Projects in genres: Music

Synopsis

A high concept music video exploring time, reality and memory through the mind of a Victorian author stranded between two periods and two realities in the heart of London. 'The Panharmonion Chronicles' is also a graphic novel written by the director Henry Chebaane.

Synopsis

ROCKS screenwriter Theresa Ikoko's exuberant drama series set during the early years of the East London grime scene - It’s 2001 and school’s out for the summer. Energised by the DIY spirit around them, Dane and his friends are eager to form a crew and get their music on pirate station Rinse FM. Ikoko’s fictional drama, loosely inspired by a book by DJ Target, perfectly captures a sense of time and place, and the moment when a local subculture was about to explode. (LFF Brochure) Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2023 - Episodes 1 and 2 - World premiere

Synopsis

Embark on a cinematic experience where art, music, and environmental advocacy seamlessly converge. An immersive documentary film about the extraordinary journey aboard the 70-ton sailing ship, Arka Kinari, ingeniously transformed into a cultural platform to amplify the urgent call for action on the climate crisis. Delve into the inspiring voyage across oceans of musicians Filastine & Nova, connecting distant shores through the unifying language of music and art to raise awarenessabout climate resilience on a global scale.

Synopsis

An intimate film portrait of British punk singer-songwriter and Libertines’ legendary front man, Pete Doherty, as he plunges into the depths of addiction at the very height of his popularity. Over a period of 10 years, Doherty was intimately filmed by director-musician Katia deVidas. We experience, in the artist’s own words, Doherty’s moving and emotionally charged fight to overcome his demons and emerge from darkness back into the light. Official Selection Zurich Film Festival 2023 - World premiere

Synopsis

It’s 2006, and George - a small-town sixteen-year old - is on the road to complete social and academic failure. He dreams of being a star, knows he’s a gifted musician - but no one else seems to agree... So, when Max - the son of a mega-famous musical duo - enrols at his school and takes an interest in his music, George can’t believe it! Neither can anyone else. But as the boys grow closer, George begins to question why he actually wants to spend time with Max... George is faced with a potential dream come true - if he can just figure out what that dream now really is... Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2023 - World premiere

Synopsis

Political engagement spawned the wildest of wonderlands for Hong Kong’s creativity – but as a new law annihilates freedom of expression overnight, artists and creatives find themselves targets and their works disappeared. We race to preserve the creative uprising amid China’s crackdown. In June 2020, the day after the National Security Law was imposed, the government started listing words, images, books, slogans, songs that were now deemed illegal - making so much that was ‘normal', forbidden. Hong Kong Mixtape weaves in the personal story of San the director, as we immerse with these underground artists, including some of Asia’s most famous and iconic creators - rappers, dancers, performers, illustrators, stunt collectives - as they navigate this authoritarian new normal. We also follow San having to ask herself the same questions as the other artists; are you willing to risk a life sentence for your art? And if this the last time we can be home - what do we make now? Official Selection Glasgow Film Festival 2023 - European Premiere

Synopsis

A short film commissioned by Sadler's Wells to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Hip-hop as an art form. This piece, featuring dancer and movement artist Jamal Sterrett Phoenix, comments upon the freedom of expression found within Hip-hop.

Synopsis

Rock band Stack of Corpses need a hit song and everyone thinks they know how to get one. Band members Bass and Drums hatch a plan to steal a dead rock star’s song from under his widow’s nose. Lead singer Brian and manager Larry think they have the answer too – turning to a Russian gangster for help. Caught in the middle is Keys, a classical pianist who literally fights off the competition to join the band before realising how lazy and feckless they all are. Through six chapters, interspersed with advice from rock legend Richard O’Keefe, the band go from nobodies to superstars. But can they really hold onto their fame and how far are they willing to go to keep their secrets from coming out?

Synopsis

A film of love, loss and music set amongst the falling feathers of a chicken factory. It’s present day in industrial North Wales. Helen, in her late 30s, spends her nights packing chickens and her days caring for a dying mother-figure Gwen. She lives in a small room in the house her clingy ex-husband shares with his dim-witted girlfriend and their new baby. Helen’s humdrum world takes an unexpected turn with the return of Joanne. They were the objects of the other’s unspoken teenage passions. Encouraged by Helen, Joanne starts a playful wooing game that re-awakens their youthful feelings. As they fall in love and lust, Helen’s zest for life returns but Joanne feels the walls closing in as she faces something much darker from her past. Helen’s world is shattered when Gwen dies and Joanne’s painful memories cause her to flee. Separated and alone, both women reflect on their unfulfilled chance. Eventually, they find the courage to let go of the past and allow their love to win. Official Selection Edinburgh International Film Festival 2023 - World premiere Official Selection Toronto International Film Festival 2023

Synopsis

Two brothers’ rise through the ranks of the British Breakdance Team try-outs for a once in a lifetime chance at the world stage. The warring brothers defy grief and their differences to compete their way through national try-outs and aiming high to get a chance to compete with the very best international breakers in the London World Championships. If they can overcome their differences and make their mark on this world stage, they could just start to dream about heading to the Olympics in 2024. From the filmmakers behind the STREETDANCE franchise, the first in a two-part film franchise. Part Two will be set in Paris, where 'breaking' will make its Olympic Games' debut in 2024.

Synopsis

It all started in 1955, when 100 English folk dancers responded to a simple newsprint advert announcing a 'seaside holiday with dancing'. Little did this small gathering know that this was the genesis of the 'longest running folk festival in Europe', growing into one of the most important events in the English folk calendar, boasting up to 55,000 attendees across a full week of music, international dancers and song from all over the world. This documentary takes audiences back in time, remembering how Sidmouth Folk Festival began and why it grew exponentially at times, how Prince Phillip and Princess Elizabeth helped the explosion of interest in English folk dance and also eventually folk song, alongside exploring English folk traditions and their place in England and the UK today. Featuring Ralph McTell, Martin and Eliza Carthy, India Electric Co., and using unseen film and photographic archive, live performance and interviews with original attendees from 1955 and recent years audiences are invited to relive the highs and lows of this jewel in the English folk crown.

Synopsis

A personal short documentary about dancing as a plus size woman through the lens of pop culture. A radical and joyful reimagining of awesome dance scenes with the bodies that traditionally get pushed to the back taking up space front and centre. Edinburgh International Film Festival 2023 Bridging the Gap - World premiere