Projects in categories: Documentary

Synopsis

Focusing on the work of Carol Buckley (Elephant Aid International (EAI) and her team, who aims to enhance captive elephant welfare in Nepal showing, by gentle persuasion and example, that there is a better way to treat elephants in human captivity. Buckley's is a phased, pragmatic approach to change attitudes; encouraging co-operation, not a confrontation between Nepalese elephant handlers (mahouts) and their ‘essential’ elephant assets, upon which the mahouts rely to sustain themselves in an environment bereft of other options. Buckley promotes co-operation between man and elephant by positive reinforcement, not dominance and cruelty – indeed a better way. The film posits, that as we should all know, working in co-operation will always yield a better longer-term result for all parties concerned, engendering mutual respect and loyalty. And yet, dominance, intimidation, threats and violence yields results of a different kind - breeding contempt, duress, leading ultimately to the mental and physical destruction of the abused party. The human abuser can also become conflicted with shame and a need for atonement, but with some are sadly lacking any such compassion of course.

Synopsis

A personal insight into the changing relationship between a young woman and her transgender parent. Looking back on their relationship, they share their own experiences of coming out and begin to think about what the future might hold for their family now the decision to transition has been made.

Synopsis

Marking the 50th anniversary of England's victory in the 1966 World Cup, 'Bobby' explores the remarkable true story of English footballing legend and World Cup-winning Captain, Bobby Moore. Footballer, father, cultural icon and footballing legend. Moore was a hero to successive generations of footballers and football fans alike, described by Pele as the best defender he ever played against. Moore fought many battles besides those witnessed by millions on the football field. Behind the glory lies the story of a man who faced highs and lows with the same strength and bravery. But he died young, cruelly shunned by the game and by the very people who owed him so much. The story is told by his two wives, his friends and fans, including Pele, Sir Geoff Hurst and Ray Winstone, whose words are mixed with previously unseen archive footage. A powerful, dramatic and deeply personal portrait of a genuine footballing icon.

Synopsis

The story of Dan Wilson, a horse whisperer based in Cornwall, the heart of rural England.

Synopsis

Uncovering the veiled world of a Siberian Arctic mining city and how an unstoppable, unconditional passion for industrial wastelands makes its people blind to the threatening reality they face.

Synopsis

Inside a Tanzanian hospital, serving 20 million people, UK surgeons and nurses work tirelessly to teach modern medical procedures to their African counterparts. Operating on those in need, they change the landscape of medicine in Africa forever. A film documenting a week spent in one of Tanzania's busiest hospitals, accompanying a group of 10 volunteers representing the Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. The film highlights the importance of the 17 year relationship between Northumbria and Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, and concentrates on a project to introduce Laparoscopic surgery now in its 11th year and a more recent burns project. We follow Irish Surgeon Dr Liam Horgan , who now in his 11th year working with KCMC, manages to make medical history in Africa during the week. Uk born but now practicing in Australia, plastic surgeon Dr Jeremy Rawlins is introducing modern burns procedures to a country where burns cases are prolific in number but largely untreated. The film explores the dire need for improved conditions, equipment and knowledge of burns treatment as we concentrate on five patients. Not all outcomes are of a positive nature.

Synopsis

Ex-miner Les Moore can't let go of the past. Thirty years since the end of the miners’ strike the last UK coal mines face closure. As Les fights to preserve the mine’s legacy his family must find a way to survive in a fragmented and forgotten community.

Synopsis

A single, steady shot records the rising tide in the evening. Using sound and text, the film invites you to think and experience beyond the boundaries of the frame.

Synopsis

A poetic portrait of an Iranian watchmaker, whose philosophical musings on craft invite us to reflect on how we engage with time in a fast-paced world. Moving between his colourful pared-down home and the streets and windswept marshes of East London, we discover the horologist's ascetic and beautiful private world.

Synopsis

A grim display of misguided patriotism and tribal thuggery during the England-Germany 2010 World Cup football match. Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2016 - Debate Strand

Synopsis

In 2012, the Ivy House pub in Peckham was sold to property developers as part of the ongoing gentrification of south London. The locals opposed it. Unfolding from this scenario, the film weaves verbatim testament into folk operatic form with the Ivy House itself, embodied and imagined as a central character and inhabited by the memories of the generations who have passed through its doors. Sarah Turner films the community’s creative reanimation of the mourned pub through dance, poetry and song... which both records and creates a vision of social possibility... The activism that saved the pub is a metaphor for social and creative agency. This is not just a film about resistance; it is a film that itself refuses categorisation... a triumphant genre-blending documentary which turns community action into an exhilarating participatory opera. (London Film Festival) Public House premiered in the documentary competition at the 2015 BFI London Film Festival and was nominated for the Grierson Award. The film has since been re-edited and remastered in a new version for wider audiences.

Synopsis

Cairo cardiologist Bassem Youssef ('the Egyptian Jon Stewart') quit surgery to front the hugely popular TV satire Al Bernameg (The Show) amid the country’s turbulent Arab Spring-led political upheavals. Youssef ultimately fell foul of government crackdowns. His programme was cancelled and he was forced to flee the country with his family. This fascinating, fearless and often very funny documentary charts Youssef’s incredible late-career shift, detailing his and his team's determination and courage in standing up to successive totalitarian regimes, reminding us just how potent and dangerous comedy really can be. Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2016 - Laugh Strand