Projects in categories: Documentary

Synopsis

The feature debut from Carmen Chaplin. Charlie Chaplin's family embark on a revealing journey into the Gypsy heritage that inspired the creation of his infamous and beloved character The Tramp. Featuring exclusive interviews and unprecedented access to the Chaplin estate, thanks to the participation of the Chaplin Office, the Chaplin family, and MK2 Films, the film is a revealing exploration of Chaplin’s Romany heritage constructed from intimate interviews, film extracts, home movies and contributions from renowned contemporary Roma artists.
Official Selection San Sebastián International Film Festival 2024 - World premiere
San Sebastián International Film Festival 2024 - Winner - Irizar Basque Film Award

Synopsis

In 1960 a young Irish woman named Edna O'Brien wrote a sexually frank debut novel, 'The Country Girls'. She became a literary sensation, writing for The New Yorker, delivering provocative interviews, and authoring screenplays. Her success enraged her writer husband and made her a pariah in her native Ireland, where her books were banned and burned. She would make her home in London, where she conducted numerous love affairs, hosted star-studded parties, and made and lost a fortune. In July 2024, Edna passed away and this film provides a final testimony from her, aged 93, as she reflects upon her extraordinary life for filmmaker Sinéad O'Shea's camera. Granting the director access to her personal journals (made public for the first time), which are read aloud by Irish actress Jessie Buckley. With additional perspectives offered from Gabriel Byrne, Walter Mosley and an array of renowned writers, Edna does not shy from any subject.
Official Selection Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2024 - World premiere
Official Selection Cork International Film Festival 2024 - European premiere
Official Selection CPH:DOX 2025

Synopsis

Following Andrea Bocelli backstage and beyond the stage, into his private life with family and close friends.
Official Selection Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2024 - World premiere

Synopsis

Intimate recollections by the filmmaker's father, a religious leader within the Celestial Church of Christ, and the filmmaker's mother, his once devoted wife.
Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2024 - Short Film Competition

Synopsis

This film delves into the intricate interplay between screen media, disability representation, and the uncanny within the horror genre. Focused on the convergence of cultural influences, it explores how disabled bodies are employed as elements of fear in the realm of analog horror, residing in the unsettling space between robotics and humanity known as the Uncanny Valley. The paper investigates the nuanced ways in which robotics mimic human aesthetics, creating an eerie yet captivating experience for audiences. Furthermore, the research scrutinises the manipulation of sound conventions in horror media, specifically inverting preconceived auditory expectations to induce fear. This examination contributes to our understanding of the profound impact sound has on audience perception and emotional engagement in horror narratives.The study also addresses the sonically codified representation of disability through the lens of the Medical Model. By scrutinising instances where sound either goes awry or is deliberately absent, the paper explores how such deviations from auditory norms contribute to the perception of disability as 'wrong' or ‘disturbing.'. This sonic dissonance between expectation and reality serves to reinforce societal biases and ingrained perceptions associated with disability, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of horror, technology, and disability studies.

Synopsis

An emotional documentary that looks at the lives of three Ukrainian refugees who now live in the UK, Brazil and Germany respectively. Each share their stories of escape from Russian occupation, and the hardships they've experienced whilst assimilating to new cultures as they rebuild their lives.

Synopsis

During the 1950s, Ireland had the highest rate of psychiatric hospital use globally. Using archival documents, filmmakers Cáit McClay and Éiméar McClay look critically at the evolution of Irish psychiatric institutions across the 20th century, examining the confluence of carceral, therapeutic and socioeconomic incentives that determined their influence.
Official Selection Rotterdam International Film Festival (IFFR) 2025 - World premiere

Synopsis

Different forms of communication are explored when a filmmaker attempts to find the name of a dead person they discovered behind their flat in Glasgow.

Synopsis

Historical Fact and Historical Fantasy collide… This film observes the coming inauguration of millionaire landowner Mike Buchanan, the newly confirmed Buchanan Clan Highland Chief, his wife Lady Paula, and teenage family - the first in 300 years. Join the film in real ‘Outlander’ style as the Buchanans travel to a Highland Games in America, then attract tartan enthusiasts from around the world to Scotland, drawn by the power of connection. For one, Mexican Pedro Buchanan, and two American sisters, feelings of the ‘motherland’ are stirred.
Mike’s ambitious wife Paula is planning the inaugural three-day bonanza of tartan, and ceremonial regalia on their magnificent estate. She was the driving force behind Mike’s claim to the title and is now the chief architect of his ‘coronation’ (well, much of it, when an ancient source can’t be found). Ceremony and ritual are unashamedly being invented.
A hidden world of British wealth and privilege unfolds as the family, uncover and invent fresh entitlements the new role brings.. revealing not only whether they can pull off this massive event, but also how History is made, and who makes it, raising important questions around class, national identity, history values and traditions, and the place of ‘Clans’ in the modern world.

Synopsis

Are scientists doing enough to sound the alarm about climate breakdown?
When the UK government pledges to "max out" oil and gas extraction, the lives of psychology professor Colin, microbiologist Abi and ecologist Aaron collide outside the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), where they and six others are arrested for causing alleged criminal damage. But who are the real climate criminals? As restrictions on protest tighten, will scientists retreat to their laboratories or will more stand up than ever before?
A window into the world of reluctant activism, PLAN Z explores the moral power of protest when established routes of influence fail.

Synopsis

This film captures a day-in-the-life of a spear fisherman. Set against the vibrant canvas of daily life in St.George's, Grenada, starting in Melville Street Fish Market, and ending at the Carenage before sunset. Fisherman Ryan Andrews explains recent changes and challenges to the fishing industry as Grenada's environment evolves, gently reminding us of the delicate balance between industry and nature.

Synopsis

A documentary about a filmmaker’s journey as he evaluates the meaning, connotation, challenges and impact of his name “Akinkunmi” which means "I am filled with bravery" in his Yoruba language.
His interview with individuals from around the world on names relating to religion, culture, the legal aspects, brand popularity, and the filmmaker’s family background would also help him decide whether to keep his name, or change it.