New to streaming this week

Rats in the Ranks (27 May)

This remarkable 1996 film takes a behind-locked-doors look at how politicians get the numbers. Every September, Sydney’s Leichhardt Council elects its mayor. Incumbent Larry Hand was popular with citizenry, but they don’t vote for the position of mayor – the 12 councillors do – and after three years of Larry some of them are after his job. Directed by Bob Connolly and Robin Anderson.

Facing the Music (27 May)

In their fifth major film together, acclaimed documentary makers Bob Connolly and Robin Anderson step inside the halls of Sydney University’s Music Department, where sublime music is being made in a setting that’s far from serene.

Read: How much is streaming costing you? Australian price guide 2024

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AFTRS Shorts (20 May)

Six of Australia’s finest emerging documentary filmmakers present new works that span diverse stories including the pro-life movement; migrant mothers; the Australian poet Robert Adamson; and one man’s mission to teach a million people how to perform CPR.

Read: Energy, climate and corporate ties in Australian documentary

For Sama (23 May)

This Oscar-nominated documentary follows one woman’s journey through love, motherhood, war and survival during the Syrian conflict.

Kash Kash (23 May)

A portrait of Beirut, and its surprising community of pigeon lovers.

For a complete guide to the month, see DocPlay: new films streaming in May 2024.