IDFA, the world’s largest documentary film festival, wrapped in Amsterdam over the weekend after presenting a program of more than 250 films, many of them world and international premieres. The 38th edition of IDFA marked the debut of Isabel Arrate Fernandez as artistic director, a position she assumed in July after the resignation of Orwa Nyrabia, who had led the festival for the previous seven years. This year’s festival attracted some of the greatest talents in documentary including Gianfranco Rosi, Raoul Peck, Laura Poitras, Tia Lessin, Carl Deal, Susana de Sousa Dias, Mstyslav Chernov, Victor Kossakovsky, Stanley Nelson, David France and many others. But the event didn’t pass without controversy. On the new edition of Deadline’s Doc Talk podcast, Arrate Fernandez addresses the festival’s decision to ban Israeli organizations that receive funding support from the Israeli government (she emphasized that individual Israeli filmmakers were not prohibited from attending). Some have attacked the ban as grossly unfair, but Arrate Fernandez tells us IDFA felt compelled to act in solidarity with Palestinians who have suffered under two years of Israeli bombardment and a ground campaign launched in retaliation for the October 7 terror attack. We also visit with Oscar-nominated filmmaker Petra Costa, who pitched a new project at IDFA and who finds herself in the thick of the Oscar race with her award-winning documentary Apocalypse in the Tropics. Her follow-up to The Edge of Democracy charts the rise of Christian nationalism in her native Brazil. Costa tells us the film’s launch on Netflix in July led to dramatic repercussions for her protagonist firebrand pastor Silas Malafaia, a Christian nationalist and key supporter of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who was convicted of trying to stage a coup after he lost reelection in 2022. Footage that Costa captured of Malafaia has made him a target of the same investigation that got Bolsonaro a 27-year prison sentence. She spotlights the specific scene in the film that’s creating legal jeopardy for the pastor. That’s on the latest edition of Doc Talk, hosted by Oscar winner John Ridley (12 Years a Slave, Shirley) and Matt Carey, Deadline’s senior documentary editor. Doc Talk is a production of Deadline and Ridley’s Nō Studios.
https://deadline.com/2025/11/idfa-isabel-arrate-fernandez-petra-costa-interview-doc-talk-1236628793/
Tag: oscar-nominated
‘Death by Lightning’ looks at ‘greatest president America never had’
An Emmy-winning, Oscar-nominated actor known for serious roles, Michael Shannon certainly has a sly sense of humor. He stars on November 6 in Netflix’s four-episode mini-series, *Death by Lightning*, which recounts the bizarre events that led to Shannon’s portrayal of James A. Garfield — a man who unexpectedly became president of the United States in 1881, only to be assassinated the same year by a former admirer, the mentally ill Charles Guiteau. The role of Guiteau is played by *Succession* Emmy winner Matthew Macfadyen.
“I couldn’t believe someone wanted me to play a president,” Shannon, 51, laughed during a press conference with Macfadyen. “I didn’t see that coming.”
When Shannon told people he was playing Garfield, their reactions were mixed. “They were like, ‘Why are you playing the cat? Haven’t they already done that?’ And I was like, ‘No, I’m not playing Garfield the cat. I’m playing Garfield the president.’ Then they were like, ‘Who?’”
Reflecting on the role, Shannon explained, “I now think President Garfield is one of my favorite people, based on all the research I did about him. The thing is, not many people know much about him.”
“But if you want to know, there are plenty of ways to learn. Amazing literature you can read. Considering how short his term was, he has quite a moving legacy that you can still see to this day.”
Macfadyen agreed enthusiastically: “You’re right! He’s like my favorite person that I didn’t know anything about. And now I’m glad I do.”
Shannon noted Garfield’s nickname: “His nickname was ‘The Greatest President America Never Had.’”
As to what audiences might take away from this political event of over 150 years ago, Shannon shared his thoughts: “I just think he was a man on a mission, in pursuit of what he believed in. He actually was just trying to improve the lives of American citizens, which is kind of the job of the president — if you are listening,” he added with a laugh.
“So, yeah, he was very focused and genuinely humble about what he was doing.”
“He realized he could fail terribly and was probably quite nervous about what he wanted to do in the grand scheme of things.”
Unlike today’s billionaire politicians, Garfield grew up in poverty and only gradually rose to prominence.
Macfadyen highlighted his background: “He held public office. A public servant for years and years. And a soldier.”
Garfield’s death was indirectly caused by Guiteau’s single bullet on July 2, 1881. Doctors at the time did not believe in germs, and an infection created by unsanitary conditions proved fatal. Garfield finally died on September 19, 1881.
Netflix will stream all four episodes of *Death by Lightning* on November 6.
https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/11/06/death-by-lightning-looks-at-greatest-president-america-never-had/
What to Stream: ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps,’ Tracy Morgan, Kim Kardashian and ‘Downton Abbey’
The earnest superhero team-up tale *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* and Tracy Morgan returning to TV with a new comedy called *Crutch* are some of the exciting new television shows, films, music, and games headed to screens near you this week.
Also among the streaming offerings worth your time, as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: the beloved upstairs-downstairs drama *Downton Abbey* bids farewell in a final movie; Kim Kardashian stars as a divorce attorney in Hulu’s *All’s Fair*; and country legend Willie Nelson continues to showcase his prolific output with the release of yet another new album.
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### New Movies to Stream (Nov. 3–9)
**Frankenstein** (Friday, Nov. 7, on Netflix)
Director Guillermo del Toro fulfills his long-held dream with a sumptuous adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic. Starring Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as the monster, the film employs handcrafted filmmaking techniques to bring an epic scope to the timeless story. AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr praises it, noting, “Everything about *Frankenstein* is larger than life, from the runtime to the emotions on display.”
**The Fantastic Four: First Steps**
In this ’60s-era superhero romp, Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn star as Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, the Thing, and the Human Torch, respectively. Set in 1964, the team battles to defend Earth from destruction by Galactus. AP’s review calls it “a spiffy ’60s-era romp, bathed in retrofuturism and bygone American optimism.”
**Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale** (Friday, Nov. 7, on Peacock)
Fifteen years after Julian Fellowes introduced viewers to the Crawley family, *Downton Abbey* says goodbye in this final film directed by Simon Curtis. The cast includes Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, and Paul Giamatti. AP’s Jocelyn Noveck writes that the movie “gives loyal *Downton* fans what they want: a satisfying bit of closure and the sense that the future, though a bit scary, may look kindly on Downton Abbey.” Peacock also streams the two previous films and all six seasons of the series.
**The Materialists** (Friday, Nov. 7, on HBO Max)
Celine Song’s follow-up to her Oscar-nominated *Past Lives* stars Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans in a New York-set romantic triangle that adds an economic dimension to the rom-com genre. AP’s Jocelyn Noveck calls it “a smart rom-com that tries to be honest about life and still leaves us smiling.”
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### New Music to Listen To (Nov. 3–9)
Country icon Willie Nelson continues his prolific streak with *Workin’ Man: Willie Sings Merle*, releasing Friday, Nov. 7. The album features Nelson’s fresh interpretations of 11 classic Merle Haggard songs, including “Okie From Muskogee,” “Mama Tried,” and “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here And Drink.” AP Music Writer Maria Sherman recommends checking it out for a taste of these timeless tunes reimagined.
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### New Series to Stream (Nov. 3–9)
**Crutch** (Monday, Nov. 4, on Paramount+)
Tracy Morgan returns to television in this new comedy series. He plays a widowed empty-nester whose life is turned upside down when his adult children move back home — with their own kids in tow.
**All’s Fair** (Tuesday, Nov. 5, on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+)
Kim Kardashian stars as a sought-after divorce attorney in this all-female law firm drama created by Ryan Murphy. Kardashian was cast after her role in *American Horror Story: Delicate*. The series also features Glenn Close, Sarah Paulson, Niecy Nash-Betts, Naomi Watts, and Teyana Taylor.
**Death by Lightning** (Thursday, Nov. 7, on Netflix)
This four-episode limited series is a historical dramatization infused with comedy about President James Garfield, who was shot only four months after taking office. Matthew Macfadyen stars as Charles Guiteau, the assassin desperate for Garfield’s attention. The cast also includes Betty Gilpin, Nick Offerman, Bradley Whitford, and Shea Whigham.
**Alex Vs. A-Rod** (Thursday, Nov. 7, on HBO)
This three-part docuseries chronicles the life of retired baseball superstar Alex Rodriguez. Featuring intimate interviews with Rodriguez and people close to him, it offers an inside look at the athlete’s life and legacy.
**Wicked: One Wonderful Night** (Thursday, Nov. 7, on NBC; streams Friday, Nov. 8, on Peacock)
To celebrate the upcoming release of *Wicked: For Good* in theaters on Nov. 21, NBC presents this concert special starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Joining them are cast members Michelle Yeoh, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, and Ethan Slater.
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### New Video Games to Play (Nov. 3–9)
**Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment** (Thursday, Nov. 7, on Switch 2)
While fans await the next *Legend of Zelda* installment, this action-packed spinoff takes players back in time as Zelda teams up with the Six Sages to fight the invader Ganondorf. The game features split-screen and GameShare modes, perfect for playing with friends. In the tradition of Nintendo and Koei Tecmo collaborations, it emphasizes hack-and-slash combat over exploration.
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Stay tuned for more entertainment updates and enjoy this week’s exciting lineup!
*By The Associated Press*
https://mymotherlode.com/entertainment/10136907/what-to-stream-the-fantastic-four-first-steps-tracy-morgan-kim-kardashian-and-downton-abbey.html