Projects in categories: Documentary

Synopsis

In 2014, following a tip-off, a group of journalists exposed a troubled history for indigenous Sámi women, men and children. It revealed generations of negligence, abuse and suffering, supported by a mass of evidence and previously unseen archival footage. As the case goes to court, the community remains defiant against a judicial system whose attitudes highlight fissures in the purported equal treatment of all citizens. The community’s battle aims to break a vicious cycle of racism and to achieve meaningful lasting change for future generations.
Official Selection Sheffield DocFest 2022 - Debates - UK premiere

Synopsis

Jake 100 has built an impressive reputation and amassed a sizeable following through his status as one of the world’s best wheelie racers and tricksters. His Bike Life Circus has helped create a brand-new urban sport, its unofficial races taking place on go kart tracks, cycle parks and around industrial estates. Central to this has been the rapid growth of the ‘knives down, bikes’ up’ movement, with young riders in London amassing to take a stand against knife crime. Director Martin Read captures the energy of these events, putting audiences at the heart of the action and delivering a visceral thrill-ride of a film.
Official Selection Sheffield DocFest 2022 - Journeys - World premiere

Synopsis

One of Britain’s greatest landscape artists, Eric Ravilious, is killed in a plane crash while on commission as Official War Artist in Iceland in 1942. His life is as compelling and enigmatic as his art, set against the dramatic wartime locations that inspire him. This film brings to life this unique and still grossly undervalued British artist caught in the crossfire of war 80 years ago, whose legacy largely sank without trace, until now…
This is the first full length feature documentary about Eric Ravilious, told in his own words through previously unseen private correspondence, made with the blessing of the Ravilious estate.

Synopsis

It is Father's Day and an old man waits in for an expected visit from his three sons.

Synopsis

LGBTQ + VR Museum is the world's first virtual reality museum dedicated to celebrating the stories and artwork of LGBTQ people by preserving queer personal histories.
Official Selection Tribeca Film Festival 2022
Official Selection BFI Flare LGBTQIA+ Festival 2023

Synopsis

Recent polls indicate politician and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Barghouti could be elected the next Palestinian president, meaning Israel would be holding a country's leader behind bars. Following what was seen by many as an unlawful arrest and imprisonment, Barghouti has spent his time reading, lobbying and continuing the fight for freedom and peace for his country. A unifying, charismatic character, it’s understandable why his popularity is seen as a threat. Through the eyes of his dedicated wife Fadwa and their family, alongside notable activists and leaders, MARWAN - TOMORROW'S FREEDOM captures the spirit of an indefatigable campaigner for justice and the will of a people fighting for their freedom.
Official Selection Sheffield DocFest 2022 - Rebellions - World premiere

Synopsis

A supernova in the world of tennis, as awe-inspiring as he could be explosive, John McEnroe’s combined 155 championship titles still ranks as the highest achievement in the Men’s Open era. But as Barney Douglas’s film shows, this is just one facet of the sport legend’s storied life. MCENROE features previously unseen footage, both from his games and his personal archive. It explores the demons that drove him, while colleagues and friends such as Billie Jean King, Bjorn Borg and Keith Richards, along with McEnroe’s wife Patty Smyth and their children, offer an intimate portrait of a singular, incendiary individual.
Official Selection Tribeca Film Festival 2022 - World premiere
Official Selection Sheffield DocFest 2022 - People & Communities - International premiere

Synopsis

We follow Sam Batley a poet/photographer who admitted himself into an abstinence based recovery centre in Liverpool, where he wrote a poem about his young-adulthood of addiction. With the help of the other former addicts at the centre he turns this poem into a short film; throughout the making of this film and the practices of the centre we explore the importance of self-expression, connection and the power of art to heal.
We move through each resident at the house and learn how being introduced to art, sport & culture has given them a sense of purpose and connection. Wayne, at 60's taken up acting after appearing in the film. Darren, in and out of prison, now manages a mental health football team. Zoe runs a fitness and meditation centre for women.
In an impassioned speech at the premiere of the short film we learn what recovery means to Sam, “It brings hope, life and joy, not just for me but for my family too’. We then delve into the spoken-word experimental short film about Sam’s addiction, this brings clarity to the importance of the centre and the connection it brings to its residents, one day at a time.

Synopsis

Štefan Pongo is a Roma lorry driver. Fifteen years ago he emigrated with his family to the UK from the Czech Republic to protect them from racial discrimination.
The children have graduated from universities and the family is doing well. Mission completed. But the echoes of hate carry over from the old country.
When the Czech president claims that the Roma are work-shy, angry Štefan issues an appeal asking for photos of Roma working. Thousands are sent and Štefan becomes a well-known media figure. He produces vlogs, organizes demonstrations and humanitarian aid. He establishes a voluntary agency and fights an online battle with the 'haters'. All which comes at the cost of lost time with the family. Štefan's spirited wife, Iveta, has had enough. Will it be possible to institute some form of harmony in the life of the most famous Roma lorry driver?

Synopsis

For twenty seven years, TS Eliot corresponded with Emily Hale, an American drama teacher, whom he met while studying at Harvard. She was his confidante, his beloved and his inspiration. The letters he wrote her were donated to Princeton University on the agreement, set by Eliot, that they would not be made publicly available until 50 years, after both their deaths. Now, on the centenary of the first publication of Eliot’s epic poem 'The Waste Land', these recently released letters show the important role Hale played in his creative process.
Official Selection Sheffield DocFest 2022 - Memories - World premiere

Synopsis

On 3 June 1991, a deadly cloud of hot gas and rock spewed out of Japan’s Mount Unzen. Among the 43 people consumed by it were scientist-filmmakers Maurice and Katia Krafft. They left behind over 200 hours of footage from their decades of work, which Herzog draws on for this stunning eulogy. From 1977’s La Soufrière through to 2016’s Into the Inferno, Herzog has long been fascinated by these violent natural events and his deeply personal voiceover is a fitting memorial to two people who gave their lives in the pursuit of both science and the pure cinematic image.
Official Selection Sheffield DocFest 2022 - Memories - World premiere

Synopsis

The UK’s Jay Jay Revlon, father of the House of Revlon, and Gorgeous Jayce Gucci, of Barcelona’s Ballroom scene, talk compassion, beauty and truth.