DirecTV, Brainstorm Media partner on doc series

September 7, 2012 by Kelly Anderson

A series of socially conscious docs including Battle for Brooklyn (pictured) and Big Boys Gone Bananas* will air monthly on DirecTV, presented in association with Brainstorm Media.

Launching in October, “Something to Talk About” is a DirecTV 12-part series focuses on broadcasting socially and culturally relevant documentaries.

Beginning in late September, certain cities will also screen the films theatrically, while in select locations, live discussions will follow the screenings.

The series launches on October 20 at 9 p.m. EST/PST with the broadcast premiere of Battle for Brooklyn, a doc on the fight waged by owners and residents who are getting removed from their property for a project to build 16 skyscrapers and an arena for the New Jersey Nets in Brooklyn. Directed by Mike Galinsky, the film was the product of seven years of filming and will open theatrically on September 25, just before the arena, Barclay’s Center, opens.

Big Boys Gone Bananas* is the second film in the series, and airs on December 1 at 9 p.m. EST/PST. The doc follows the legal and public relations battle between Swedish documentary filmmaker Fredrik Gertten and the Dole Food Company resulting from Gertten’s film BANANAS!*.

Each documentary will include a hosted introduction and will conclude with a filmmaker interview that provides an update on the current state of the documentary’s central issue. The films will also be available on DirecTV on Demand, DirecTV Everywhere, and on home video.

“Our team has been perfecting this idea for the past few years and we are thrilled that DirecTV has come on board. With their commitment to documentaries, their sophisticated audience and their willingness to support the filmmakers and movies, we couldn’t be happier,” said Meyer Shwarzstein, president of Brainstorm Media.

Tags: Battle for Brooklyn, BIG BOYS GONE BANANAS!*, Brainstorm Media, DirecTV, Something to Talk About