‘A Ghost Story’, ‘The Incomparable Rose Hartman’, ‘City of Ghosts’
A Ghost Story (A24 Films) originally released in limited theatrical run in July 2017 after its Sundance premiere.
A Ghost Story sees a white-sheeted ghost return to his suburban home to console his bereft wife, only to discover he’s become unstuck in time. Forced to watch on passively as the life he knew slowly slips away, the ghost embarks on a cosmic journey through memory and history, confronting life’s ineffable questions and the enormity of existence. The film, directed by David Lowery (Ain’t Them Bodies Saints), is pegged as a “singular exploration of legacy, loss, and the essential human longing for meaning”. Stars Academy Award-winner Casey Affleck (Manchester by the Sea) and Academy Award-nominee Rooney Mara (Carol).
Streaming and Home Viewing Availability
All five titles have moved from limited theatrical runs to streaming and VOD platforms over nearly a decade. A Ghost Story remains available on Apple TV and other services. The Incomparable Rose Hartman and Man Underground appear on Apple TV. City of Ghosts and The Rehearsal carry digital availability following their festival and theatrical windows.
Legacy and Awards Recognition
A Ghost Story earned awards at the Deauville American Film Festival and holds strong critic scores on Rotten Tomatoes. Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered Silently received the CPJ International Press Freedom Award in 2015 and the Civil Courage Prize in 2016. These honors reflect continued attention to the films and the subjects they portray.
Director Reflections and Interviews
In a 2025 interview, David Lowery described A Ghost Story as his most personal film and a labor of love made with an unpaid cast and crew that included Affleck and Mara. The comments underscore the intimate scale behind a project that has maintained a dedicated following.
Subject Updates: Photographers and Activists
Rose Hartman, born in 1937, continues photography work with new book projects noted in recent years. Members of Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered Silently documented abuses during and after ISIS control and received international awards for their bravery. Their ongoing record keeps the documentary’s material relevant.
The Incomparable Rose Hartman (Gravitas Ventures) originally released in limited theatrical run.
In his directorial debut, Otis Mass delivers an intimate portrait of the life of Rose Hartman, a long-time documenter of New York City’s nightlife scene. With a career that spans decades, Hartman’s uncanny ability to capture celebrities, designers, socialites, and artists – from Bianca Jagger to Andy Warhol – during their most candid moments has allowed her to build an almost unparalleled body of work. Mass promises Hartman’s “work will draw you in” and that The Incomparable Rose Hartman will allow us all to “understand this force of nature”.
City of Ghosts (Amazon Studios / IFC Films) originally released in limited theatrical run.
Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Matthew Heineman (Cartel Land) delivers a “singularly powerful cinematic experience”, promising to shake viewers to their very core with City of Ghosts. The documentary follows the journey of Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently – a group of anonymous activists who banded together after their homeland was overtaken by ISIS in 2014. With unprecedented access to the group of citizen journalists, Heineman uncovers the realities of life undercover, on the run, and in exile, as they stand up against one of the greatest evils in the world today. The collective received the CPJ International Press Freedom Award and the Civil Courage Prize for its reporting.
The Rehearsal (Footprint Films) originally released in limited theatrical run.
The Rehearsal follows Stanley, a naive drama student, as he finds himself in morally tricky territory when his theatre group hits on a sex scandal involving his girlfriend’s sister. Spurred on by a charismatic and domineering head of acting, Stanley soon finds himself forced to confront the boundaries between private & public, fact & fantasy, and real & performed as his world begins to dissolve around him. Directed by Alison Maclean (Crush), the film is based on the novel of the same name by Eleanor Catton. Stars James Rolleston (The Dark Horse), Kerry Fox (Shallow Grave), Ella Edward (The Changeover), and Alice Englert (Beautiful Creatures).
Man Underground (Indican Pictures) originally released in limited theatrical run.
Man Underground follows Willem Koda, a retired geologist and alien conspiracy theorist, as he struggles to find an audience for his controversial beliefs. However, as he strikes up a friendship with local waitress and budding actress Flossie and amateur filmmaker Todd, he sees an opportunity to make a low-budget film about his life. As production begins, Flossie and Todd watch on as Willem confronts both his past and future. The directorial debut from Michael Borowiec and Sam Marine stars George Basil (Crashing), Pamela Fila (Past Present Future), and Andy Rocco (Pearl: The Assassin).
These five films continue to circulate through streaming catalogs, festival revivals, and critical conversations, keeping their original stories accessible to new viewers while preserving the record of their 2016 and 2017 releases.
