Projects in categories: Documentary

Synopsis

Taking its name from an alternative reading of the name for the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Kannon, KanZeOn, which can be translated as "she who hears the cries of the world", is an unorthodox but utterly magical meditation on sound and the ritual and philosophical role it plays in Japanese Buddhism. Filmed in Kyushu, the film looks at, and more importantly listens to, three very special Japanese musicans: Akinobu Tatsumi, the young Buddhist priest and custodian of a temple outside of Kumamoto City who moonlights as a hip-hop DJ while indulges his love of beat boxing in the remote forests; Eri Fujii, who has devoted her life to the mastery of the sho, a rare and ancient Chinese bamboo wind instrument evoking the cry of the phoenix, and Akihiro Iitomi, a master of Noh theatre and a kotsuzumi drum player whose love of jazz almost matches that of his passion for Japan’s traditional performing arts. As a documentary, KanZeOn does not seek to explain as much as to enlighten, taking the viewer on a hypnotic sensual journey from the timeless to the modern by way of a mystical parade of images that resonate seamlessly with the sounds.

Synopsis

This film was made collaboratively with three former child soldiers in Nepal. They tell their stories of why they joined the Maoist rebel war and take us back to their homes in the stunning mountains in remote districts of Nepal to meet their families and explain why they feel they had to join.

Synopsis

The magnificent lagoon of Mayotte, an island in the Indian Ocean, is at the very heart of local life. The Mahorans are aware of this and try to protect it. From the wooded mountain top to the mangrove and into the sea, we came across dedicated men, women and children, turtles and sea cucumbers, right down to the vibrant coral reefs shimmering below in the turquoise water. The lagoon of Mayotte is a cradle of hope : to build a future that will be environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.

Synopsis

'Hurricanes to Murmansk' is the story of the only British engagement on the Eastern Front in World War Two. At Stalin’s request following the German invasion of Russia in June 1941, Churchill sent a Royal Air Force Wing with Hurricane fighter aircraft, on board the first Arctic convoy to Russia in August 1941. Its purpose was to protect the strategic port of Murmansk – the vital supply route to the Soviet Union for the remainder of the war – and to train Russian pilots to fly British aircraft. This secret Anglo-Soviet operation – suppressed during the Cold War – is rediscovered 70 years on through interviews with surviving veterans, historians Antony Beevor and Richard Overy, and unique archive film and stills.

Synopsis

How do you grieve when you are in your late twenties? Four years ago, the filmmaker lost his sister. Kristof decides to visit his parents to ask them how they cope with the absence. Back in the UK, an unexpected visit questions memories of her.

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If you think you know how a General Election is run by watching mainstream media or a shiny floored leaders' debate, then think again. When Labour voter and award-winning filmmaker, John Walsh switched sides and became a Conservative candidate he lifted the lid on the real-life world of political campaigning. With unprecedented access and never-before-seen footage of a candidate’s campaign from the inside. Controversial feature film ToryBoy The Movie made explosive discoveries about the now disgraced former Labour MP Sir Stuart Bell, outed as “Britain’s Laziest MP” but that was just the start…… This acclaimed film received award nominations and great reviews from across the political spectrum when it hit cinemas.

Synopsis

Roger Sargent's behind-the-scenes documentary of The Libertines reunion concerts at Reading and Leeds festivals in 2010 starting with the NME cover shoot announcing the events following the band through rehearsals and warm up shows to the final show at Reading Festival. Honest and revealing interviews with each member of the band along with a tour around The Libertines' haunts in the East End of London with singer Carl Barat creates a personal and intimate film about, arguably, Britain's most influential band of the past decade.

Synopsis

“Ballet dancers get dodgy feet from dancing and I get dodgy hands from making their shoes!” Ballet shoes may be worn by delicate girls, but they’re crafted by burly men whose hands tell another story... We delve into the world of professional ballet dancing seen through the eyes of a shoemaker who desperately strives to save the dancer as much pain as possible by making the shoes as well as he can. Meanwhile, a seasoned dancer talks of the pain she went through dancing at the highest level. An undiscovered world behind the pomp and perfection.

Synopsis

By vividly recounting the TT's legendary rivalries and the Isle of Man's unique road racing history, this 3D feature documentary will discover why modern TT riders still risk their lives to win the world's most dangerous race. The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy is the greatest motorcycle road race in the world, the ultimate challenge for rider and machine. It has always called for a commitment far beyond any other racing event, and many have made the ultimate sacrifice in their quest for victory. A story about freedom of choice, the strength of human spirit and the will to win. It's also an examination of what motivates those rare few, this elite band of brothers who risk everything to win. The vision of top commercials director Richard de Aragues, this promises to be one of the most thrilling films of 2011.

Synopsis

A moving and beautiful documentary on the first UK tour of the relics of St Therese of Lisieux, filmed by Michael Whyte (No Greater Love) and including exclusive interviews with the Archbishop of Westminster and the Dean of Yorkas well as many others. Observing the veneration from such disparate venues as the great cathedrals of Liverpool and Westminster, York Minster, a Hospice and Wormwood Scrubs Prison, the role of faith in the 21st century is brought into focus.

Synopsis

Maryam d'Abo suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage in 2007 and is lucky to be alive. Her experience inspired this film and leads the viewer on a personal journey of recovery, giving a sense of hope to those who are isolated by their condition that is not seen therefore often misunderstood. Many first hand stories celebrate man's life force and his will to survive. The film concerns all human beings, dealing with the fragility of the extraordinary brain of which we know surprisingly little.

Synopsis

Never believe you’ve played your last hand. Jean Marc Calvet lived a dark and violent life. Then aged 38, via a terrifying trip to hell and back, he was given a second chance. On the run in Central America and haunted by his past, he shut himself in a house and decided that death was his only way out. For 9 months he suffered a terrifying metamorphosis and was saved only by a can of industrial paint. Now a successful artist with solo exhibitions in New York, his work sells for 1000s. But on a quest for redemption, he must return to France and find the 6 year old son he abandoned 12 years ago without a word.