Brigitte Berman

Bix: Ain't None of Them Play Like Him Yet

Brigitte Berman

Louis Armstrong, Richard Basehart

Through interviews, archival footage, photos and classic tunes, learn about the remarkable career and troubled life of legendary jazz cornetist Bix Beiderbecke, who influenced countless musicians before alcoholism lead to his premature death. Close friends and associates such as Hoagy Carmichael, Charlie David and Louis Armstrong share their memories of Bix's abilities, playing style and personality.

The River of My Dreams

Brigitte Berman

Gordon Pinsent, Norman Jewison

Director Brigitte Berman profiles Canadian icon Gordon Pinsent, who left Newfoundland in the late 1940s to launch a storied, seven-decade career as one of the leading actors and most beloved figures in Canadian film and television.

Artie Shaw: Time Is All You've Got

Brigitte Berman

This in-depth examination of the life and career of clarinetist and bandleader Artie Shaw cuts between archival footage, location shots, and an interview with Shaw himself. Berman illustrates the tumultuous, complicated, and remarkable legacy of a man who brought numerous innovations to jazz and swing music during the big-band era.

Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist and Rebel

Brigitte Berman

Joan Baez, Pat Boone

A revealing look at the outspoken, flamboyant founder of the Playboy empire. With humor and insight, the film captures Hefner's fierce battles with the government, the religious right and militant feminists. Rare footage and compelling interviews with a remarkable who's who of 20th Century American pop culture, present a brilliant and entertaining snapshot of the life of an extraordinary man and the controversies that surrounded him.

Testing the Limits

Brigitte Berman

Scott Carson, Marc Robinson

Mike and Toni are on their way to the mountains for a romantic weekend, when their car breaks down. The couple take shelter in an empty cabin, unaware that it is being used by bisexual photographer Jan who is on an erotic shoot with model Kristin. Things get more complicated when Glen, a fashion editor, arrives. Soon inhibitions (and underwear) are being freely cast aside. But the lovers' reverie is broken when Kristin's psychotic boyfriend breaks in, seeking vengeance.

Hugh Hefner's After Dark: Speaking Out in America

Brigitte Berman

In 2009, veteran documentarian and filmmaker Brigitte Berman released Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist and Rebel, a film about the life and legacy of Hugh Hefner. Expanding on Hefner's influence not only as a celebrity figure but as a catalyst for social awareness, discussion and change, Berman continues to break new ground in Playboy: After Dark, Speaking Out in America. In this doc, Berman details the run and lasting influence of Hefner's two short-lived television shows Playboy: After Dark (1969-1970) and Playboy's Penthouse (1959-1960). Part entertainment segments, part talkshows, the programs featured numerous celebrity guests and covered a diverse range of subjects during their respective runs, including race, integration, environmental changes and free speech. With the story told through interviews and a collection of archived footage, this documentary makes it clear how and why both programs deserve their spots in television history.