Joel Fendelman

Grand Saline, Texas, was a sleepy, unremarkable town—until a white preacher lit himself on fire to protest the town's racism in 2014. The subject of this film is deceptively straightforward: A minister commits suicide by setting himself on fire. He leaves behind a letter that frames his decision as a religious response to the intolerable racism of America's past and present, particularly in his Texas hometown. The aftermath is befuddling: There are townspeople who can recall incidents of racial violence and hate speech, and those who have never seen anything of the kind. Black folk in surrounding towns who share rumors and fears about acts of violence, and white folk who say you can't believe everything you hear. Fellow ministers who share the desire to be liberated from a racist past, and churchgoers who believe only mental illness could explain such a suicide.

Setting off on a road trip of discovery across the southern United States, aspiring singer-songwriter Ismay leaves the isolated existence of the family farm in search of inspiration. Tracing the roots of music icon Lucinda Williams, Ismay seeks out the people and places that highlight parts of Lucinda's early career.

The town of Gonzalez, Texas is not what it used to be, Main street is desolate, the population is shrinking, but the culture and history live on through story and communal gathering at this once a week tradition that has been alive since the turn of the century.

North Putnam chronicles a year in an Indiana school, serving as a microcosm for educational institutions everywhere. This understated documentary captures the universal experiences of a school community — its triumphs, challenges and everyday moments. It highlights how inspiration, perseverance and mutual support foster hope, resonating with viewers across diverse backgrounds.