Projects in categories: Documentary

Synopsis

A feature documentary telling the astonishing story of 26-year old female Syrian filmmaker, Waad al-Kateab, who filmed her life in rebel-held Aleppo through five years of the Syrian uprising. She fell in love, got married and had a daughter all while filming the violence raging around her and in particular documenting the challenges the conflict imposed on women and children. Along with a close group of friends, she stayed in the city to fight for her dream of a free Syria, a struggle that ended in their defeat and exile. The film weaves together her intimate, emotive footage with her struggle to come to terms with the trauma she has witnessed. It’s an outstanding story, by turns beautiful, shocking, surprising and uplifting. Waad is a symbol for our times, the epitome of a bold, brave woman prepared to risk her life for what she believes, in a year when women are finally becoming the heroes of their own stories. Hers is an epic tale of the survival of love and courage amid the cruelty of war. Official Selection SXSW 2019 - Documentary Feature Competition - World premiere Official Selection Hot Docs 2019 - International Spectrum Official Selection Cannes Film Festival 2019 - Special Screening Academy Awards 2020 - Nomination - Best Documentary Feature

Synopsis

A commercial diver is stranded on the seabed with only five minutes of oxygen supply, but with no chance of rescue for more than 30 minutes. With access to amazing archive, this is the true story of one man’s impossible fight for survival. It is GRAVITY meets TOUCHING THE VOID – 100 metres underwater. Official Selection Hot Docs 2019 - World Showcase - International premiere

Synopsis

Tommaso Buscetta was the first high-ranking Italian Mafia boss ever to turn against Cosa Nostra. Buscetta not only broke the code of silence for the first time - he testified against the Mob, both in the USA and in Italy. “He was the key witness who broke the back of the Mob”, said Louis Freeh (future FBI Director) at the time. Buscetta helped convict more than 400 Mafiosi. He became the Mob’s most wanted man in the world – and 11 close relatives, including two sons, were killed. A story told for the first time with exclusive access to Buscetta's family, who remain in America and are only now breaking their silence after more than 30 years in hiding. Official Selection Hot Docs 2019 - Special Presentation - World premiere

Synopsis

Intimate and revealing, this documentary offers an unprecedented insight into the mind of an artist as he works on creating a masterpiece. Beginning with a blank canvas, the film follows acclaimed artist Peter Howson on a journey that showcases his dark sense of humour as well as his immense talent. Working from his imagination, former official Bosnian war artist Howson, draws inspiration from world unrest, religious beliefs and mythology, utilizing the techniques of his heroes; Goya, DaVinci and El Greco in creating his artwork 'Prophecy'. Discover the difficulties he has faced throughout his life that push his creative output, and marvel at the monumental reveal of the finished painting. The end result is a wonderfully crafted, candid documentary that celebrates the genius of an artist at the top of his game. Official Selection Hot Docs 2019 - Artscapes - International premiere

Synopsis

Football and feminism collide in this documentary that follows former NFL cheerleaders battling the league to end wage theft and illegal employment practices that have persisted for 50 years. Official Selection Tribeca Film Festival 2019 - Documentary Competition - World premiere

Synopsis

An interactive VR documentary about the history and legacy of the Aylesbury Estate, the largest housing estate in Europe. Utilising 360 video, photogrammetry, 3D modelling, archive and interactive design, this VR documentary allows the audience to explore the estate and meet residents fighting regeneration. Official Selection Tribeca Film Festival 2019 - Tribeca Immersive - World premiere

Synopsis

D'Angelo had it all: two platinum selling albums, a sold out world tour and a body chiselled to perfection. However, one day at the height of his career in 2000 the soul singer vanished. For 12 years he descended into darkness. Out of nowhere, his third album Black Messiah was suddenly released: soundtrack of the lost years. Now preparing a comeback tour, D’Angelo is at a crossroads between a haunted past and uncertain future. Official Selection Tribeca Film Festival 2019 - Spotlight Documentary - World premiere

Synopsis

Following Lazarus Chigwandali, a street musician with Albinism from Malawi as he teams up with a London-based music producer to record his debut album. Official Selection Tribeca Film Festival 2019 - World premiere

Synopsis

The story of young Afghan girls learning to read, write - and skateboard - in Kabul. Official Selection Tribeca Film Festival 2019 - World premiere BAFTA Film Awards 2020 - Winner - Best British Short Film Academy Awards 2020 - Winner - Best Documentary Short Subject

Synopsis

When legendary writer Bruce Chatwin was dying of AIDS, his friend Werner Herzog made a final visit. As a parting gift, Chatwin gave Herzog his rucksack. Thirty years later, Herzog sets out on his own journey, inspired by Chatwin’s passion for the nomadic life. Official Selection Tribeca Film Festival 2019 - Spotlight Documentary - World premiere

Synopsis

Emojis are a worldwide phenomenon, with some arguing that these smiling poops and heart-eyed faces are on the verge of actually becoming their own language. But where do they come from? Who, if anyone, is in charge of this new global digital language? Official Selection Tribeca Film Festival 2019 - Spotlight Documentary - World premiere

Synopsis

As her childhood turns into motherhood, teenage troublemaker Gemma comes of age in her fading Scottish steel town. But in a place where “you either get knocked up or locked up,” innocent games can easily turn into serious crime. Official Selection Tribeca Film Festival 2019 - Documentary Competition - World premiere Winner: Best Documentary Feature Award; Albert Maysles New Documentary Director Award, Tribeca Film Festival 2019 Official Selection Hot Docs 2019 – The Changing Face of Europe