25 classic nonfiction features were named today to the Cinema Eye Honors annual list of The Influentials: films that inspired the directors of the documentaries that are eligible for the 2016 awards.
“Each year, we ask filmmakers to name the classic documentaries that were on their minds while they were working on their films,” said Cinema Eye Lead Producer Will Lennon. “This is not a “best of” list, but, perhaps as importantly, a list of work that inspires and retains its vitality to today’s filmmakers.”
Among the films on this year’s films list are five that have been named Cinema Eye Legacy Award winners: Sherman’s March (2010), Grey Gardens (2011), Titticut Follies (2012), Harlan County USA (2014) and Paris is Burning (2015). Several films are making their first appearance on the list this year, including Ross McElwee’s Six O’Clock News, Steve James’ Stevie, Marlon Riggs’ Tongues Tied and Frederick Wiseman’s Welfare.
This is the third year that Cinema Eye Honors has announced The Influentials, although the group has been surveying filmmakers for several years. More than 70 of this year’s eligible filmmakers submitted their votes.