My first picks this week are from a new Rialto Channel series called Double Exposure, which brings you two complementary documentaries every Wednesday and Thursday at 8.30pm. It’s a fantastic new series with something for everyone, from sporting documentaries (One Night in Turin, Fire in Babylon) to documentaries on social media (Catfish, POM Wonderful Presents The Greatest Movie Ever Sold) and religious belief (Sons of Perdition, Fordson: Faith, Fasting, Football).

My first picks this week are from a new Rialto Channel series called Double Exposure, which brings you two complementary documentaries every Wednesday and Thursday at 8.30pm. It’s a fantastic new series with something for everyone, from sporting documentaries (One Night in Turin, Fire in Babylon) to documentaries on social media (Catfish, POM Wonderful Presents The Greatest Movie Ever Sold) and religious belief (Sons of Perdition, Fordson: Faith, Fasting, Football).

This week we begin in the world of art in media with Page One: Inside the New York Times on Wednesday evening (4^th July, 8.30pm), followed by the delightful Bill Cunningham New York on Thursday (5^th July, 8.30pm).

Page One: Inside the New York Times is the newspaper version of The September Issue. A documentary about the New York Times’ legacy, scandals (Judith Miller and Jayson Blair) and how it operates it is cleverly based inside the department that reports on the media. For those who still enjoy the tactile experience of holding a broadsheet in our hands each morning, it’s an insightful opportunity to observe the inner workings of this prestigious newspaper.

But what’s most relevant (in particular given the sweeping changes announced recently in the Australia newspaper industry and potential changes here in NZ) is the lively debate on the future of the newspaper. This is a hotly contested topic across departments within the New York Times as like other mainstream media they face challenges from the internet and advancing technology.

Then on Thursday you can meet one of the New York Times’ most charming, fascinating and, more than likely, oldest employees, Bill Cunningham, in director Richard Press’ documentary Bill Cunningham New York.

In his 80s and still going strong the New York Times legendary style and society photographer spends his days and nights riding his bicycle around the streets of New York snapping sharp dressers on the street and wealthy sharp dressers at charity soirees.

He’s an extraordinarily humble and private man who downplays his encyclopedic knowledge of fashion, impact on the fashion industry and remarkable work ethic. While Bill comes across as sweet and charming with his 35mm film camera, permanent smile and habit of calling everyone “kid” it becomes clear as the film progresses that he is utterly unique, a genuine character and one of life’s real good guys.  

Also this week, if you’re concerned about your children and what they get up to on the internet then Friends actor-turned-director David Schwimmer’s film Trust (Saturday 7^th July, 8.30pm) won’t make you feel any better! It’s a gut-wrenching drama about a family devastated by a sexual crime committed against their 14-year-old daughter Annie, (Liana Liberato) abused by a man she meets on the internet.

Catherine Keener and Clive Owen star as Annie’s parents, and as much as the subject matter is at times hard to watch their performances are compelling. Starring in her first film, Schwimmer has also discovered an exciting new talent in the young Liberato.

Enjoy.