The Disturbing Reality of Bulletproof Backpacks
Published in Documentary Blog
Bulletproof backpacks have broken into the mainstream in the last few months, with interest spiking after a rash of school shootings in America, and now major retailers like Office Depot carry them alongside your everyday JanSports.
The Mass Circumcision Rituals of Indonesia
Published in Documentary Blog
In Indonesia, circumcision is considered the official beginning of a boy’s transition into manhood—a defining moment in his life, and a major cause for celebration. Families ring in the milestone with a traditional ceremony called a “Kuda Renggong,” dressing their children in colorful costumes and propping them up on dancing horses while live bands play for about six hours straight.
Policing the Police: The Copwatch Movement
Published in Documentary Blog
The killing of Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager in Ferguson, MO in 2014, galvanized a renewed public interest in the concept of citizen policing, but for David Whitt, Michael Brown’s neighbor at the time, it was the moment he decided his community needed a full-time force of people policing the police.
The Ex Neo-Nazi Transgender Woman
Published in Documentary Blog
For years, Dajana Pospiš was a member of the National Front, a far-right, anti-Semitic, anti-LGBTQ movement that waged war on Serbia's queer community. But during a stint in prison for racial and religious discrimination, Pospiš came to accept what no one saw coming: despite being assigned male at birth, she was a woman—and she desperately wanted to transition.
The Bootleg Nikes that Got Banned by Big Tobacco
Published in Documentary Blog
In 2006, New York City designer Ari Saal Forman dropped a limited run of Menthol 10s, a one-of-a-kind sneaker that drew inspiration from and took a shot at Nike and Newport.
Dancing through Gunshots in Brazil's Favelas
Published in Documentary Blog
Ballet and Bullets: Dancing Out of the Favela” was produced with support from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.
“Na Ponta dos Pes” (On Tiptoes) is a ballet project in the Alemão favela complex in Rio de Janeiro, created by Tuany Nascimento – a 23-year-old dancer who represented Brazil at international events during a flourishing career that was abruptly cut short by a lack of resources.
Zero Compensation for 16 Years Wrongfully Incarcerated | Innocence Ignored
Published in Documentary Blog
Those who are exonerated aren't always compensated. This episode takes a look how compensation laws vary from state to state, and how too often exonerees return to their lives after incarceration completely penniless.
After 3 Decades, Exonerated After False Rape Accusation | Innocence Ignored
Published in Documentary Blog
Reintegration back into society after spending, at times, up to half on your life in prison is one of the biggest hurdles for exonerees. We document Gregory Counts' experience reintegrating after being falsely accused of gang rape and serving 26 years in prison.