Projects in categories: Documentary

Synopsis

A feature film portrait of two powerful figures: Lord Stevenson and Professor Malcolm Carruthers. Powerful for what they represent and their life story and powerful for some of the most controversial and contemporary issues: mental health, cosmetic surgery and the use of testosterone.

Synopsis

A celebration of Albanian polyphonic singing and the resilience of tradition in the face of inevitable change. Singers of Kënga Labe (iso-pholyphony) from across three generations explain their deep spiritual connection to and through their songs.

Synopsis

Zahida Kazmi is the first female taxidriver in Pakistan and a local legend. Independent, feisty and street-wise, she is a master hustler. Twice a widower and 56 years old, she is fighting to make a living on the dusty roads of Rawalpindi. Also a mother to 7 year old Zara, she is continually juggles her home life with behind the wheel. Reciting beautiful poetry in nostalgic moments off the road, Zahida reflects on her fate. Zahida is a fascinating insight into the trials faced by a determined woman carving her own path within a patriarchal society.

Synopsis

Shergar was once the most valuable stallion in the world. His kidnapping in 1983 by the IRA still grips public’s imagination. What really happened with the prizewinning Irish racehorse? BAFTA-winning director Alison Millar goes in search of new evidence to try to solve the mystery.

Synopsis

William Sellers and the Colonial Film Unit developed a framework for colonial cinema, slow edits and minimal camera movement, no camera tricks. In an effort to recuperate black dance from this colonial project, SPECIALISED TECHNIQUE, attempts to transform this material from studied spectacle to livingness. Official Selection International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) 2019 - Bright Future

Synopsis

Jay Wilde struggles with his conscience every time he takes his cows to be slaughtered. Completely trapped within the industry, Jay realises that he must find a way to make a change. BAFTA Film Awards 2019 - Winner, Best British Short Film

Synopsis

Nobody should have to die alone. A woman cares for sick animals, staying with them when they die. A contemplation on life, death and kindness.

Synopsis

A 60-minute film exploring neuro-diversity in the arts through the work of Samuel Beckett from disabled performer Jess Thom's personal perspective. Jess is an artist and activist who also has Tourette's Syndrome. In this film, Jess takes us on a funny and unpredictable journey of discovery into one of Beckett's most complex plays,and asks us to radically reconsider issues of disability, representation and social exclusion as she prepares to perform the role of Mouth in Not I, in front of a live theatre audience.

Synopsis

A unique documentary snapshot into the life and times of Ambrose Mendy, boxing promoter, footballer's agent and entrepreneur. Filmed as a single shot over 100 minutes Ambrose takes you on a journey that begins in Hackey London in 1955. An unflinching human portrait of what it has taken this extraordinary man to survive and thrive over six decades. Every story he tells gives an insight into how the world has changed but also stayed the same.

Synopsis

A VR animated adventure with a dark heart. Be transported to Hawaii in 1984 and into a hand-painted enchanting rainforest, in search of the last õ'õ songbird. A fabled black bird with yellow legs and a unique voice, whose last living specimen disappeared from the island 30 years ago.

Synopsis

Nicu, a homeless street kid, is adopted by the notorious 'Bruce Lee' and brought up in the subterranean tunnels of Bucharest. As he grows up, he begins to realise that this 'King of the Underworld' is maybe not the father that he needs. Filmed over five years by photographer Joost Vandebrug, the film is a real life Oliver Twist story about growing up, and finding a family.

Synopsis

Filmmaker Sean McAllister return to his hometown of Hull as creative director of the opening ceremony of the City of Culture celebrations, where he reflects on the changes to a city hit by cuts in public spending and divided by Brexit. The film follows local resident Steve Arnott, a struggling warehouse worker by day and hip-hop performer by night, who harbours his own creative dream. “Back home in Hull, where I began, I have been filming Steve and wondering whether he can, against the odds, unlock the opportunities to build a better life? Is social mobility possible in cities like Hull? What role does culture have to play in this? How long can he hold onto his dreams for?” (Sean McAllister) Official Selection Sheffield Doc/Fest 2018 - Opening Night Film