Dull? Boring? Not these thoughtful documentaries.

Looking for a different viewing experience? Rediscover our educational DVD collection, housed on the second floor. We offer feature documentaries which are wonderful, quirky or substantive. Drawn to films detailing peoples' lives?. Here are trailers for four recent arrivals that will pique your curiosity or make you quite thoughtful.

BECOMING CHAZ


This documentary follows the start of Chaz Bono's journey from the woman he was born as to the man he's always known he was. Chaz is quite perceptive, well aware of how his parents' celebrity has affected his life. At one point he mentions that a baby usually pulls parents together as they focus on their child. But  famous people still focus on themselves. Chaz and his girlfriend, Jennifer Elia--the other main character--recently split. Poignant, but in hindsight, was this foreshadowed in the film? Watch Becoming Chaz, and decide for yourself.

SONS OF PERDITION: THE STORY OF POLYGAMY'S EXILED YOUTH


Prophet Warren Jeffs of the Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints (FLDS) was a powerful Utah polygamist. His followers had plural wives; children were raised strictly according to the beliefs of their religion. And there was no place in the community for many teenage boys. They left, poorly educated and with limited resources. Where did they go and how did they survive? The documentary follows three young men over the course of several years, as they learn to live in the unknown secular world, yet try to stay in touch with their family loved ones.


DEAR ZACHARY: A LETTER TO A SON ABOUT HIS FATHER


What can you say about a young man who dies? Filmmaker Kurt Kuenne is devastated when his best friend from childhood, Andrew Bagby, is murdered. The prime suspect? The girlfriend from whom Andrew had recently separated. The woman flees to Canada, where it's revealed she's pregnant with Andrew's child. Can she be extradited so the charges against her can be considered? Will Andrew's parents be able to gain custody of his son? Kuenne is there, every step of the way in this tragedy, doing what he knows best to do--documenting Andrew's life and that of his son on film.

THE TOPP TWINS: UNTOUCHABLE GIRLS



Twin sisters, singers, comediennes, lesbians, national treasures in New Zealand. Meet the Topp Twins. Jools and Lynda have performed on stage, television and movies for more than 30 years. From a happy childhood on the farm to street performers to yodeling country singers to cult status, they appeal to a broad audience. But they're not just entertainers; they're also cultural activists.The documentary takes a fond yet frank look at their lives, from coming out to Jool's recent bout with breast cancer. You'll laugh with and appreciate this unique pair--the Topp Twins.

All of these documentaries are available now to check out at The Urbana Free Library. Place a hold by following the links in the titles to our catalog. Or, you can email or call the Adult Services librarians to reserve one for you. (217-367-4405)