Steve James

This documentary speaks about the complex realities of growing up, family history, and how the system has - despite good intentions - failed to rescue certain kids. (Lions Gate Films)

Reel Paradise tells the story of John Pierson's family at the end of a year-long adventure on a remote island in Fiji where they ran the 180 Meridian Cinema, showing free movies to the locals. (Wellspring Media)

A film following the lives of two African American boys who struggle to become college basketball players on the road to going professional. (imdb)

True story of boxers Joe Louis and Max Schmeling and their enduring friendship. (imdb)

Life and times of Steve Prefontaine, a young long-distance runner from Oregon who pursued the dream of Olympic gold in Munich and became one of the biggest, yet most tragic sport stars in America. (imdb)

This documentary follows retired preacher Carroll Pickett, who officiated at the executions of 95 inmates on Texas' death row. Throughout the film, two Chicago reporters look into the case of one of those 95 inmates, a man they believe was the victim of a wrongful execution.

A true story of a priest (Andre Braugher) in New Orleans who formed a group of black players and challenged an all-white prep school basketball team in the 1960's. Eventually events like these signaled the pivotal turn in the games' history leading to the integration in today's sport. Directed by Steve James (Hoop Dreams), these basketball players didn't just make shots, they made history. (Amazon.com)

A year in the life of a city grappling with urban violence.

A documentary that follows football player and wrestler Chris Nowinski's quest to uncover the truth about the consequences of sports related head injuries. (imdb)

In 2013, we lost Roger Ebert--arguably the nation's best-known and most influential movie critic. Based on his memoir of the same name, Life Itself recounts Ebert's fascinating and flawed journey--from politicized school newspaperman, to Chicago Sun-Times movie critic, to Pulitzer Prize winner, to television household name, to the miracle of finding love at 50, and finally his "third act" as a major voice on the Internet when he could no longer physically speak. (magpictures.com)

Centers on Greg O'Brien, long-time Cape Cod reporter and newspaperman, who has been diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer's. Acting on instinct and journalistic grit, Greg has decided to face down the disease and his imminent decline by writing frankly about the journey. (Kartemquin Films)

A documentary about neighborhood people creating change. (imdb)

Higher Goals encourages young athletes to put their dreams of professional sports in perspective and focus on getting an education. The real life stories of two high school athletes demonstrate that the sports skills of practice and discipline can be applied to academics as well. (imdb)

A small financial institution called Abacus becomes the only company criminally indicted in the wake of the United States' 2008 mortgage crisis. (imdb)

City So Real is an American documentary miniseries directed by Steve James, revolving around the 2019 mayoral election in Chicago, Illinois, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and social upheaval following the murder of George Floyd. It consists of 5-episodes and premiered on October 29, 2020, on National Geographic. (wikipedia.org)

The incredible story of Manhattan Project scientist Ted Hall, who shared classified nuclear secrets with Russia.