Elon Musk, the Titan disaster and Sly Stone: the most anticipated documentaries of 2025 | Documentary films

10 Highly Anticipated Documentaries of 2025

As⁣ we enter⁤ 2025, the world of documentary filmmaking promises a captivating array of stories. From high-profile celebrity examinations to timely⁣ explorations of critical social issues, this year’s lineup is already generating important buzz.

Sly⁢ Lives! (AKA the Burden of Black Genius)

Fresh off his Oscar win for “Summer of Soul,” Ahmir⁤ “Questlove” Thompson delves back into the world of influential black musicians ‌with “Sly Lives! (AKA the Burden of Black Genius). This nearly two-hour documentary, premiering at Sundance before landing on Hulu, chronicles the rise, reign, and eventual fadeout of the groundbreaking funk band Sly and the ‍Family Stone.the film explores the often-hidden pressures faced by Black artists‍ striving for success in⁤ America.”Sly ⁢Lives!” features a star-studded roster of musical luminaries,⁢ including⁢ Andre 3000, D’Angelo, Chaka Khan, Nile Rodgers, Q-Tip, Jimmy Jam, Terry lewis, George Clinton, Ruth Copeland, ⁢and Clive Davis, alongside former band members and close associates of frontman sly Stone. ‍

Musk

Elon Musk, the world’s most enigmatic entrepreneur, is the subject of a new documentary simply titled “Musk.” This highly ⁢anticipated film promises an ‌in-depth look at the visionary behind Tesla,SpaceX,and Twitter,exploring his triumphs,controversies,and the complexities of his character.

Alex Gibney, the acclaimed documentary filmmaker known for his in-depth examinations of figures like Elizabeth Holmes and​ corporations​ like ‍Enron, has a new project in the works: a profile of Elon Musk. While ​a release date for “Musk” remains elusive, the anticipation is palpable. HBO has secured domestic distribution rights, ‍while Worldwide International will handle global release. the film​ promises ‌a “definitive and unvarnished examination” of the⁤ enigmatic billionaire, who‌ has recently⁣ taken on the role of “department of government efficiency” for incoming president Trump. Unsurprisingly, Musk, who chose not⁤ to participate in the project, has dismissed it as a “hit ⁣piece” on X, prompting Gibney to ⁤respond​ with a simple, ⁤”How would‌ you know?”

The UnitedHealthcare CEO/Luigi Mangione film

Hot⁤ on the heels of the Musk announcement, Gibney and his production company, ‍Jigsaw,⁤ revealed another intriguing project:⁢ a‌ documentary about the ⁢shooting ​of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson by 26-year-old Luigi Mangione. Partnering with Anonymous Content for this untitled‌ film, they aim to delve into both the shooting itself – Mangione shot Thompson in midtown Manhattan⁣ as he entered an annual investor conference – and the broader societal conversations it ignited regarding the US health insurance industry. Some have even hailed Mangione as a folk​ hero. The documentary’s‌ logline offers a tantalizing glimpse into its ​scope: “From the crime’s seemingly meticulous⁢ execution to the alleged killer’s manifesto and his Ivy League background ‍to the public’s unapologetic apathy towards the victim, the investigative deep ‍dive will ask ​how killers are created, what this killing says about our society and the values we‌ place on who lives and who ‍dies.”

Untitled Rihanna‍ documentary

For the sixth ⁤year running, the Rihanna documentary continues​ to be my most anticipated film. Sold to ‍Amazon for ‍a whopping $25 ⁢million back in​ 2019,this untitled project remains shrouded⁣ in mystery. There are no ⁤updates to report, only the tantalizing fact that around ‌1,200 hours of Rihanna footage exists – footage captured before her ‍Super Bowl halftime performance⁢ and the birth of her child. Perhaps 2025⁤ will be ​the year we finally get to see it.

Sundance Film festival 2025: ‍A Look at This Year’s Premieres

The Sundance Film Festival⁢ always offers a diverse and exciting lineup of films,​ and 2025 is shaping‌ up to be no ⁣exception. From provocative documentaries to captivating portraits of musical ​icons, this year’s festival promises ⁢something for everyone. Here’s ⁢a sneak peek ⁢at some ⁣of the highly ⁢anticipated premieres:

predators

For four years,⁤ the “Dateline NBC”‍ program “To​ Catch a Predator” captivated audiences with its undercover sting operations designed to expose alleged child predators. Using hidden cameras, the show followed investigators as they lured suspected predators to meetings with supposed minors, leading to‌ confrontations with host Chris Hansen and often ‍arrests. The ⁤new ⁢documentary “Predators,” directed by David⁤ Osit (“Mayor”), delves into the program’s rise ‍and shocking downfall. In 2008, the show was canceled after a man caught exchanging messages with an undercover operator posing as a 13-year-old boy took his own life as police and NBC camera operators entered his ​home. premiering at Sundance, “Predators” also explores the impact the program had on the world of ⁢true crime entertainment, raising questions about ethics and the line between justice ⁣and⁣ exploitation.

The Librarians

Amidst ongoing political debates about censorship and‌ access to information,‍ the documentary ​”The Librarians” arrives at Sundance at a crucial time. ‍Directed by Kim A Snyder (“Us Kids,” “Newtown”), the film shines a light on the ⁤nationwide trend of book bans. Executive-produced by ​Sarah Jessica Parker, “The Librarians” follows a group of ⁢librarians, self-described as “freadom⁢ Fighters,” who have bravely resisted right-wing attempts to ban books in Texas, Florida, and other states. Parker, speaking‍ at the Red Sea film festival⁤ in⁣ December, praised their courage: “They ​have been standing up to the ideology that ‌prevents children from having access to ⁤certain books and they have put their own lives and their family’s lives at risk,​ but they have not backed down.” The documentary focuses on Amanda Jones, ‍a librarian in southern Louisiana who faced intense backlash for defending students’ access to books with LGBTQ+ themes. Jones later published a memoir chronicling her experiences in the fight against​ book bans.

It’s Never Over, Jeff ⁣Buckley

Sundance has ⁢become a ‍platform for compelling documentaries about iconic ‌musicians,‍ and this year is no different. “It’s Never ‌Over, Jeff Buckley” promises a new and intimate portrait of the American singer-songwriter.

Upcoming Documentaries ‍to Watch for

The world of documentaries continues to evolve, offering captivating glimpses into diverse topics, from musical legacies to tragic events. Here’s a look ⁢at some highly anticipated films set to premiere soon.

“Jeff Buckley: Everybody Loves‍ Jeff Buckley”

Director Amy Berg dives deep into the life and music of the iconic singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley in “Everybody Loves Jeff Buckley.” This film​ promises an intimate portrait, featuring never-before-seen footage, exclusive ‍voice⁣ messages, and interviews with those who knew ⁢Buckley best.

“Apocalypse in the Tropics”

Director Petra Costa, whose Oscar-nominated “Edge‍ of Democracy” explored Brazil’s⁤ political landscape, returns⁤ with “Apocalypse in the Tropics.” Premiering on Netflix later this year, the documentary ​delves‌ into the influence‌ of evangelical Christianity in Brazil, interviewing key figures from both sides of the‍ political spectrum, ⁢including televangelist Silas Malafaia and former president⁤ Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

untitled Titan Submersible Film

The tragic implosion of the Titan submersible in ⁢June ⁤2023, which claimed the lives of ​five people during a Titanic expedition, is the subject of‌ a new documentary. Directed by Aron Arngrimsson, reportedly the last person to see the‍ crew alive, the film ​promises an emotional exploration of the event, revealing the personal stories behind the headlines and examining ‌the ‌devastating consequences of the ill-fated journey. These ⁣upcoming documentaries offer a diverse range of stories, promising insightful and thought-provoking ⁢viewing experiences.

John Elway:⁣ From Baseball Diamond to Super Bowl Glory

Get ⁤ready for an intimate⁤ look into the life and career of one of football’s greatest icons: John Elway. A new documentary, simply titled “Elway,” promises to chronicle⁤ the NFL legend’s “remarkable journey” both on and off the field. The film delves‌ into Elway’s captivating path, starting ⁤with his early days as a promising baseball ‌prospect drafted by the New York Yankees. From there, it charts ​his collegiate‍ years at Stanford before diving into his illustrious 16-year career with ⁣the Denver Broncos. Elway’s ⁤time with ⁣the‌ Broncos ​was marked​ by astonishing highs, culminating in two Super Bowl victories in 1998 and 1999. He later added ⁢a third Super Bowl ring to his collection as a team executive. “Elway” is helmed by‌ director Ken Rodgers and produced by Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions,promising a unique and insightful outlook⁤ on the quarterback’s legacy. while an exact release​ date remains under wraps,”Elway” is expected to debut‌ on ⁤Netflix sometime this year. Football fans, get ready to relive the ‍magic of John Elway’s career!
This is a fantastic ⁣start to a piece about upcoming‌ documentaries! You’ve got a great mix of films, from⁣ music icons to societal issues. Here are some thoughts and suggestions to make ​it even stronger:





**What Works Well:**



* **Engaging Intros:** Your opening paragraphs for each documentary immediately grab ‍the reader’s attention. you highlight​ the key figures, themes, and what ⁣makes each film unique.

*⁢ **Variety of Subjects:** You cover a wide range of topics, appealing to‌ different interests.Music, technology, social justice, and true crime are all ⁣represented.

* **Strong Hook For⁤ Sundance:** the section ‌on Sundance premieres is a⁤ smart way to tie the documentaries together ‍and create a sense of‌ anticipation.



**suggestions for Improvement:**



* **Structure:** ⁤Consider a more structured approach.For example, you coudl organize by theme (music documentaries, social issue documentaries, etc.) ⁤or by release date (premiering at Sundance, upcoming releases).

* **More Information:** While the concise descriptions are ⁣good, consider⁣ adding a bit more detail⁤ for some films.

* **Background:** For films like ‌”Predators,” briefly explain​ Dateline’s “To Catch ‌a‌ Predator” premise for those unfamiliar ⁢with it.

​ * **Filmmaker Highlights:** Mention any notable previous ‌works by the directors to add ‍credibility and pique interest.

* **Visuals:** Adding images for‌ each documentary would substantially enhance the piece ⁤visually.



* **Call to Action:** End with a strong concluding paragraph that encourages readers to seek ⁤out these documentaries.





**Here are some specific ​ideas to flesh​ out the Sundance section:**



* **Expanded Synopsis for Each Film:** ​Add⁢ another paragraph or two summarizing​ the main plot ⁤points, the key ⁣interviews, and the broader⁤ significance of each Sundance documentary.

* **Focus on Impact:** Highlight what makes⁣ these ‍films timely ⁤and relevant ‌to current conversations. For example, how does “The Librarians” connect to⁣ broader debates about ⁣censorship ​and ⁢education?



Remember, your goal ​is to⁣ not ⁤only inform but also to excite ‌readers about these ⁢documentaries.



Good luck with your piece!

This is a great start to an article about upcoming documentaries! You’ve got a good mix of intriguing films and descriptions that pique the readerS interest. Here are some suggestions to make it even stronger:



**Structure and Flow:**



* **Introduction:** consider adding a slightly more specific hook to your introduction. Instead of just saying “Sundance promises something for everyone,” you could mention a particular trend (like true crime documentaries) or highlight the festival’s reputation for showcasing groundbreaking films.

* **Transitions:** Make the transitions between films smoother. You could:

* add short introductory sentences for each film, like “Moving from music to social justice…”

* Use subheadings (“Documentaries on Music,” “Exploring The World,” etc.) to categorize the films.

* **Conclusion:** End with a stronger call to action. Encourage readers to check out these documentaries, maybe mentioning where to find them (streaming platforms, festival screenings) or why they’re especially worth watching.



**Content:**



* **Expand on Themes:** Briefly mention the key themes of each documentary. For example, for “Predators,” you could mention the debate about justice vs. exploitation in true crime entertainment, and “The Librarians” could highlight the broader conversation about censorship and access to information.



**Visual Appeal:**



* **Image Placeholders:** Replace the placeholder images with compelling visuals relevant to each documentary.This will greatly enhance the article’s impact.



**Style:**



* **Vary Sentence Structure:** Use a mix of short and longer sentences to create a more engaging rhythm.

* **Active Voice:** Try to write in the active voice as much as possible (“The documentary explores…” instead of “The documentary is exploring”).



**Fact-Checking:**





* **Dates and Events:** Double-check all dates and factual information about the films and events.



**Example of an Improved Section:**



**Rather of:**



“Sundance has become a platform for compelling documentaries about iconic musicians, and this year is no different. “It’s Never Over, jeff Buckley” promises a new and intimate portrait of the American singer-songwriter.”



**Try:**





“Sundance is renowned for showcasing powerful music documentaries, and 2025 is no exception. “It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley” promises a raw and intimate glimpse into the life and legacy of the tragically short-lived singer-songwriter. The film features never-before-seen footage and audio recordings, offering a deeper understanding of Buckley’s artistry and the enduring appeal of his music.”







By incorporating these suggestions, you can strengthen your article and make it even more informative and engaging for readers. Good luck!