Projects in categories: Documentary

Synopsis

Dramatised documentary about Rachel Gunzig, Resistance heroine and Communist spy. Rachel worked for the Red Orchestra, the WW2 spy network betrayed by West and East in the Cold War. A tale of adventure and ideological conflict, and the poignant story of a mother and the son who was the victim of her idealism.

Synopsis

The 1981 Toxteth riot was the most violent civil disturbance in Britain this century. Over three days more than £11 million worth of property damaged, 1,000 police injured, 500 people arrested. Citizens of the deprived area reacted angrily to high unemployment and years of racial harassment from the police. Hearing from the rioters, community leaders, victims, local and national government members, this unique documentary recalls how this situation escalated out of control. Ordinary people caught up in the riots gave their views and accounts as to the reasons for, and the inadequacy of the authorities' response to, the days of disorder and destruction.

Synopsis

Simcha (meaning happiness) explores the closed world of Hasidic women through the life stories of a powerful mother/daughter team who live in the Jewish ultra-orthodox community of North London. Images of "women's work" - Ita and Hindi in the workplace and at home preparing the shabbos meal - depict the crucial role of the woman in Hasidic religious life and nurturing Jewish identity. A passionate and disturbingly-frank commentary.

Synopsis

Four people tell stories about growing up queer in a small English village.

Synopsis

A highly stylised intimate portrait of the fantastic life of Louis Armstrong. The film charts the story of the innovator, the first great jazz soloist, bandleader, pop star, actor and American cultural ambassador, Louis Armstrong. Narrated by Danny Glover, The Wonderful World of Louis Armstrong is a sensitive insight into the life of the man behind the trumpet; an epic story that spans 70 years from his childhood days on the streets of New Orleans to the glamorous Hollywood films like High Society and Hello Dolly, punctuated by timeless hits like What a Wonderful World and When You're Smiling.

Synopsis

This documentary is about current attitudes and knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Directed and presented by David Graham and Garry Wall, both long term survivors of the condition. The film is set against a background of London's Mardi Gras Festival 1999 and is an up beat and non-judgemental documentary with a specially written techno soundtrack.

Synopsis

Voices Through the Veil - Surviving the Practise of Female Genital Mutilation is a document of the issues surrounding Female Genital Mutilation in the UK. It explores the issues surrounding the practise and is told in the words of survivors.

Synopsis

Agricultural Terrorism. Bad news from the rain forest for chocolate addicts. Witches' Broom, Crinipellis perniciosa, the incurable fungal disease that leaves dying cocoa plants looking like a witch's broom, spread by persons unknown for reasons unknown, perhaps a grudge or wish for revenge, has decimated the groves of Bahia, Brazil. Evidence suggests there has been deliberate agricultural sabotage. Brazil, formerly one of the largest exporters of cocoa, no longer has any cocoa to spare. But there is hope. Scientists may have found a solution to the incurable disease, witches' broom. They have discovered a method of grafting and cloning resistant trees. This means diseased groves can be gradually replaced. But is it too late?

Synopsis

An exploration of the treasure of Russia's National Library, where Vassily Stepanovich Zvarychuk, curator of the recorded music collection and conductor of the Library's orchestra, is the living embodiment of Nietzsche's claim that 'music is the means by which the passions enjoy themselves'.

Synopsis

An 'eye-level' view going with Scottish activist Cathy McCormack to South Africa to see how her fellow activists are faring, making intriguing parallels with her own life in the Easterhouse housing project, in Scotland, and theirs.

Synopsis

Set during a period of upheaval and technological advances Churchill and the President bears witness to the race to produce an unbreakable system of transatlantic communication so secret that it remained classified until 1978. It is a story of two men's determination to defeat the Third Reich, of friendship, courage and of great innovation.

Synopsis

Jane Dudley, distinguished choreographer and dancer, is 87 and arthritic. Dancing Inside shows her performing with the limited movement she still has. Computer animation is used to visualise what age would otherwise disallow. Through music, images, computer animation and movement this celebrates her art, beliefs, and gratitude for the gift of life.