Projects in categories: Documentary

Synopsis

Charting the phenomenal journey that took Manchester band Oasis from releasing their first single in 1994, to record-breaking sell-out shows at Knebworth Park in 1996, where the band played to 125,000 fans per night. The story of one of the UK's biggest bands, told in all their intense and volatile glory, using rare and unseen material and exclusive interviews. "The funny thing is, after all that fucking mouthing off about how we were going to be the biggest band in the world, we actually went and did it...and it was a piece of piss" Noel Gallagher

Synopsis

A feature length film exploring themes of identity, culture and the construction of history. Shot on 35mm film in various Californian deserts that provide a stage in which to re-enact the negotiations of an archaeologist from Cairo with a members of tribe who guard ancient culture hidden in tombs lost in the desert. The scenario for the film was adapted from the 1969 Egyptian film 'A Night of Counting the Years' directed by Shadi Abdel Salam, creating a layered story that echoes from ancient Egypt to the diversity of desert ecology and recent archaeological digs for lost Hollywood film sets. Working in collaboration with the musician and composer Tom Challenger a new choral composition was created and recorded for the film, drawing on traditional and modern acoustic techniques to reflect the shifting sands of the desert landscapes.

Synopsis

Fascinated by Japanese woodblock prints and Japanese culture, an artist is compelled to travel to the Japan of his dreams, where his drawings, paintings and thoughts will be transformed, forever. 'A Single Blade of Grass' is based entirely on the letters of Vincent van Gogh.

Synopsis

Transcending a portrait of place, the quiet, eternal rhythms of the small fishing cove Penberth are caught, landed and served up in this stark and gentle handcrafted celluloid poem.

Synopsis

A tattoo artist in Lagos has found his niche tattooing mens' lips pink, because many believe it makes them more acceptable to society.

Synopsis

Neculai, Aurel and Raj all left their homes in Romania to seek a better life for their family. Now, with their loved ones depending on them, they survive by creating sand sculptures on London’s streets, while thoughts of their children's futures keep them going.

Synopsis

An exploration into the material agency of images and of forms. Shot on the volcanic island of Lanzarote, the film’s images are eruptions willed into existence by the creative act of the molten rock, the amorphous landscape dissolving subjectivity into itself.

Synopsis

Sergei Polunin, a young Ukrainian boy, joined the UK's prestigious Royal Ballet at the age of 13 and became a principal at 19. Polunin was the youngest-ever star of the Royal Ballet, but in January 2012 he took the dramatic decision to walk away from his classical ballet career. An immersive personal portrait of the controversial ballet superstar directed by Oscar-nominated Steven Cantor, with stunning clips from visionary director and photographer David LaChapelle and Emmy-award winner Ross MacGibbon. Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2016 - Thrill Strand

Synopsis

When volcanoes exploded in the past, they helped shape us as a species. From our earliest ancestors to travellers battling with the effects of ash clouds on airline flights, our evolutionary destiny has been played out in the shadow of volcanoes. One day in the future there will be another super-eruption like the one that triggered the last ice age. In this global odyssey Werner Herzog explores why, where and how our lives are inextricably linked with the most destructive and creative force on Earth. Teaming up with the world’s leading volcanologist, Clive Oppenheimer, to bring the story of the relationship between volcanoes, our planet and human society. Official Selection Toronto International Film Festival 2016 - TIFF Docs

Synopsis

Following The Rolling Stones’ tour of early 2016 through 10 Latin American cities as the band attempt to pull off a once in a lifetime open air concert in Havana, Cuba. A road movie that celebrates the revolutionary power of Rock n Roll - exhilarating and exploratory, the film chronicles the tour, local culture and unique bond that exists between the Latin American people and The Rolling Stones. The film combines electrifying live performance footage with intimate insight into the world of The Rolling Stones. A portrait of a band still at the very top of their game, a gang that have seen it all but remain as hungry as ever to break new ground. Official Selection Toronto International Film Festival 2016 - Gala Presentations - World premiere

Synopsis

Everyone thinks Brian Epstein walked into The Cavern Club on Mathew Street one afternoon and discovered The Beatles — a raw, unpolished, amateur band in a dingy basement club in Liverpool England. While Epstein did make The Beatles famous worldwide, he didn’t 'discover' them. Beatlemania was born long before Epstein came on the scene. The Beatles were already the number one standout group in Liverpool’s massive Merseybeat scene drawing thousands of screaming fans to their shows. The Merseybeat movement started with the help of the ingenuity of a number of local promoters, lead by the infamous Sixth Beatle, Sam Leach. This is his story, for without him, there may have never been a Beatles. Official Selection Toronto International Film Festival 2016 - TIFF Docs - World premiere

Synopsis

A small group of volunteer heroes, the White Helmets defy death, dodging bombs and sniper fire, to rescue Syrians from the bombs that fall incessantly on their towns and cities. However, after three years and with no end in sight, even the heroes may need to be saved. Official Selection Toronto International Film Festival 2016 - Short Cuts