Projects in categories: Documentary

Synopsis

Every day, thousands of dairy calves are separated from their mothers at birth. A DAIRY STORY follows Wilma and David Finlay as they risk everything to find a way to keep dairy cows and their calves together. Filmed over two years, we see Wilma and David’s determination to reinvent dairy farming; challenging industry norms by putting nature and animal welfare first. Their path wasn’t easy. They faced criticism and ridicule from their intensive dairy neighbours and almost went bankrupt proving it could work. When Wilma receives a terminal cancer diagnosis, their mission to encourage wider industry adoption of their cow-with-calf system takes on new urgency. This documentary addresses themes of connection and mortality, and topics of animal sentience, the environment and system change. Following calves from birth to weaning, we see the herd's profound capacity for maternal care. It introduces us to Lancashire farmers who have been inspired by Rainton farm and follows David to London as he contributes to the UK Climate Change Committee. A DAIRY STORY shows how changing a farming system changes everything; from the lives of the animals to the wellbeing of the farmers, and perhaps even the future of dairy farming itself.

Synopsis

Finding beauty in the ordinary, Liverpool takes centre stage in this year-in-the-life documentary portrait. ​ Communities and voices are observed from a fresh perspective as the city navigates through an eventful year. Mirroring the ebb and flow of the River Mersey, LIVERPOOL STORY is an intimate document of daily life, observing the city and its people over the passing seasons.

Synopsis

The story of working-class women who, during the 1984–85 Miners' Strike, found themselves at the forefront of a battle against the British state. From Scotland down to Kent, women from the coalfields shed light on their experiences of the year long struggle, and how they became the backbone of the Strike. With many still active today, their actions reshaped the landscape of political activism for working-class women.

Synopsis

Locked and loaded with film tape, a man explores an abandoned rave house, once known as The Warehouse, that was once the beating heart of the South West’s clubland.

Synopsis

The story of George J. Mitchell, a working-class boy from Maine who would become the majority leader of the US Senate and one of the most respected political negotiators and leaders of his generation. From the basketball court of Bowdoin College to the streets of Berlin as a counterintelligence agent, Mitchell tells his incredible story in his own words. Filmed in his home state of Maine across the summer of 2023, this documentary showcases a problem solver who has worked across the worlds of politics, baseball, and business with an unending passion for understanding through dialogue in his country and around the world, working to bring peace to Northern Ireland.

Synopsis

This archival documentary traces the rise and fall of Richard Nixon and the death of the American dream, from the presidential primaries of 1968 through the Watergate break-in of June 1972 and Nixon’s resignation two years later, killing trust in the political process and the American presidency in the wake of the Vietnam War. Narrated by Harry Shearer (This is Spinal Tap), the film tells the untold story of the Watergate burglars, based on director Shane O’Sullivan’s book on the subject, and explores representations of the Nixon years in popular culture, using the music, commercials, and cinema of the era to evoke the fevered political landscape and the culture wars between Nixon’s silent majority and the radical anti-war left. How MEDIUM COOL, LION’S LOVE and SHAMPOO reflect on the political events of 1968; and how paranoid thrillers like THE CONVERSATION, TAXI DRIVER and ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN can be read in the context of the Watergate break-in and investigation which followed.

Synopsis

Revealing the inner world and outer life of Irvine Welsh, one of the most original and controversial writers of our times. Over four decades across novels, screenplays, and as a forthright, opinionated and outspoken media presence, the 'Trainspotting' author has both celebrated and defined contemporary society and culture, whilst simultaneously exposing all of their many flaws. In this intimate and personal documentary we meet the acclaimed writer at a crossroads, acutely aware of his mortality and accepting that his hedonistic days are drawing to a close, but still very much committed to new avenues of creativity and discovery. On a book tour in Canada, Welsh chooses to explore the boundaries of consciousness by taking DMT at a Toronto drug therapy centre. The resulting hallucinogenic trip, illustrated within a kaleidoscopic imagined memory space, is interspersed with candid observational footage, cinematic archive, and novel excerpts to create a captivating piece of autobiographical cinema that gets to the beating heart of one of Scotland’s most vital creative voices. Official Selection Edinburgh International Film Festival 2025 - World premiere

Synopsis

A time capsule from the underground. NOVA 78 resurrects the electrifying Nova Convention of 1978 featuring never-before-seen footage of William Burroughs, Frank Zappa, Patti Smith and other icons restored over a decade in the UK and reimagined as a cinematic event for today’s audiences. Official Selection Locarno Film Festival 2025 - World premiere

Synopsis

An experimental feature film that dives into the murky waters of memory. The filmmaker's daughter Eden, dressed as Dorothy, walks a path of recollection but she does not walk alone. On her journey she is accompanied by workers from a factory that produces memory. Official Selection Edinburgh International Film Festival 2025 - World premiere

Synopsis

OUR LAND dares to tread where few have trespassed before. The film seamlessly juxtaposes the two sides of the debate around our access to nature, giving voice to the different perspectives - those fighting for greater access to the countryside and the landowners who claim to be stewards of the land. Blending history with an eye on the future, Our Land cuts through the conflict, exploring the complex issues of access, custodianship, and conservation. With stunning visuals and gripping narratives from both sides of the fence, the film challenges the age-old beliefs that have shaped our relationship with the land for over a thousand years. As the battle for nature continues on, who truly has the right to roam? Official Selection Sheffield DocFest 2025 - World premiere

Synopsis

Jessi moves to Folkestone's white cliffs; a crucible for debates on what English identity means as refugees cross daily from France. But the film Jessi thinks she’s making, about impossible social and psychological divisions, is changed by her new neighbours, who embody hope for a country of messy inclusivity. Official Selection Sheffield DocFest 2025 - World premiere

Synopsis

Novelty pop band Black Lace are responsible for creating 'Agadoo', the worst record in history (as voted for by music journalists). The track was banned by the BBC for not being "credible", yet was still massively popular. But at peak fame Black Lace’s rapid success unravelled - and a disgraced member vanished - Enter young Dene Michael to save the day. 40 years later, after a decade living and working in Benidorm, Dene's still carrying the novelty fame, driving a clapped-out Volkswagen Up into the most deprived areas of the UK. On tours Dene's always accompanied by his biggest fan Anne, his 89-year-old mother. Unable to fly, Anne's asked Dene to drive her back to Benidorm for a last goodbye. However, the mother and son nostalgia trip has been upended by Dene's unexpected new relationship. Hayley, an 'Agadoo' superfan, has fallen in love with her ageing idol and is joining them on this Spanish adventure. Dene is placing his bets on recording a new 'hit' record. But who needs an overweight pensioner in a loud pineapple emblazoned shirt and oversized red spectacles? Apparently, many do! Agadoo doo Official Selection Sheffield DocFest 2025 - World premiere