Documentary films have become the conscience of the nation, providing a deeper study of contemporary, and often unnoticed, social issues. By using the unique medium of film, Documentarians are able to cultivate a more compelling and fruitful discussion by mixing strongly-driven narratives with vivid imagery.

In recognition of the rising importance of documentaries to public dialogue, the Martha’s Vineyard Film Society is proud to announce its tenth annual Documentary Week from July 29 to August 2, 2024.

PROGRAM AND TICKETS FOR 2024 will be announced in late June

GIRLS STATE

MONDAY, July 29th @7:30pm

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS AND MORE

Followed by a live Q and A with the directors: Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss

What would American democracy look like in the hands of teenage girls? A political coming-of-age story and a stirring reimagination of what it means to govern, “Girls State” follows young female leaders — from wildly different backgrounds across Missouri — as they navigate an immersive experiment to build a government from the ground up.

“Following a distinctly female perspective and filled with teenage insecurity, biting humor and a yearning for true friendship, the young leaders of “Girls State” win hearts and minds—not just elections.” – Deadline

“it offers an intimate, in-depth, potentially inspiring platform for a generation’s hopes and fears.” – stuff.co.nz

“it’s a fascinating movie.” – Filmweek

“At first it proves every bit as gripping. Then it gets more so.” – Financial Times

Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss have been filmmaking partners for twenty years. They directed “Boys State,” which won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival and was released by Apple Original Films and A24. The film won the 2021 Primetime Emmy Award for Best Nonfiction Film and they received DGA and Emmy nominations for Outstanding Directorial Achievement. President Barack Obama named “Boys State” one of his favorite films of 2020. Recent work includes “The Mission,” which premiered at the 2023 Telluride Film Festival, and was released by National Geographic Documentary Films and Picturehouse. Their previous film “The Overnighters” won the Special Jury Prize for Intuitive Filmmaking at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival and was distributed by Drafthouse Films and Netflix. “Boys State” and “The Overnighters” were both shortlisted for the Academy Award for Feature Documentary. Earlier work together includes “Mayor Pete” for Amazon Studios, “The Bandit” for CMT, and “Speedo: A Demolition Derby Love Story.” Jesse also directed “The Family,” a five-part series for Netflix, as well as the ‘Payday’ episode of the Netflix series “Dirty Money.”

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS