Projects in categories: Documentary

Synopsis

Different forms of communication are explored when a filmmaker attempts to find the name of a dead person they discovered behind their flat in Glasgow.

Synopsis

Historical Fact and Historical Fantasy collide… This film observes the coming inauguration of millionaire landowner Mike Buchanan, the newly confirmed Buchanan Clan Highland Chief, his wife Lady Paula, and teenage family - the first in 300 years. Join the film in real ‘Outlander’ style as the Buchanans travel to a Highland Games in America, then attract tartan enthusiasts from around the world to Scotland, drawn by the power of connection. For one, Mexican Pedro Buchanan, and two American sisters, feelings of the ‘motherland’ are stirred. Mike’s ambitious wife Paula is planning the inaugural three-day bonanza of tartan, and ceremonial regalia on their magnificent estate. She was the driving force behind Mike’s claim to the title and is now the chief architect of his ‘coronation’ (well, much of it, when an ancient source can’t be found). Ceremony and ritual are unashamedly being invented. A hidden world of British wealth and privilege unfolds as the family, uncover and invent fresh entitlements the new role brings.. revealing not only whether they can pull off this massive event, but also how History is made, and who makes it, raising important questions around class, national identity, history values and traditions, and the place of ‘Clans’ in the modern world.

Synopsis

Are scientists doing enough to sound the alarm about climate breakdown? When the UK government pledges to "max out" oil and gas extraction, the lives of psychology professor Colin, microbiologist Abi and ecologist Aaron collide outside the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), where they and six others are arrested for causing alleged criminal damage. But who are the real climate criminals? As restrictions on protest tighten, will scientists retreat to their laboratories or will more stand up than ever before? A window into the world of reluctant activism, PLAN Z explores the moral power of protest when established routes of influence fail.

Synopsis

STREETS OF CHANGE VR is a powerful virtual reality experience that brings to light the often-overlooked realities of street homelessness, challenging the stigma and stereotypes through storytelling. Rooted in real lived experiences, the film humanises rough sleepers through three intimate character stories, revealing their resilience and the harsh truths of life on the streets. Through hyper-realism, spoken word poetry, and immersive storytelling, STREETS OF CHANGE VR explores a narrative of poverty, addiction, and mental health with honesty and emotional depth. By placing viewers in the shoes of those experiencing homelessness, STREETS OF CHANGE VR aims to foster empathy, break down prejudice, and invites urgent conversations about inequality. STREETS OF CHANGE VR is a call to action amid a growing global homelessness crisis.

Synopsis

Black history and modern-day architecture intertwine in a meditative new film about Manchester. Created by the visionary British artist and filmmaker Jenn Nkiru, THE GREAT NORTH pays homage to the people and cultures that make up a city. Taking Manchester’s industrial history as a starting point, THE GREAT NORTH moves through the city’s Black communities and spaces – from living rooms in Moss Side to social clubs and community centres in Hulme. THE GREAT NORTH is the story of Manchester told through its Black, Asian and Irish communities, spanning outwards to the North of England and the rest of the world. Official Selection International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) 2025 Official Selection BlackStar Film Festival 2025

Synopsis

This film captures a day-in-the-life of a spear fisherman. Set against the vibrant canvas of daily life in St.George's, Grenada, starting in Melville Street Fish Market, and ending at the Carenage before sunset. Fisherman Ryan Andrews explains recent changes and challenges to the fishing industry as Grenada's environment evolves, gently reminding us of the delicate balance between industry and nature.

Synopsis

A documentary about a filmmaker’s journey as he evaluates the meaning, connotation, challenges and impact of his name “Akinkunmi” which means "I am filled with bravery" in his Yoruba language. His interview with individuals from around the world on names relating to religion, culture, the legal aspects, brand popularity, and the filmmaker’s family background would also help him decide whether to keep his name, or change it.

Synopsis

A moving look at John Lennon and Yoko Ono's life upon their entry into a transformative 1970s New York, exploring their musical, personal, artistic, social, and political world. At the core of the story are the One to One Concerts, John Lennon’s only full-length performances after The Beatles, accompanied by Yoko Ono, The Plastic Ono Band, Elephant’s Memory and Special Guests. With remixed concert audio produced by Sean Ono Lennon, the film features newly transferred and restored footage, as well as a wealth of previously unseen and unheard personal archives, such as phone calls and home movies recorded and filmed by John and Yoko themselves. Official Selection Venice Film Festival 2024 - World premiere Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2024 Official Selection IDFA (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam) 2024 Official Selection Sundance Film Festival 2025 Official Selection CPH:DOX 2025

Synopsis

Set in a brutal, totalitarian future world, director Asif Kapadia draws on science fiction as a lens through which "to examine the huge questions we are facing as a species" in the hope that society may find solutions before extinction. Inspired by Chris Marker’s 1962 film LA JETÉE, Kapadia's hybrid documentary drama delivers an unsettling commentary on the state of the world today… and tomorrow. Official Selection Venice Film Festival 2024 - World premiere Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2024

Synopsis

Fifty years after THE WICKER MAN, director Robin Hardy’s lost papers come to his filmmaker son Justin. Enlisting his brother Dominic, they journey to discover the complex nature of independent filmmaking and fatherhood. Justin’s view of the film is tainted because it robbed him of his father, home and mother; Dominic is more distanced, his experience relating to its subsequent cult status. But what was Robin’s creative contribution to the iconic shocker? Fans may not always like what the brothers find but will come closer to understanding the evolution of a fantasy classic and the maverick director behind it. Official Selection FrightFest 2024 - Word premiere

Synopsis

The story of Scottish pop music from the 1960s onwards told by the visionary women who got on stage and made music together. We discover the little-known role that women played in Scotland's emerging music scenes through interviewing those who tried to break the glass ceiling, from the vocal harmony groups of the sixties to DIY indie-fanzine-inspired groups of the 90s, as well as activists, artists, and experts. Weaving together personal anecdotes with a scrapbook audio-visual aesthetic, as the film takes us through each decade, a colourful mixtape is formed spanning multiple musical genres. Narrated by award-winning musician Carla J. Easton, a former member of the girl band Teen Canteen, the film takes a critical look at the barriers women have faced making music in the past, and still face today. It asks how we can inspire young women to make music, if those who do so are continuously erased from our cultural history. Official Selection Edinburgh International Film Festival 2024 - World premiere

Synopsis

An animated documentary, telling the story of Katie who found empowerment, friendship, and healing by plunging into into frigid waters of the North Sea. Addressing themes of isolation and connection, mental health, wellbeing, and climate change, Katie's story relates the physical and mental benefits of cold-water swimming. Official Selection Edinburgh International Film Festival 2024 - World premiere