Where are the Repertory Documentary Screenings?

If repertory film screenings have revitalized art-houses across the country, galvanizing young audiences with retro film events on celluloid and creating a whole new generation of habitual moviegoers, why isn’t the industry doing the same thing with nonfiction? Sure, there have been a few touring retros of legendary documentary auteurs (such as career retros of Frederick Wiseman and Gianfranco Rosi) or an occasional restoration (Barbara Kopple’s 1990 film “American Dream” is playing around now in 4K). But in these dire authoritarian times, why aren’t independent theaters doing regular “Docactivist” nights or showing nonfiction masterpieces, bringing classic docs and local experts together to present a film—and an issue—to activate, illuminate, and entertain their communities with the power of real stories and real people?

1. Repertory Docs

That’s one of my big takeaways from this year’s Doc10 film festival, where in …