HBO Documentary Film Series

Veteran documentary filmmaker Steven Okazaki directs this harrowing account of Bay City youth addicted to cheap Mexican black tar heroin. Though the film does furnish some back stories, such as 18-year-old Jessica who reveals that her grandfather continuously molested her, the movie primarily focuses on the ugly day-to-day details of the junkie lifestyle. There are numerous scenes showing youths shooting up in their necks, toes, groins, or anywhere else that has an unmined vein. The film produces a depressing parade of lost and wasted youth because of the drug, including 21-year-old Jake, who in spite of being HIV positive hustles for cash, as does Jessica, who learns of her HIV status during the course of the film.

Fists of Freedom examines one of the 20th century’s most memorable moments — the dramatic “Black Power” demonstration of American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos on the victory stand at the 1968 Summer games in Mexico City. Using rare footage, archival photos and interviews with key figures from the era, revisit a pivotal event in American history.