The documentary 'White Hot: The Rise and Fall Of Abercrombie and Fitch' directed by Alison Klayman, available on Netflix, explores the history of the clothing brand Abercrombie and Fitch. It highlights the brand's rise to popularity and its subsequent decline, touching on issues like exclusionary practices and toxic corporate culture. The film attempts to balance nostalgia with critical examination but falls short of deep investigative journalism. It includes references to Jeffrey Epstein and mentions other Netflix documentaries. The review is mixed, noting both the documentary's appeal to nostalgia and its failure to fully address serious issues.

Almost a year after arriving in the US, Guangcheng faces allegations that NYU is trying to sever ties with him due to pressure from the Chinese Communist Party. NYU accuses right-wing political forces of misleading Guangcheng, leading to a messy situation. Eventually, Guangcheng's journey leads him to support Trump for reelection in 2020.

Following a tense negotiation between the US and China, Guangcheng arrives in the United States to a hero’s welcome. He gives speeches, wins awards, and tries to adjust to life in New York, hosted by NYU. However, cracks start to emerge beneath the glamorous facade.

Guangcheng is kidnapped and imprisoned by Chinese authorities, transforming him into a symbol of dissent in China and globally. After years of detention, he plans an escape, seeking help to regain his freedom.

The author, Alison Klayman, discusses her motivations for creating the documentary 'The Brink,' which follows Steve Bannon's efforts to unite the far-right globally. Drawing from her family's Holocaust history, Klayman explores the human capacity for evil and the disturbing parallels between current events and the 1930s-40s. The narrative delves into Bannon's unsettling views and actions, highlighting the dangers of normalizing hate and xenophobia.

Azuma Makoto, a Japanese botanical artist, is the focus of Alison Klayman's documentary 'Flower Punk.' Known for his avant-garde floral sculptures, Makoto's work includes launching floral arrangements into the stratosphere and submerging them deep in the sea. Initially a punk musician, Makoto found his calling in floral art, eventually gaining recognition in the fashion world with installations for brands like Fendi, Hermès, and Dries Van Noten. The documentary highlights Makoto's struggle to capture the fleeting beauty of life through his art.

The documentary 'The Brink' by Alison Klayman follows Steve Bannon post-White House as he promotes economic nationalism and influences right-wing politics globally. Despite his controversial reputation, Bannon is portrayed as a complex figure with a mix of charm and contentious actions. The film provides unprecedented access to Bannon's personal and professional life, though it stops short of being a complete hatchet job. The documentary concludes with the 2018 mid-term elections, suggesting Bannon's continued influence despite setbacks.

The public debate on sexual assault on college campuses often centers on consent, but this Op-Doc video addresses the aftermath of assault findings, criticizing lenient punishments like those at Brown University, where a student found responsible for sexual assault was allowed to return to campus. The video argues for more severe consequences and provides historical context, referencing a 1990 incident at Brown known as the 'Date Rape List' and the need for universities to handle these cases effectively.

The public debate on sexual assault on college campuses often centers on the definition of 'consent,' but this Op-Doc video addresses the aftermath when a university finds a student responsible for sexual misconduct. Highlighting a case at Brown University where a student found responsible for sexual assault was allowed to return to campus, the video argues for more severe punishments that reflect the offense's gravity. It also provides historical context by referencing a 1990 incident at Brown known as the 'Date Rape List' and calls for universities to handle these cases more thoroughly.

The article discusses the handling of sexual assault cases on college campuses, focusing on the inadequacy of punishments for offenders. It highlights a case at Brown University where a student found responsible for sexual misconduct was allowed to return to campus, and compares it to other lenient punishments at a Virginia school. The piece argues for more severe punishments and criticizes the current approach of universities handling such cases internally. It also references a 2005 documentary co-directed by the authors that covered similar issues.

Shen Yitong, originally from China, embraced Egypt as her second home while studying French at Cairo University. The 2011 Egyptian revolution impacted the Chinese expat community, including Shen, who later pursued a Master's degree in Paris. A short film captures her life in Cairo, highlighting her friendship with Asma El Nagar, an Egyptian who works for a Chinese company and studied Mandarin. Their bond is showcased through shared meals and conversations, reflecting the cultural and personal ties between Chinese expats and Egypt.

Nadezhda Popova, a member of the all-female 588th Night Bomber Regiment of the Soviet Air Force, was among the world's first female combat flight pilots. Known as the Night Witches, they flew close to the ground at night with engines off to hit targets, a tactic that earned them their nickname. This short film is part of a series commissioned by the magazine's editors in collaboration with The Times's Op-Docs team.

The article commemorates Nadezhda Popova, a member of the Soviet Union's all-female 588th Night Bomber Regiment, known as the Night Witches, who passed away in July. The Night Witches were the world's first female combat flight pilots, using stealth tactics against German forces during World War II. The piece reflects on the fairy-tale quality of their story and the matter-of-factness with which these women viewed their service. It also discusses the historical marginalization of women's combat roles post-war and the gradual policy changes in the United States Air Force, including the lifting of the ban on women flying fighter jets and bombers in 1993 and the end of the ground combat exclusion rule announced by former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta.

The article commemorates Nadezhda Popova, a member of the Soviet Union's all-female 588th Night Bomber Regiment, known as the Night Witches. It highlights their significant yet underrecognized contributions during World War II and discusses the broader context of women in combat roles, including changes in U.S. military policies. The narrative is enriched by a short film created in collaboration with animator Dustin Grella, emphasizing the fairy-tale quality of the Night Witches' story while acknowledging the harsh realities of war.

The article commemorates Nadezhda Popova, a member of the Soviet Union's all-female 588th Night Bomber Regiment, known as the Night Witches. It highlights their significant yet underrecognized contributions during World War II and discusses the broader context of women in combat roles, including recent changes in U.S. military policy. The narrative is enriched by a short film created by Dustin Grella, emphasizing the fairy-tale quality of the Night Witches' story and reflecting on the cultural and historical perceptions of women in the military.

In New York City, a gay-friendly city with legalized gay marriage, a same-sex couple, Nick Porto and Kevin Atkins, were attacked in broad daylight outside Madison Square Garden. The assailants, wearing Knicks jerseys, hurled homophobic slurs and inflicted injuries including a torn ligament and a broken nose. This incident reflects a troubling rise in antigay hate crimes in the city, with a 70 percent increase reported by the NYPD compared to the previous year. The production team of the video documenting this story also experienced intolerance, observing both negative reactions and support from the public.

In New York City, a gay-friendly city with legalized gay marriage, a same-sex couple, Nick Porto and Kevin Atkins, were attacked in broad daylight outside Madison Square Garden. The assailants, wearing Knicks jerseys, hurled homophobic slurs and inflicted injuries including a torn ligament and a broken nose. This incident reflects a troubling rise in antigay hate crimes in the city, with a 70 percent increase reported by the NYPD compared to the previous year. The production team of the video documenting this story also experienced intolerance, observing both negative reactions and support from the public.

New York, despite its reputation as a gay-friendly city, still harbors dangers for same-sex couples. On May 5, 2013, Nick Porto and Kevin Atkins were attacked outside Madison Square Garden, highlighting a rise in antigay hate crimes in the city. The New York Police Department reported a 70 percent increase in such crimes by late May compared to the previous year. The video production team also experienced intolerance during filming, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ community.

Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry is a documentary directed by Alison Klayman that explores the life and activism of Chinese artist Ai Weiwei. The film highlights Weiwei's artistic achievements and his bold stance against the Chinese government's censorship and human rights abuses. It covers his involvement in the Sichuan Earthquake Names Project, his criticism of the Beijing Olympics, and his use of social media to organize resistance. The documentary also touches on Weiwei's personal history, including his father's persecution and his own experiences in New York. Despite not delving deeply into Weiwei's personal life, the film is an inspiring portrayal of an artist willing to risk his safety for his beliefs.

Ai Weiwei, a prominent Chinese artist and dissident, has faced significant risks and government repression due to his outspoken criticism of the Chinese government and his use of the Internet to share his views. Despite being detained and fined, Ai Weiwei continues to inspire others with his commitment to individual freedom and independent thinking. His arrest and subsequent release highlight the ongoing struggle for human rights and freedom of expression in China.

Ai Weiwei, a prominent Chinese artist and dissident, has faced significant risks and repercussions for his outspoken criticism of the Chinese government. His use of the Internet to share his views and investigate sensitive issues, such as the Sichuan earthquake, led to his detention in 2011 on charges of tax evasion. Despite international outcry and his eventual release, Ai Weiwei continues to face restrictions and fines. His actions have inspired other artists and activists in China, highlighting the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression and human rights in the country.

The documentary 'Who's Afraid of Ai Weiwei?' provides an intimate look at Ai Weiwei, an artist often likened to China's Andy Warhol. Utilizing his global fame, Ai Weiwei employs video and a burgeoning underground Twitter presence to challenge the limits of freedom in contemporary China.