Projects in categories: Documentary

Synopsis

Bench Pressing isn’t a hobby for 73 year old Bill McFadyen – it’s a way of life. Stranraer’s very own bench press champion is on a quest to be the best in the world.

Synopsis

A film mixing real time documentary of an unedited conversation of two famous poets - one the father of Dub poetry and the other Nobel prize nominated, breaking the bread together on questions of identity, and a fictional element, of a young woman cruising through night time New York.

Synopsis

In 2001, director Chloe Ruthven got a job in a central London primary school, working with children who were failing in class. Nini and his friend Mario immediately stood out as two, bright adventurous Albanian children, and Chloe began working with them, encouraging them to use her video camera as a way of exploring their own lives. Over the next seven years, the three develop a special relationship. But as the boys grow up, the lure of the street begins to prove too much, and only the director can stand in its way. This is the disturbing story of two boys growing up in a world where childhood is under threat, and asks fundamental questions about how we view and raise our children.

Synopsis

A story of ritual, sexuality and relationships, through the life and work of one of the UK's most exciting dancers. Classically trained, Bharatanatyam in India and ballet in London, Mavin Khoo is a household name in many of the international opera houses and clubs of London through his diverse work.

Synopsis

Midnight Madness is Europe's first basketball film. The film follows Nhamo Shire, the founder of the Midnight Madness tournament, and two players, Mike Martin and Pierre Henry-Fontaine, as they battle through the summer to make it as one of the top 10 basketball players who will go to Los Angeles to train and compete against their American counterparts. Nhamo recollects how in 1999 he launched the first Midnight Madness in Harlesden as a means of deterring teenagers from gangs and crime when they are most vulnerable: night time. 9 years on we follow him as this extreme basketball tournament rages in twelve cities across the UK. Midnight Madness culminates at Crystal Palace where 5,000 screaming fans attend the finals. We also follow Mike Martin who lost his mum a couple of months before the summer and wants to win the tournament as a tribute to her memory and Pierre Henry-Fontaine who's dream of making the big time in the United States ended prematurely. He now sees the opportunity of playing against the Americans in their own backyard as a means of proving to himself he can play and compete with the best. Far from the violent picture painted in the media of inner city life we discover through Midnight Madness passionate, hardworking and touching individuals trying to make a difference.  

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.