Carolyn Forché

Though her life generated voluminous literature, most people ignore the fact that iconic deaf-blind author Helen Keller (1880–1968) was one of the most passionate socialist advocates of her time. Continuing his work of patient and insightful political filmmaking, director John Gianvito (Profit Motive and the Whispering Wind) resurrects Keller's radical views, which have been largely suppressed or sanitized over the years.

When the brilliant writing and troubled life of Californian Larry Levis came to a halt at age 49, his death posed a question: is self-destruction required for a life committed to art? Featuring a score by Iron and Wine, this documentary searches his childhood working alongside Mexican-American field hands, three marriages, friendships with America's greatest poets, and his own words for answers.