Projects in genres: Music

Synopsis

A reinvention of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The radical new take on Dickens’ classic seeks both to exhume the original story’s gritty commentary on social inequality and the corrupting influence of greed, and to breathe new life into the lyricism of the original text by setting its scenes to extraordinary tableaux of modern dance. The opening scenes of the film follow a Victorian family preparing a toy theatre for their annual performance of 'A Christmas Carol'. As the family's grandmother narrates the much-edited story and her grandchildren change the scenery, we enter the imagination of one of the children in the audience and watch as the cardboard stage, and the story with it, transforms into a darkly fantastical otherworld.

Synopsis

Through a series of vignettes, we see fragments of a couple’s relationship; in sync together, yet out of time with the world around them. As the story unfolds, we slowly start to see their relationship deteriorate. She becomes out of sync with him and thus in sync with the world.

Synopsis

Edgar Wright (BABY DRIVER, HOT FUZZ) directs a loving, hilarious and career-spanning look at the brothers Mael, 50 years and 25 albums deep into a career that has seen them traverse more genres, audiences and career revivals than any artist could have endured alone. Official Selection Sundance Film Festival 2021 - World Premiere

Synopsis

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.

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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!’

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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.

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Feature film adaptation of the musical about a teenager from Sheffield, England who wants to be a drag queen.

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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.

Synopsis

Escape self-isolation and feel as free as a bird. A short creative documentary.

Synopsis

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

Synopsis

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.

Synopsis

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.