Mondays

I am a little late in mentioning the terrific HBO Documentary Film Series, currently airing on Monday nights this summer. I believe the network started the series last summer, kicking off with the riveting doc, Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired, and happily, they brought the showcase back this year.

The '09 series opened with Teddy: In His Own Words, a revealing film about the life of Senator Ted Kennedy. His niece, celebrated documentary filmmaker Rory Kennedy, did not direct the film (as was previously noted) but did direct last season's portrait of White House correspondent Helen Thomas, entitled Thank You Mr. President ).

I am kicking back with some wine and tonight's film, The Nine Lives of Marion Barry. This should be good, as are all the films in the series. The esteemed Sheila Nevins and her team at HBO consistently do an outstanding job of selecting compelling films about the crazy thing we call life. I had the opportunity to attend a Q&A with her last year at the Los Angeles Film Festival - an entertaining peek into the mind and career of one of the most influential leaders in the documentary film world.

Finally, a reason to celebrate Mondays!