Projects in categories: Documentary

Synopsis

Motherland is a breathtaking passage, which sweeps the continent of Africa. With an all-star cast, it is a vivid cinematic centrepiece washed with an African aesthetic. A bold empowering sophisticated story of Africa, which in progressive dignity reaffirming terms looks at Africa's past, present and future. Motherland is an epic and unprecedented entry into the canon of African-owned cinema, which charts the glory and majesty of the Motherland (Enat Hager). Motherland is a film that unapologetically calls for African unity, self-determination and the African rebirth.

From the acclaimed producers of the multi-award winning 500 Years Later, Motherland is Directed by Owen ‘Alik Shahadah. Motherland has been in the making since 2004 and is expected late 2009.

Synopsis

Moving to Mars charts the epic journey made by two Burmese families from a vast refugee camp on the Thai/Burma border to their new homes in the UK.

At times hilarious, at times emotional, their travels provide a fascinating and unique insight not only into the effects of migration, but also into one of the most important current political crises - Burma.

Synopsis

In Kisumu, Kenya, a group of boys create and perform an Aids awareness show for local audiences, based on their own lives as HIV orphans, and their experience of life on the streets. In so doing, they find a voice, and discover a sense of purpose.

Synopsis

This feature length documentary takes a look at life inside Libya, a country whose reputation in the West has long been synonymous with Qaddafi and international terrorism.

The film follows a group of western tourists as they venture into Libya at an interesting time in the country’s history; economic sanctions are lifting, international trade is rekindling and tourism is a potential growth industry. Set against the stunning visuals of the Sahara and the Mediterranean Sea, this film illustrates how different our Western perception is from the reality of being in Libya itself.

Synopsis

Jessica was kicked out at 16 after a family argument and has been housed by the council ever since. Through dark atmospheric animation she recalls the process of getting her hostel place and paints a grim picture of the reality of a life on benefits in temporary accommodation. Addressing the emotional impact of teenaged homelessness, the film was the product of a research project into teenaged homelessness conducted by a group of young Londoners.

Synopsis

Featuring veteran anti war campaigner Tony Benn and peace campaigners from around the world, the film examines the work of a diverse range of artists against the war. Dancers, writers, composers and visual artists provide a candid analysis of the war through their work.

Synopsis

One-man band conjures up images of tuneless street entertainers with drums on their backs and cymbals on their knees, whereas contemporary one-man bands are diverse and vibrant in their musical output. They are more than just solo performers: a one-man band brings to the stage noise and spectacle worthy of a whole band. However, unmediated by creative collaboration, the result can have a peculiar intensity verging on the downright eccentric.

This feature documentary follows a selection of contemporary one-man and one-lady bands from Europe and the USA. Their musical output often defies categorisation, ranging from theremin rock to hurricane drum solos and a backing band made of bicycle wheels. Rather than mocking the musical excesses on display, the documentary takes an intimate approach - helped by the fact that it's a film about one-man bands made by a one-man band filmmaker. As it becomes clear that life on the road for a one-man band is a journey into solitude, so the documentary asks the question: what drives us as humans to create, and is it worth the pain.

Synopsis

Two brothers grew up with a violent father and return home on his death to clear out his possessions and his remains left on the living room carpet.

Synopsis

Out of Idaho is a 22 minute documentary profiling the New York based rock n roll singer/songwriter Jake Stigers. The film profiles Jake’s past, present and future through a highly paced montage of interviews, UK gigs and recordings from the USA.

Synopsis

Pig Business documents Marchioness, Tracy Worcester's four year investigation into the intensive pig farming industry. The film reveals the devastating effects intensive pig farming is having on the environment, the health and welfare of agricultural communities, the quality of our food and animal welfare.
 

Synopsis

Possessed enters the complicated worlds of four hoarders; people whose lives are dominated by their relationship to possessions. The film questions whether hoarding is a symptom of mental illness or a revolt against the material recklessness of consumerism. When does collecting become hoarding and why do possessions exert such an influence on our lives?

Synopsis

A story of the life, struggle and survival of London's East End landlady, Sandra Esqulant, who's been running the Golden Heart pub in Spitalfields for nearly 30 years. Adored by everyone around her, the film captures a slice of her life in one of the most fascinating areas in London.