OVID’s October Lineup: Witch Trials, Quaker Activists, Quantum Mechanics & much more!

This October OVID presents 21 new films and 16 exclusives.

OVID commences October with a week of Bullfrog Films, independently produced documentaries that point to the sustainability of our planet and social justice issues, starting with a double-bill marking World Habitat Day concerning the right to basic shelter, including A Rising Tide, about the deepening crisis of poverty and homelessness in California. Other Bullfrog titles span subjects from Quakers to quantum science, to lesbian love and art therapy.

For narrative feature films this month, OVID presents the tension-drenched drama Who By Fire from Québecois writer-director Philippe Lesage, which premiered at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival and won the Grand Prix of the International Jury of Generation, followed by NYFF’s Main Slate. We keep the intrigue running high with other thrills, such as Atsushi Yamatoya’s seedy 1967 noir Inflatable Sex Doll of the Wastelands, which has been likened in recent times to Christopher Nolan’s Memento. 

Mid-month, we feature a film by Eryk Rocha and Gabriela Carneiro da Cunha, The Falling Sky, made in collaboration with Brazil’s indigenous Yanomami people in their struggle against deforestation — hailed as “one of the most necessary and scorching pieces of nonfiction storytelling in recent memory.” (Variety)

For Halloween, we’ll present the documentary A Witch Story, a personal ancestral account of the Salem Witch Trials and the ordeal of those who were persecuted, framed with the testimony of Italian feminist scholar Silvia Federici, author of Caliban and the Witch.

Full details on October’s complete lineup are below.

Image above from Eryk Rocha and Gabriela Carneiro da Cunha's THE FALLING SKY, premiering on OVID on October 15th.

Thursday, October 2

The Filmmaker’s House
Directed by Marc Isaacs
AndanaFilms | Documentary | UK | 2020 | 75 min

Serial killers, or anything to do with sex. These are the topics that filmmaker Marc Isaacs’ producer thinks he should be focusing on if he wants to have any chance of getting financing. Frustrated and recalcitrant, the documentary maker decides to create a film about and with the people around him.

“[A] sophisticated, slyly confronting film … concerned not just with hospitality, but with its limits.” —Anton Bitel, Little White Lies

** International Premiere, IDFA 2020

OVID EXCLUSIVE

Friday, October 3

Block Pass 
Directed by Antoine Chevrollier
With Sayyid El Alami, Amaury Foucher
Distrib Films | Feature | France | 2025 | 103 min

A queer motocross coming-of-age drama—sensitive, deeply felt, and quietly profound—that establishes Antoine Chevrollier as a filmmaker to watch. Reminiscent of Rebel Without a Cause, but with dirt bikes as the vehicle for defiance, the film follows blood-brothers Willy and Jojo as they navigate grief, masculinity, and unspoken desires. While the racetrack should offer an escape, it only intensifies their inner turmoil—especially under the weight of domineering father figures and the pressures of self-discovery. 

“Resonates with the universal themes of friendship, identity, and the quest for self-acceptance. This nuanced portrayal adds depth to the narrative, allowing the film to explore the complexities of youthful masculinity.” —ScreenAnarchy

“Newcomer Foucher is a striking screen presence, lending heart and fire to his portrayal of Jojo, while El Alamo exudes star quality.” —Screen International

OVID EXCLUSIVE

Monday, October 6

World Habitat Day

A Rising Tide
Directed by Cheryl Fabio
Bullfrog Films | Documentary | USA | 2023 | 93 min

Seen primarily through the eyes of women and children of color living through housing insecurity in California’s Alameda County, A Rising Tide aims to identify how and why homelessness occurs.

“Moving and compelling… illustrates homelessness as a consequence of policymaking, not personal choice.” —Emmy Tiderington, Professor of Social Work, Rutgers University

“A deeply engaging film that paints a portrait of current day homelessness and poverty in a Californian community. Importantly, A Rising Tide speaks to the country’s structural racial discrimination and injustices that have set the stage for the current housing and homelessness disaster.” —Jeff Karabanow, Author, Homeless Youth and the Search for Stability

War for the Woods
Directed by Sean Stiller & Geoff Morrison
Bullfrog Films | Documentary | Canada | 2023 | 44 min

When Texas billionaire Charles Hurwitz takes control of the last company town in America and begins clear-cutting the largest privately-owned stand of ancient redwoods in the world, it sparks a thirty-year battle over redwood trees, honesty and the power of money; that twisted both laws and lives in a blind pursuit of profit – until a group of people banded together to fight back, and in the process rediscover their own power. 

“Beautiful… Evocative… an inspirational reminder of the value of ancient forests across time and cultures. Its message is clear that we need to seek reciprocity with nature and stop cutting old-growth forests everywhere on earth.” —David Foster, Director Emeritus of Harvard Forest, Harvard University

Tuesday, October 7

Citizen George
Directed by Glenn Holsten
Bullfrog Films | Documentary | USA | 2024 | 99 min

Presents the life and work of Philadelphia-based Quaker activist George Lakey, a non-violent revolutionary who has worked his entire life for justice and peace, guided by his ideal of societal transformation. The film moves back and forth in time, highlighting specific events of George’s activist life—including fighting for civil rights, anti-Vietnam War activism, LGBTQ rights, human rights in Sri Lanka and climate justice.

“One of the most hopeful and inspirational films you’ll ever see.” —Stephen Zunes, Professor of Politics, University of San Francisco

OVID EXCLUSIVE

Wednesday, October 8

Water for Life
Directed by Will Parrinello
Bullfrog Films | Documentary | USA | 2023 | 91 min

Tells the story of three extraordinary individuals who refused to let government-supported industry and transnational corporations take their water and redirect it to mining, hydroelectric projects or large-scale agriculture. Despite reassurances from companies and the authorities, they knew what lay ahead: contaminated water, environmental devastation, and the destruction of their communities.

“Compelling and heartfelt… a documentary that reminds us of the power of ordinary people to defend their rights and the land they call home.” —Film Threat

Thursday, October 9

Dance Me to the End of Time
Directed by Melanie Chait
Bullfrog Films | Documentary | South Africa | 2021 | 83 min

A deeply personal film about love in the face of death. Set against the backdrop of Rachel Carson and her seminal book, The Silent Spring, award-winning filmmaker Melanie Chait documented the last four years of her life partner, London theatre director Nancy Diuguid’s life, as she fought breast cancer. Carson’s book exposed the health danger of pesticides as far back as 1962.

“A truly great film. Not only for the breadth of themes it broaches – from cancer to green activism, from lesbian love to arts therapy – but also for the intensity with which she deals with these themes.”  —Gibson Ncube, The Conversation

OVID EXCLUSIVE

Friday, October 10

Project Q: War, Peace and Quantum Mechanics
Directed by James Der Derian
Bullfrog Films | Documentary | Australia | 2024 | 92 min

As governments, corporations and universities pour funds into quantum science, and breakthroughs in quantum technology gather pace, important questions about the reality of a quantum future remain unanswered. In a notoriously complex field where ignorance is matched by hype, Project Q seeks to develop a multidisciplinary fluency in all things quantum.

“A tour de force that will provoke your senses in ways that change the way you look at our world.” —Sebastian Kaempf, Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Queensland

OVID EXCLUSIVE

Where I Became
Directed by Kate Geis
Bullfrog Films | Documentary | USA | 2023 | 87 min

Weaves the stories of 14 South African women who, though hailing from diverse backgrounds, all grew up under the oppressive system of Apartheid. When offered the opportunity to leave South Africa and study at Smith College under a full scholarship program, each woman summoned courage, faith, and determination in leaving home and family for the opportunity of a lifetime.

“Gorgeous and gripping… A powerful testament to the power of education, perseverance and one of history’s most important human rights movements.” —Susan E. Eaton, Author, Integration Nation: Immigrants, Refugees and America at Its Best

“This is a must-see for anyone interested in the struggles of women around the world and the impact that education can have on their lives.” —Nancy Clark, Author, South Africa: The Rise and Fall of Apartheid

OVID EXCLUSIVE

Tuesday, October 14

Mellodrama
Directed by Dianna Dilworth
Dekanalog | Documentary | USA | 2008 | 75 min

Explores the rise and falling fortunes of the Mellotron – the first musical keyboard to “sample” the sounds of other instruments – from its birth in a California garage in the 1950s, through its dominance on concert stages in the 1970s, through its almost religious cult of followers in the 2000s. From the Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields” to Black Sabbath to Opeth and Maroon 5, Mellodrama is a 70-year odyssey of musical invention, revolution, betrayal, and rediscovery. 

“Perfectly put together… Captivating.” —TapeOp 

“With a mix of humor and clever insight, Mellodrama does a very fine job of opening your eyes to what the Mellotron means to a lot of people in addition to how and why it became what the musical oddity that it is today.” —Rock! Shock! Pop!

OVID Exclusive

Wednesday, October 15

The Falling Sky
Directed by Eryk Rocha, Gabriela Carneiro da Cunha
KimStim | Feature | Canada | 2024 | 110 min

Made collaboration with Brazil’s indigenous Yanomami people about their profound connection to nature and their struggle against deforestation — a grave threat to their way of life and the ecosystem they call home. Based on an acute understanding of geopolitical forces, Yanomami leader and shaman Davi Kopenawa holds up a mirror to capitalist societies of “the merchandise people” and the unsustainable lifestyle of the so-called “developed countries” that threatens the survival of humanity as a whole. 

“One of the most necessary and scorching pieces of nonfiction storytelling in recent memory.” —Variety

“Tragically topical.” —IndieWire

OVID Exclusive

Thursday, October 16

Long Haulers
Directed by Amy Reid
New Day Films | Documentary | USA | 2020 | 74 min

From 77-year-old Sandi, to formerly incarcerated Lori, to guinea pig lover Tracy, Long Haulers defies stereotypes and gives a platform to women who have often been marginalized and typecast. Sharing their sorrows and triumphs, viewers learn who these women are and what keeps them trucking.

“Subtly demystifies what can be a uniquely alienating form of labor… Reid captures the solitary routines of these three truck drivers with unforced warmth and curiosity, their days and nights of quiet joys and hardships.” —Joanne McNeil, Filmmaker Magazine

OVID EXCLUSIVE

Friday, October 17

Inflatable Sex Doll Of The Wastelands
Directed by Atsushi Yamatoya
With Miki Watari, Shôhei Yamamoto, Yûichi Minato, Masayoshi Nogami
Deaf Crocodile/MVD | Feature | Japan | 1967 | 86 min

A private detective is hired to find a woman who has apparently been murdered in a snuff film. It turns out the woman’s not dead, but very much alive, and he gets sucked into a torrid affair that leaves him questioning his sense of reality. An eerie, seedy, dreamlike noir with fractured, time-bending overtones of John Boorman’s Point Blank and Christopher Nolan’s Memento. 

“This is a film that constantly deconstructs its own furnishings, revealing the outer limits of Japan’s pink cinema.” —Anton Bitel, Little White Lies

“Supported by great cinematography, a provocative script and a wonderfully manic score, this film deserves to be explored and re-discovered by cinephiles all around the world.” —Rouven Linnarz, Asian Movie Pulse

** Berlin International Film Festival 2018

Tuesday, October 21

Who By Fire
Directed by Philippe Lesage
With Paul Ahmarani, Arieh Worthalter, Noah Parker, Aurélia Arandi-Longpré
KimStim | Feature | Canada | 2024 | 161 min

A getaway at a secluded log cabin in the forest becomes the site of escalating, multigenerational tensions and anxieties in this disquieting, impeccably mounted coming-of-age drama from Quebecois filmmaker Philippe Lesage. Ostensibly a merry reunion between well-known film director and his longtime friend and former collaborator, the vacation gradually becomes something far more complex and less stable.

** NYFF Main Slate 
** 74th Berlin International Film Festival, Winner, Grand Prix of the International Jury of Generation

“Lesage has a terrific eye.” —Manohla Dargis, The New York Times

“Captivating… a surprisingly potent powder keg.” —IONCINEMA.com

“A filmmaker of considerable grace and daring.” —Variety

OVID EXCLUSIVE

Thursday, October 23

Momentum
Directed by Michelle Aguilar Ficara
New Day Films | Documentary | USA | 2023 | 52 min

Chris ‘Coco’ Cocores was born into a broken home, where street fighting was a way to cope. By age 25, Chris was an amateur mixed martial arts fighting champion and a month away from the biggest fight of his career. Then tragedy struck. In a fatal car accident, Chris lost his girlfriend, his dog, and nearly his life. Determined to get back in the ring, Chris called his coach, Ryan, a Paralympian and one of the best wrestling coaches in the world. Together, the pair tackle new obstacles and heal old wounds.

“Beyond inspirational, Momentum poignantly reveals the heart, soul, and capabilities of what humans can do when they put their minds to it.” —Mischa Geracoulis, Journalist & Educator

OVID EXCLUSIVE

Friday, October 24

Freckled Max and the Spooks
Directed by Juraj Jakubisko
With Martin Hrebeň, Eddie Constantine, Vivieca Lindfors, Ferdinand Mayne
Deaf Crocodile/MVD | Feature | Czechoslovakia, West Germany |1987 | 97 min

A bittersweet, slapstick cross between Monster Squad, Young Frankenstein and the Island of Misfit Toys—Freckled Max is a nostalgic Gothic fairytale about broken hearts and monsters who long to be loved for who they are. This feature-length condensation of the Euro TV miniseries Frankenstein’s Aunt is a cascade of moments filled with Slovak director Juraj Jakubisko’s trademark surrealism and haunted poetry.

“Another delightful discovery that would likely be more widely embraced if it were simply more available… If you are on the search for your next undiscovered gem, do not pass this one by.” —Dillon Gonzales, Geek Vibes Nation

OVID EXCLUSIVE

Wednesday, October 29

Badger Creek
Directed by Randy Vasquez & Jonathan Skurnik
New Day Films | Documentary | USA | 2017 | 26 min

A documentary portrait of a Blackfeet (Pikuni) family, the Mombergs, who live on the lower Blackfeet Reservation in Montana near the banks of Badger Creek. In addition to running a prosperous ranching business, they practice a traditional Blackfeet cultural lifestyle that sustains and nourishes them.

“Phenomenal… The diversity of topics that are squeezed into a half-hour film is impressive: Indigenous language revitalization, the importance of physical and spiritual geographies, education, alcoholism, violence, the importance of youth to the Blackfeet and Indigenous cultures more broadly, and the hope and resilience of this Blackfeet family and community.” —Preston McBride, Professor of Native Studies, UCLA

OVID EXCLUSIVE

The Thick Dark Fog
Directed by Randy Vasquez & Jonathan Skurnik
New Day Films | Documentary | USA | 2012 | 56 min

Walter Littlemoon is a 69-year-old Lakota man born and raised in Wounded Knee, South Dakota. At the age of five, he was removed from his family to attend a Federal government boarding school where his culture, language and spirituality were suppressed. The Thick Dark Fog profiles Walter’s journey to heal himself and his community while reclaiming his heritage.

“In Walter Littlemoon’s voice we hear the stories of untold numbers of children who suffered through an education that taught many bitter lessons. The film’s images and narrative speak powerfully to the conscience of our country.” —Nancy Bonvillain, Professor of Anthropology, Bard College

OVID EXCLUSIVE

Thursday, October 30

Ashkan, The Charmed Ring & Other Stories
Directed by Shahram Mokri
With Saeed Ebrahimifar, Sina Razani, Reza Behboudi
Deaf Crocodile/MVD | Feature | Iran | 2008 | 92 min

A delightfully offbeat comedy about the mysterious workings of Fate, played out in deadpan Jim Jarmusch-like vignettes. Two blind jewel thieves, a young man who can’t succeed at killing himself, a love-struck police officer and two female morgue attendants find their lives interconnected when an unusual fish is set free and a charmed ring is moved. Watch for sly references to film noir classics including Le Samurai and Kiss Me Deadly in this wonderful and eccentric Iranian gem.

“An impressive first feature by Shahram Mokri… Entertaining, funny, and at times quite dramatic and tragic.” —Rouven Linnarz, Asian Movie Pulse

Careless Crime
Directed by Shahram Mokri
With Babak Karimi, Razieh Mansouri, Abolfazl Kahani
Deaf Crocodile/MVD | Feature | Iran | 2021 | 139 min

Inspired by a real-life tragedy, the infamous Cinema Rex fire in 1978 that triggered the Iranian Revolution, Careless Crime follows three timelines of arsonists planning to burn down a movie theater, of workers and students at the cinema, and of characters within the film screening at the cinema, which may or may not all be happening at the same time. One of the most dazzling and enigmatic films in recent memory, Mokri’s mind-bending mystery leapfrogs between past and present to create an unforgettable picture of Time not as a straight line but as an elastic Möbius strip. 

** Winner of the Venice Critics Association Award for the screenplay.

“An unsettling and dazzling achievement, using a real-life crime at the onset of the Iranian Revolution to examine cinema and its relation to reality versus illusion.” —Ali Moosavi, Film International

Friday, October 31

A Witch Story
Directed by Yolanda Pividal 
Bullfrog Films | Documentary | USA | 2024 | 73 min

Writer Alice Markham-Cantor discovers her 11-times-great grandmother was Martha Allen Carrier, one of the women tragically hanged during the 1692 Salem witch trials who refused to confess to the crime of witchcraft. This personal quest merges with the testimony of Italian feminist scholar Silvia Federici (“Caliban and the Witch”) and the performance of the Spanish artist Esther Musgo.

“[This] vivid and poignant film makes this haunting legacy feel strikingly relevant.” —Elizabeth Reis, Author, Damned Women: Sinners and Witches in Puritan New England

“An excellent exploration of a fraught subject rarely covered with such nuance, accuracy, and urgency.” —Kristen Sollée, Author, Witches, Sluts, Feminists: Conjuring the Sex Positive

OVID EXCLUSIVE

Complete list of films premiering on OVID this month (in alphabetical order):

A Rising Tide, Cheryl Fabio (2023) 
Ashkan, The Charmed Ring & Other Stories, Shahram Mokri (2008)
A Witch Story, Yolanda Pividal (2024) 
Badger Creek, Randy Vasquez & Jonathan Skurnik (2017)
Block Pass, Antoine Chevrollier (2025) 
Careless Crime, Shahram Mokri (2021)
Citizen George, Glenn Holsten (2024) 
Dance Me to the End of Time, Melanie Chait (2021)
Freckled Max and the Spools, Juraj Jakubisko (1987)
Inflatable Sex Doll Of The Wastelands, Atsushi Yamatoya (1967)
Long Haulers, Amy Reid (2020)
Mellodrama, Dianna Dilworth (2008)  
Momentum, Michelle Aguilar Ficara(2023) 
Project Q: War, Peace and Quantum Mechanics, James Der Derian (2024) 
The Falling Sky, Eryk Rocha, Gabriela Carneiro da Cunha (2024) 
The Filmmaker’s House, Marc Isaacs (2020) 
The Thick Dark Fog, Randy Vasquez & Jonathan Skurnik (2012)
War for the Woods, Sean Stiller & Geoff Morrison (2023) 
Water for Life, Will Parrinello (2023) 
Where I Became, Kate Geis (2023) 
Who By Fire, Philippe Lesage (2024)