In this unfiltered portrait comprised of prose and pirouettes, Marie-Astrid Mence narrates her uncomfortable journey from adolescent to ballerina and her struggles in an industry that fails to see past her skin colour.
TOPOWA! is an inspirational journey of 12 young teacher musicians, many of whom grew up as street children in some of the toughest slums in Uganda. We follow them from their home in Kampala to some of the biggest music stages in the world where they perform with Jazz legend Wynton Marsalis and virtuoso trumpeter Alison Balsom OBE.
It's a story of resilience and hope, carried along by a joyous celebration of music and life. At the heart of this film: the power of music to change lives and a charity called Brass for Africa.
From the dusty dirt roads of Katwe slum to the paved streets of London and the fields of Cheltenham Festival. We follow Julius, Sumayya, Tadeo, Gilbert and the Brass For Africa band as they are welcomed to the UK for an unforgettable experience that will transform their lives forever and empower the next generation of musicians to follow their dreams - 'Topowa! Never give up!’
A film highlighting the joy of reclaiming your trans body. Rowyn explores their journey of top surgery through music and dance, showing the difference of feeling at ease in your own body. We are all a work in progress, and progress for trans people is incredibly meaningful.
The story of Don Letts, a first generation Black British cultural mover and shaker, filmmaker, musician and raconteur. The film frames Don’s story with the Enoch Powell Rivers of Blood speech in 1968 and the “hostile environment” immigration policy of 2018. That’s the backdrop and the context of Don’s life – trying to find a place in the world. So we cover his relationship with the nascent punk scene – how rastas and punks found a common bond, both outside the mainstream, and how he introduced dub reggae to the punks. How he became part of the inner circle of the Clash, and how Johnny Rotten took him to Jamaica. He then became a top promo director (London Calling, Chain Gang, Pass the Dutchie) and then he formed a band, Big Audio Dynamite, with his old friend Mick Jones and made music that incorporated dance, reggae, rap, film samples and rock n roll. On leaving BAD Letts became a feature director, won a Grammy for his documentary WESTWAY TO THE WORLD: THE STORY OF THE CLASH, and is now a leading cultural commentator.
Documentary focusing on Irish musician and The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan, featuring animation, unseen footage from director Julien Temple’s own archives and contributions from collaborators, artists and MacGowan’s family. The film culminates with MacGowan's 60th birthday celebration, populated by musicians and film stars.
Artist Ralph Steadman, known for his collaborations with writer Hunter S. Thompson, provides original artwork which animator Jonny Halifax brings to life.
Official Selection San Sebastian International Film Festival 2020 - Competition - World premiere
Special Jury Prize, San Sebastian International Film Festival 2020
Musician, model and rock monster Dave Doughman and his band Swearing At Motorists have a unique reputation on Hamburg's alternative music scene. IT'S NOT ALL ROCK AND ROLL is about being a musical troubadour in the modern world.
I wouldn't have made this if I had not heard counter-tenor Hugues Cuénod at Covent Garden Opera House as a child. The film animates images taken mainly from old photographic plates, to pick up the beat and ripple of the soundtrack, overlaid by the voice of Jimmy Somerville with its astonishing range of pitch and timbre.
The tragic tale of Mark Linkous, known as Sparklehorse, one of America’s most influential cult music artists whose life was lived with intensity and beauty.
Crippled by adversity and struggling with his demons, 2020 marks the 10th anniversary since Mark took his own life. Made with the cooperation of the Linkous family, Mark's life is told in his own words and music with contributions from David Lynch, Matt Linkous, Jonathon Donahue, David Lowery, Jason Lytle, Gemma Hayes, Adam Bryanbaum Wiltzie, Ed Harcourt, Josh Carter, Matthew Wright, John Parish, Adrian Utley, Emily Haines, and is narrated by Mark's close friend and collaborator Angela Faye Martin.
OVERSHADOWED tells the story of Matt Deighton, a hugely respected and loved artist within the British music industry. Front man for the 90’s acid jazz band ‘Mother Earth’, Paul Weller’s guitarist of choice and Noel Gallagher’s replacement in ‘Oasis’. But who is he? Critically acclaimed yet an underground secret. Who is Matt Deighton? Matt guides us on a tour through his life, his music and performances, exploring the challenges of mental health and musicianship. Accompanied by some of his friends and collaborators including Chris Difford, Bill Fay, Paul Weller, Marti Pellow and Carleen Anderson. OVERSHADOWED is the remarkable musical journey of Matt Deighton, the singer songwriter we ought to know.
We follow HER & HER on their journey seeing just how their differences can compliment each other, what challenges they will need to overcome and how honest conversation and carefree dancing will always win in the end.
