age 6 and turned into a child soldier—both a victim and perpetrator of war crimes — Kassim "The Dream" Ouma has dreams of becoming a world champion boxer.  His startling tale of survival and success is real-life proof that humans, against the longest odds, can turn tragedy into inspiration.