Venice and Toronto International Film Festivals revealed their 2020 line up and we are thrilled to announce the selection of Frederick Wiseman’s new documentary CITY HALL.
City Hall, a documentary on the Boston City Government
In CITY HALL, Frederick Wiseman shows the efforts by Boston city government to provide a wide variety of services to a diverse population, experiencing new ways to enter into civil discourse with the citizens of Boston. Mayor Walsh and his administration are presented addressing a number of their policy priorities which include racial justice, affordable housing, climate action, and homelessness.
Frederick Wiseman, Chronicler of the American Lifestyle
CITY HALL is the 46th documentary directed by Frederick Wiseman. In his films, he is primarily focusing on American institutions. About his work, he recently stated
“I made CITY HALL to illustrate why government is necessary for people to successfully live together. CITY HALL shows a city government offering a wide variety of important and necessary services to a major American city whose population exemplifies the history and diversity of America. The Boston city government is designed and strives to offer these services in a manner consistent with the Constitution and democratic norms.”
Frederick Wiseman has won numerous awards, including four Emmys and received an Honorary Oscar for lifetime achievement from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Board of Directors in 2016.
In recent years, he has directed EX LIBRIS-The New York Public Library, IN JACKSON HEIGHTS, and NATIONAL GALLERY.
CITY HALL was funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Public Broadcasting Service, JustFilms/Ford Foundation, Independent Television Service, Sundance Film Institute, Pershing Square Foundation, LEF Moving Image Fund and Richard & Peggy Greenfield Foundation. The film is a Zipporah Films release.