X
  • 2022
  • Magnolia Pictures
  • 1 h 31 m
  • 2022
  • Magnolia Pictures
  • 1 h 31 m

Summary Focusing on unearthed military training footage of Army-built model towns called Riotsvilles, where military and police were trained to respond to civil disorder in the aftermath of the Kerner Commission created by President Lyndon B. Johnson, director Sierra Pettengill’s kaleidoscopic all-archival documentary reconstructs the formation ...

Directed By: Sierra Pettengill

Written By: Tobi Haslett

  • 2022
  • Magnolia Pictures
  • 1 h 31 m
  • 2022
  • Magnolia Pictures
  • 1 h 31 m

Riotsville, U.S.A.

Metascore Universal Acclaim Based on 18 Critic Reviews
must-see
82
User Score Mixed or Average Based on 5 User Ratings
5.2
My Score
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Where to Watch

Summary Focusing on unearthed military training footage of Army-built model towns called Riotsvilles, where military and police were trained to respond to civil disorder in the aftermath of the Kerner Commission created by President Lyndon B. Johnson, director Sierra Pettengill’s kaleidoscopic all-archival documentary reconstructs the formation ...

Directed By: Sierra Pettengill

Written By: Tobi Haslett

Where to Watch

Top Cast

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Universal Acclaim Based on 18 Critic Reviews
82
94% Positive
17 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
6% Negative
1 Review

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Universal Acclaim Based on 18 Critic Reviews
82
94% Positive
17 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
6% Negative
1 Review

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
91
Aug 25, 2022
[A] transfixing and troubling archival documentary.
By Susannah Gruder FULL REVIEW
90
Sep 17, 2022
Riotsville, U.S.A. brilliantly uses the aesthetic of its archival footage to not only place us in a historical era but also to inform, to critique state power.
By Ray Lobo FULL REVIEW
89
Oct 13, 2022
Riotsville, USA is a definitely worth your time and attention.
FULL REVIEW
85
Sep 15, 2022
In bold contrast to the flashier, more emotionally-charged documentaries of late, Riotsville, USA takes an approach more reminiscent of the PBS of old, or even C-SPAN, in the trust it places in the footage to tell the story.
By Ronda Racha Penrice FULL REVIEW
80
Mar 29, 2023
A shiver of disquiet runs right through it.
By Peter Bradshaw FULL REVIEW
80
Aug 25, 2022
Again and again, the bleak truth is driven home: this is the society America built. One where helpful solutions are ignored as unrealistic, and violent action reigns supreme. Riotsville is a dream; a nightmare. It's a movie backlot that doubles as a boot stomping on anyone who dares to dissent.
By Chris Evangelista FULL REVIEW
25
Aug 25, 2022
Somewhat ironically, like the social unrest that underpins much of the footage featured in Riotsville, U.S.A., the documentary is well-intentioned yet hampered by a lack of direction, clearly defined goals, and the support of a larger, established apparatus to lend it legitimacy.
By Warren Cantrell FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

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User Score
Mixed or Average Based on 5 User Ratings
5.2
40% Positive
2 Ratings
40% Mixed
2 Ratings
20% Negative
1 Rating

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Mixed or Average Based on 5 User Ratings
5.2
40% Positive
2 Ratings
40% Mixed
2 Ratings
20% Negative
1 Rating

There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.

Details

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Production Company Arch + Bow Films, Canal & the Gallery, Field of Vision (II), Haos Film, LinLay Productions, Trailer 9, XRM Media
Release Date Sep 16, 2022
Duration 1 h 31 m
Genres
Tagline Welcome to Riotsville, a fictional town built by the U.S. military. Using footage shot by the media and the government, the film explores the militarization of the police and the reaction of a nation to the uprisings of the late '60s, creating a counter-narrative to a critical moment in the country's history.
Website http://magpictures.com/riotsvilleusa/
View All Details

Awards

Critics' Choice Documentary Awards
• 2 Nominations
Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Torino Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination

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