Projects in genres: Woman Director

Synopsis

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.

Synopsis

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.

Synopsis

Set in London, he story of an enigmatic Iranian cab driver, who works at night and doesn’t like to talk about his past. He has two jobs, yet seems not to be interested in the money. He eats at his uncle’s café every day, yet is fully aware of being betrayed by him. He agrees to his mother’s arrangements for his return, yet has no intention of going back. We learn that he was once a war hero, yet he disappeared from the battlefield without a trace. A man with no past, no future, no ‘conviction’, he still gets involved in the conflict of a total stranger and carries it through to the very end.

Synopsis

Parallel stories connected through an intimacy with death. The living and the dead communicate through visions, memories and reality. What happens to the ones we love after their death? Can we keep them alive through our memories or perhaps by placing them in an imaginary afterlife? This film explores the parallel life that we can dream of but cannot touch. Seven people wander through memory and dream looking for the ones they loved and lost. Between the dreamscape and landscape, the dead and alive are finally allowed to communicate, because they can feel and hear each other.

Synopsis

After a minor incident in her village, 9-year-old Shula is exiled to a travelling witch camp where she is told that if she tries to escape she will be transformed into a goat. As she navigates through her new life, she must decide whether to accept her fate or risk the consequences of seeking freedom. Official Selection Cannes Film Festival 2017 - Directors' Fortnight - World premiere Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2017 - First Feature Competition Official Selection Sundance Film Festival 2018 - Spotlight Official Selection Rotterdam International Film Festival 2018

Synopsis

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

Synopsis

A missing teenage girl. A brutal and tormented enforcer on a rescue mission. Corrupt power and vengeance unleash a storm of violence that may lead to his awakening. Official Selection Cannes Film Festival 2017 - In Competition - World premeire

Synopsis

Her body flickers in an attic. A triangle, align; she is flung in a poltergeist semaphore. At once woman, creature and form, she dances anticipation. A whisper, ‘he’s coming home.’

Synopsis

Bonnie, Pinkman's finest student and head girl, takes us on a tour of her school as she tries to round up the school captains in time for the school photo.

Synopsis

Revisiting the audition process for the character of Kanchi in Powell and Pressburger’s 1947 'Black Narcissus'. The coveted role went to actor Jean Simmons. By auditioning only Indian ex-pat or first-generation British Asian women and non-binary individuals, filmmaker Michelle Williams Gamaker re-casts a Kanchi for the 21st Century, who crucially speaks.

Synopsis

A lyrical short documentary featuring writer and Scots Makar (poet laureate) Jackie Kay. Jackie explores what identity means today as a Black, Scottish, lesbian writer, revealing how storytelling and imagination can offer us a way to live with – and grow to love – our many identities.