Projects in categories: Documentary

Synopsis

Scotland, 1982. The stars of Big Gold Dream had either split up or taken the Big Gold Road south to major label success in London. Glasgow was left with an 'indie label' void but the seeds sown in Big Gold Dream would lead to a new era of rebellion. Punk was reborn in the shape of a new type of independent music. No longer would bands look to tidy themselves up and sign to a major record label in the hope of appearing on Top of the Pops. Independent music in Scotland now meant 'No Compromise' and this is the story of those bands and the personalities involved. This new documentary from the creators of 'Big Gold Dream' tells the story of what happened next in the uncompromising world of Scottish indie music. The Vaselines, BMX Bandits, The Pastels, The Soup Dragons, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Primal Scream and Teenage Fanclub all appear. Bursting with new interviews, rare archive, untold stories along with some of the most amazingly difficult, scratchy, noisy, genius pop music ever given to the world. This is Teenage Superstars and you need to watch it

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People from all over the world search the banks of the Thames at low tide. Why do they search and what do they find? From the priceless to the macabre the Thames Foreshore washes up every kind of lost item and strange story to be told.

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Based in Cornwall, Dan Wilson is a horse trainer commonly referred to as a 'Horse Whisperer'. With his remarkable skills, Dan trains horses where others have tried and failed.

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A short documentary film exploring the myths and markings of South Africa's prison 'Number' gangs, a secret code spelt out and spoken across the bodies of the inmates. The film immerses its audience in the world of the gangs, their history, codes and body markings. Official Selection Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival 2019 - International Competition

Synopsis

An investigative feature-length documentary about where power lies in the United Kingdom. Re-examining events surrounding three industrial disputes, three governments and over three decades, the film shows the impact of government and corporate power on democracy and human rights not just for trade unionists, but for all. There are many reveals – not least a secret government plan to destroy community and collectivism. The film uses documents clearly showing what has long been suspected by many but not proven – until now. Heart-wrenching personal stories are told by those at the centre of these industrial disputes, not only highlighting the impact of the actions of those in power on individuals and communities, but also raising the question of what lies ahead. From Rupert Murdoch’s purchase of The Times and The Sunday Times in 1981 through the News International dispute (1986/7), Royal Mail as it prepared for privatisation (2007/8) and a dispute at the Grangemouth Oil Refinery in Scotland (2013), Belonging explores what has happened behind closed doors of successive UK governments and the resulting impact on people’s human rights. Power: “who has it, and what do they do with it?” is as relevant today as it ever was.

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The musicians of the Buena Vista Social Club exposed the world to Cuba’s vibrant culture with their landmark 1997 album. Now, against the backdrop of Cuba’s captivating musical history, hear the band’s story as they reflect on their remarkable careers and the extraordinary circumstances that brought them together.

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The story of three men who have spent longer in solitary confinement than any other prisoners in the US because of the murder of a prison guard in 1972 at Angola, the Louisiana state penitentiary. Robert King, Herman Wallace and Albert Woodfox were convicted by bribed and blind eye witnesses and with no physical evidence. Targeted as members of the Black Panther party the film follows their struggle against the miscarriage of justice and their cruel and unusual treatment. Known as the 'Angola 3', their story culminated in 2016 with the release of Albert Woodfox after 43 years in solitary confinement.

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As The Beatles end their gruelling tour schedule in August 1966 they return to the studio to record the landmark ‘Sgt. Pepper’ album. As one of the biggest selling records of all time, described by Rolling Stone magazine simply as “The most important rock & roll album ever made…”, ‘Sgt Pepper’ (released in June 1967) marked a pivotal moment in the 1960s, cementing the advent of Psychedelia and the Summer of Love. This documentary journies through various solo projects to the release of Strawberry Fields Forever/Penny Lane, touching on flower power, John Lennon meeting Yoko Ono, LSD, meditation, Jimi Hendrix, the death of Brian Epstein, Abbey Road Studios and the Magical Mystery Tour. Among the interviewees featured in the film are Hunter Davies (the band’s official biographer), Pete Best (the band’s original drummer), music manager Simon Napier-Bell and author Philip Norman, who has written biographies of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones and of Paul McCartney among others.

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A tale of a small boy with dreams and his journey to becoming the god of Cricket and the most celebrated sportsperson in his country.

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Cary Grant was one of Hollywood's biggest names, the quintessential leading man and the ultimate self-made star. Born in Bristol in 1904 and christened Archibald Leach, Grant was haunted by conflicts between his public persona and his personal life, and in his fifties started a cure of LSD aiming to free himself from his demons. For the first time, using newly discovered personal footage and Grant's own words from his unpublished autobiography, he retraces his journey (voiced by Jonathan Pryce), exploring his own screen image and what it took to create it. The story of the man behind the mask of subtle charm and suave sophistication. A man in search of himself and the love he did not find in his life. Official Selection Cannes Film Festival 2017 - Cannes Classics

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Sea Sorrow marks Vanessa Redgrave’s debut as a film director. A very personal, dynamic meditation on the current global migrant crisis through the eyes and voices of campaigners and children, the film mixes past and present, documentary and drama in its reflection on the importance of human rights. Official Selection Cannes Film Festival 2017 - Special Screenings

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A celebration of the life and works of guitar virtuoso Mick Ronson, the rock hero and significant Bowie collaborator. As a member of Bowie’s backing band The Spiders From Mars in the early 1970s, Ronson contributed to some of the most iconic compositions, lyrics and recordings in contemporary music. Ronson went on to record several solo albums and also earned a reputation as a sought-after session musician who played with Ian Hunter, Lou Reed and Morrissey, and toured with Bob Dylan and Van Morrison.