Southampton Arts Center (SAC) will host a Documentary Series throughout July and August, featuring a diverse lineup of films that explore urgent social, environmental, and cultural issues. Screenings take place at SAC’s indoor theater, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton.
The series opens Sunday, July 27, at 6 p.m. with “We Are Guardians,” a film by Edivan Guajajara, Chelsea Greene and Rob Grobman. The documentary follows Indigenous forest guardians Marçal Guajajara and activist Puyr Tembé as they protect their lands from deforestation. It also explores the challenges faced by an illegal logger and a landowner caught between invaders and extractive industries. The film blends politics, history, science and consciousness to examine the Amazon Rainforest’s vital role in global climate stability. Directed by Guajajara, Greene and Grobman, produced by Fisher Stevens, and executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio.
On Sunday, August 3, at 6 p.m. “Breaking Form” screens. Directed by Peabody Award-winner Alexandra Nikolchev, this award-winning feature documents choreographer Jane Comfort’s four-decade career. Known for integrating text and movement with political and social commentary, Comfort transformed from a Southern transplant to a celebrated figure in New York City’s downtown dance scene. The film features an original score by Obie Award-winner Heather Christian.
Sunday, August 10, at 6 p.m. will feature “Empowers Africa” (film details to be announced).
Thursday, August 14, at 6 p.m. presents “The Last Twins,” a documentary about Holocaust hero Erno ‘Zvi’ Spiegel, who protected young twins from Auschwitz atrocities, through personal testimonies and archival footage showcasing his courage.
On Sunday, August 17, at 6 p.m. “Stella and Co.” by filmmaker Robin Baker Leacock celebrates the vibrant lives of seniors aged 75 to 105, focusing on her nearly 104-year-old mother, Stella. The 50-minute documentary combines humor, music and storytelling to explore aging in modern times. It aired nationally on PBS in 2020.
The series concludes Sunday, August 24 at 6 p.m. with “Can’t Look Away: The Case Against Social Media,” directed by Matthew O’Neill and Perri Peltz. The film investigates the harmful effects of social media on youth and the legal battles to hold tech companies accountable. Based on Bloomberg News reporting, it highlights the Social Media Victims Law Center’s fight for justice and calls for industry reform.
“We are so delighted that the Southampton Arts Center is known as a showcase for documentary films that educate, enrich and entertain our audiences to inspire greater learning,” said SAC Executive Director Christina Strassfield.
Each screening will be followed by an in-person or Zoom panel discussion. The series is $10 (free for SAC members. Tickets and information are available at southamptonartscenter.org. Southampton Arts Center is located at 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton. Call 631-283-0967 for more information.
Staff Writer on Jul 21, 2025