Projects in categories: Documentary

Synopsis

An experimental short that follows the narrator's reflections on modern-day parallels with history.

Synopsis

In Nicosia, the divided capital of Cyprus, a display of nationalism is taken to its logical conclusion. Moving between macro and micro perspectives, Flag Mountain sets dramatic spectacle against everyday life as the inhabitants of both sides of the city go about their daily business.

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A contemplative, static study of an unlikely landmark in an unlikely place. Normally only glimpsed in passing, Stott Hall Farm, a cottage built in 1737, floats islandlike in the middle if the M62 in West Yorkshire, whilst cars and lorries thunder past on both sides. Despite the farm seemingly being a monument to stubbornness, the urban myth being that the farmer refused to leave when the motorway was built in the 1970s, the truth of the story is that the east- and westbound carriageways could not meet due to the lie of the land, and the motorway had to be parted around the cottage to avoid landslips.

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A modern-day city-symphony, the film presents an abstract journey over Hungerford Bridge and the footbridges alongside it.

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Following the success on In Search of Mozart director Phil Grabsky goes in search of Beethoven. No other composer has been so often quoted, written about, adopted for political and revolutionary causes (ranging from Marxism to fascism) and painted, but who was the real Beethoven? Who was the man behind the romantic image of the tortured artist with the unruly hair, unhinged personality and furrowed brow? This new film will explore the truth behind the many layers of myth and legend surrounding a man hailed not only as the world's first truly independent composer, but also the most important.

Synopsis

Herman Wallace, Albert Woodfox and Robert King spent almost a century between them in solitary confinement in Angola, the Louisiana State Penitentary. They are known as the Angola 3. Herman and Albert are still in solitary confinement after thirty six years in solitary confinement. How could this be? In America. Today. In The Land Of The Free... Is a documentary feature that examines the story of these extraordinary men who appear to have been targeted by the prison officers for being members of the Black Panther Party because they fought against the terrible conditions and systematic sexual slavery that was rife in the prison. They were subsequently convicted of the murder of a prison guard. There was no physical evidence against them and the main eye witness was bribed and promised his freedom by the warden in exchange for testifying. After years in the oblivion of solitary confinement, this year has finally seen dramatic developments of the Angola 3. This documentary tells the on going story of the case of the Angola 3.

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A major documentary which tells, through their letters, diaries and entirely original colour archive footage, the remarkable story of the people of South East Asia who fought three wars over three decades to gain their freedom.

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The 1960's saw the closure of hundreds of psychiatric hospitals when people gained more and more awareness of lobotomy, lobectomy, electroshock therapy, insulin therapy, and when the discovery of Thorazine prompted patients' release to the community. After the onset of de-institutionalization, there has been an almost deliberate effort to bury the history of these places. Ian Ference, an amateur photographer has visited dozens of derelict insane asylums - mostly by breaking into the guarded premises - in order to resurrect the memories of those forgotten patients. Insanity Vault follows Ian through one of his crazy adventures in Connecticut. The team arrives at Norwich State Hospital early morning and sets up for a long walk in the nearby forest and along a disused railway line which leads to the abandoned buildings. They progress in a military like operation towards the safety of the tunnels, carefully avoiding the patrol. Ian sets up base camp in one of the halls, which was originally used as a non violent building. Walls are crumbling and fallen plaster covers the ground several inches deep in some corners. Discarded documents and artefacts are scattered around. The forensic ward, which housed the guilty for reason of insanity and the violent patients, is disturbingly beautiful. Sun rays finding their way through the barred windows, contrast with the sternness of the corridors. In some rooms, the roof has even collapsed.  

Synopsis

Vanessa and Maurice, an African-American couple with five kids, leave Alaska for Las Vegas in search of a better life. Filmed over four years, it is a story of love and family set against the turbulent backdrop of economic boom and bust.

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Irene, a feisty 92 year old with Alzheimer’s, doesn’t want to be put into a home for the elderly. A personal film about three generations of women coming to terms with a difficult decision.

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A short documentary about a man whose struggle to overcome daily obstacles has produced an astonishing universe of outsider science fiction.  

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In 2008 an independent production company set out to make the micro-budget feature film Just For The Record. Armed with a stellar cast of top TV actors, the world’s most advanced digital camera and a quirky location to die for - what could possibly go wrong? A lot, as it happens. A year after the film has been abandoned, the cast and crew reunite for a series of interviews about the ill-fated production. It’s a constant round of accusations, recriminations and humorous anecdotes as everyone tries to answer the central burning question: Why did the film fail and whose fault was it?