Projects in categories: Documentary

Synopsis

The story of George J. Mitchell, a working-class boy from Maine who would become the majority leader of the US Senate and one of the most respected political negotiators and leaders of his generation. From the basketball court of Bowdoin College to the streets of Berlin as a counterintelligence agent, Mitchell tells his incredible story in his own words. Filmed in his home state of Maine across the summer of 2023, this documentary showcases a problem solver who has worked across the worlds of politics, baseball, and business with an unending passion for understanding through dialogue in his country and around the world, working to bring peace to Northern Ireland.

Synopsis

In the divided town of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, a once renowned National Monument and cemetery honouring young WWII partisan fighters is being destroyed by neo-fascist forces. While most of the town dismiss it as a relic of communism and an enemy monument, a small group of determined relatives embark on a poignant quest to preserve their loved ones’ memories amid the ruins. Official Selection Sarajevo Film Festival 2025

Synopsis

An experimental film conveying a positive lived experience of being trans, as a counterpoint to the overwhelmingly negative narratives in the current discourse. This glimmer of hope and optimism, performed by trans artist Toby Vincer, devised with director Sharon Burrell, meditates on Toby’s relationship with their body, the Divine Feminine, and the natural environment.

Synopsis

An animated documentary short about traditional textile crafts. A love letter to the act of hand-making, traditional craft practices, and the people who love them. Stemming from the fear of these art forms slipping away in a society that no longer values the human labour behind them. Official Selection London International Animation Festival 2025 Official Selection Kaboom Animation Festival 2026

Synopsis

The layered structure on which BROKEN ENGLISH rests is the fictional ‘Ministry of Not Forgetting’ (led by Tilda Swinton and her trusty interviewer George MacKay), who take Marianne Faithful on a journey into a rich and event-filled past. Images, clips and interviews are interspersed with musical responses by Beth Orton, Courtney Love and Nick Cave, creating an inventive and soulful portrait of cultural icon Marianne Faithfull. Official Selection Venice Film Festival 2025 - World premiere Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2025 - Documentary Special Presentation Official Selection Sundance Film Festival 2026 Official Selection CPH:DOX 2026

Synopsis

Revealing the inner world and outer life of Irvine Welsh, one of the most original and controversial writers of our times. Over four decades across novels, screenplays, and as a forthright, opinionated and outspoken media presence, the 'Trainspotting' author has both celebrated and defined contemporary society and culture, whilst simultaneously exposing all of their many flaws. In this intimate and personal documentary we meet the acclaimed writer at a crossroads, acutely aware of his mortality and accepting that his hedonistic days are drawing to a close, but still very much committed to new avenues of creativity and discovery. On a book tour in Canada, Welsh chooses to explore the boundaries of consciousness by taking DMT at a Toronto drug therapy centre. The resulting hallucinogenic trip, illustrated within a kaleidoscopic imagined memory space, is interspersed with candid observational footage, cinematic archive, and novel excerpts to create a captivating piece of autobiographical cinema that gets to the beating heart of one of Scotland’s most vital creative voices. Official Selection Edinburgh International Film Festival 2025 - World premiere

Synopsis

Told in Graham Humphreys' own words and through a series of intimate conversations, this film explores the life and legacy of the UK's most iconic horror illustrator. From a childhood marked by a haunting Ladybird skeleton to the gouache-drenched goth era of EVIL DEAD and NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, Humphreys reflects on a career that has defined horror for generations. Featuring discussions with Reece Shearsmith, Andy Nyman, Madeline Smith, Alan Jones, and more, the film charts a vivid timeline through banned video sleeves, goth clubs, iconic posters, and the rediscovery of a lost original.

Synopsis

13-year-old Lola discovers a mysterious sea creature in her new seaside hometown. Their day spent together at the fun fair reveals questions of belonging. Layered with documentary audio recordings of conversations with 13-year old Lola and her London school peers about migrating to London from Mexico. Official Selection Festival Internacional de Cine de Morelia 2025 Official Selection Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2025 Official Selection Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film 2026

Synopsis

A short documentary film about how the LGBTQIA+ community has been reinventing funerary and remembrance rituals to better support and reflect the way people live in the community.

Synopsis

The Manchester 24 Hour Run Against Homelessness raises funds in aid of Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity’s flagship scheme, A Bed Every Night. The filmmaker’s initial approach was slightly judgemental, trying to understand the participants' deeper engagement with the event. However, the organisers’ and runners’ profound responses had transformed the filmmaking journey into an exploratory journey of humanity's multifaceted nature, revealing unexpected layers of resilience and compassion.

Synopsis

A time capsule from the underground. NOVA 78 resurrects the electrifying Nova Convention of 1978 featuring never-before-seen footage of William Burroughs, Frank Zappa, Patti Smith and other icons restored over a decade in the UK and reimagined as a cinematic event for today’s audiences. Official Selection Locarno Film Festival 2025 - World premiere

Synopsis

A security guard must use his wits and keep his nerve as the cold night brings forth an eclectic mix of colourful characters to contend with.