Showtime has announced a slate of new documentaries that will premiere in the fall – each offering uncensored looks at public figures like Marlon Brando, Jimi Hendrix, Suge Knight, Barney Frank and Warren Jeffs, as well as in-depth interviews with all 12 living CIA directors, who give unprecedented access to the inner-workings of America’s most powerful spy network.
Of note are:
– "Jimi Hendrix: Electric Church" premieres Friday, September 4th at 9 p.m. (ET/PT). The new documentary chronicles Hendrix’s largest ever U.S. performance at the massive Atlanta Pop Music Festival in July 1970 with never-before-seen concert footage of the icon in action. Standout performances and recently unearthed footage shot by Steve Rash (The Buddy Holly Story), detail the historic night and the efforts of promoter Alex Cooley to create the definitive music festival with Hendrix as the centerpiece. Directed by John McDermott, the doc showcases breathtaking, 16mm color footage of Hendrix’s never-before-aired performance, a mere ten weeks before his untimely death. The film features such contemporaries as Paul McCartney, who stood in awe of his incredible musical prowess. Hendrix’s Experience bandmates Billy Cox and the late Mitch Mitchell are also featured, as well as Steve Winwood, Rich Robinson, Kirk Hammett, Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi.
– "American Dream/American Knightmare premieres Saturday, September 26th at 9 p.m. ET/PT, from director Antoine Fuqua. The film delves deep into the life and storied exploits of the iconic Death Row Records co-founder, Suge Knight, as well as the volatile and highly influential era in music that he presided over. Through a series of interviews with Knight, who is currently in jail pending trial on murder, attempted-murder and hit-and-run charges, viewers are guided through his world as he personally reveals exactly how it all happened and why it all fell apart.
– "Play It Forward" premieres Friday October 16th at 9 p.m. ET/PT. From executive producer Michael Strahan, the film is a rousing portrait of All-American NFL tight end Tony Gonzalez and his older brother, and wingman, Chris. Over the course of a year– his final in the NFL — future Hall-of-Famer Tony puts his heart on the line to achieve the one dream that has always eluded him: Super Bowl glory. At the same time, Chris, whose own football aspirations were thwarted by an injury, works to realize his very different ambition of becoming a professional firefighter. The film is an uplifting and entertaining look at these two brothers, driven both on and off the field. The film, which was screened at the Tribeca Film Festival earlier this year, is directed and written by Andrea Blaugrand Nevins, produced by Cristan Crocker-Reilly and in addition to Strahan, is also executive produced by Constance Schwartz.
