Projects

Synopsis

Charting the incredible true story of the Scots who managed to ground half of Chile’s Air Force, from the other side of the world, in the longest single act of solidarity against Pinochet’s brutal dictatorship. In 1974 a group of workers at the Rolls Royce factory in East Kilbride showed their support for the people of Chile by refusing to carry out the vital repairs of engines for Hawker Hunter planes, which had been used during the brutal military coup in September 1973. The boycott endured for four years but the Scottish workers never knew what impact they had; it was a matter of conscience and an act of solidarity. Bustos Sierra – himself the Scotland-based son of a Chilean exile – reunites inspirational figures Bob Fulton, Robert Somerville, Stuart Barrie and John Keenan to hear their story. With unprecedented access, Nae Pasaran also ventures much further to detail the horrors of the Pinochet years, meets survivors of the period and hears the Chilean side of the story.

Synopsis

A personal portrait of British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran documented by Sheeran's cousin Murray Cummings. Following this modest performer’s creative processes, from an early-morning jam in the garden to a finished song, from the first chord to the honed lyrics. Whether observing Sheeran’s collaboration with producer Benny Blanco, the tension during a recording session at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, or paying a visit to Sheeran's first musical mentor at his old high school, Cummings gives voice to the people who know Sheeran the best. Drawing on photos and family, Cummings makes use of his own memories and the various stages of Sheeran’s development to create a portrait of a man obsessed by music. The film eschews the celebrity hype to concentrate on the intensive work on the current album in California’s creative quarter, providing us with intimate insights into the workings of this musician as he navigates between his own artistic aspirations and the demands of the music industry. Official Selection Berlinale 2018 - Berlinale Special Gala - World premiere

Synopsis

A searing documentary of a lost cultural icon. A story of art, sport, sexuality, and rebellion. Watch any figure skating and it falls into two camps: before and after John Curry. From what was a macho, technical sport whose judges punished deviation, blossomed – through John Curry’s stubborn beauty – ice-dancing. After winning gold at the Winter Olympics for a rebelliously balletic routine, audiences and reviewers alike were enthralled by his genius. But Curry’s story is about more than skating. On the night of the final, Curry became the first openly gay Olympian at a time when homosexuality was barely legal. From bullying and prejudice, to relief in the gay underworld, to his untimely death from AIDS, Curry’s story dovetails with the experiences of a generation. This is the story of a man whose body was a battleground. From love affairs, to violence in sex clubs, to its ‘unmanly’ elegance on the ice, every act was rebellion. John Curry was no activist, but an artist expressing his authentic self – yet in a world where his existence was taboo, his life was unavoidably political. Official Selection CPH:DOX 2018 - International premiere

Synopsis

In 2014 filmmaker Grace Harper started making a film with her estranged father as a way to reconnect with him, during the course of filming her brother Sam died unexpectedly. Continuing filming provided a way to make sense of what had happened, and this resulting film is a story of the very different ways people cope with tragedy, but first and foremost it is a tale of everlasting love.

Synopsis

On December 1st 1990, watched by the world’s media, construction worker Graham Fagg of Dover climbed through a hole in a chalk wall 40 metres below the seabed of the English Channel, shook the hand of Philippe Cozette of Calais and shouted, “Vive la France!”. On June 23rd 2016 Britain voted to leave the European Union. Inspired by a message for motorists on Eurotunnel trains, 'Song for Europe' is an underwater celebration of Britain’s connection to mainland Europe. (John Smith) Official Selection Berlinale 2018 - Forum Expanded - World premiere

Synopsis

Inspired by true events, 'Entebbe' centres around the 1976 hijacking of Air France Flight 139 en route from Tel Aviv to Paris, and the daring rescue mission that followed. With only a week to comply with the terrorists’ ultimatums, Israel must make the critical decision: negotiate or launch a seemingly impossible rescue attempt. 'Entebbe' spotlights the harrowing human story behind the global crisis that changed history. Official Selection Berlinale 2018 - Competition (Out of Competition) - World premiere

Synopsis

Chilly Gonzales is a Grammy-winning composer, virtuoso pianist and entertainer. Criss-crossing between rap, electro and solo piano music, he became the outrageous pop performer who invited himself to the ivory tower of classical music. The eccentric artist inspires and collaborates with the likes of Feist, Jarvis Cocker, Peaches, Daft Punk and Drake. The documentary follows Chilly Gonzales from his native Canada to late '90s underground Berlin, and via Paris to the world's great philharmonic halls. Diving deep into the dichotomy of Gonzales' stage persona, where self-doubt and megalomania are just two sides of the same coin. The playfulness of his character is mirrored in the look of the film. Using Gonzales' extensive video archive in a rather unorthodox manner... Reality and fiction blur together as we embark on a trip through Chilly Gonzales' world. Official Selection Berlinale 2018 - Panorama Dokumente - World premiere

Synopsis

In the days following her return from hospital, new mother Kate is rocked by finding her world altered beyond recognition. Her partner Steve is aware of her precarious mental state, but his delight at their newborn makes it hard for them to connect. Post-natal trauma and hallucinations make the world increasingly hard for Kate to bear. Can anything pull her back to reality - before it’s too late?

Synopsis

A British journalist goes undercover and infiltrates the digital propaganda channels of the so-called Islamic State, which has been mobilising ever greater numbers of young women from Europe. Her daily internet contacts with an ISIS recruiter gradually pull her in and push the limits of her investigation. Based on Anna Erelle’s factual account of her experiences as an undercover journalist. Official Selection Berlinale 2018 - Panorama Special - World premiere

Synopsis

The poignant and personal story of 13 year-old Khushboo. A portrait of a rape victim caught in the devious ploys of her family. Stories of the horror of her gang-rape, emotional abuse at the hands of her grandmother, who orchestrated her rape, and that of her child marriage to a man she does not know are poignantly woven. As Khushboo changes hands from one abuser to another, we delve deeper into her grandmother’s story – to where this circle traces back. Told simplistically through an observational lens, this intimate and delicate film attempts an understanding of the nature of abuse, and a closer look at the perpetrator, as much as it does of the victim itself. Where does this circle begin? Where does it go? And can there be any release? Official Selection Berlinale 2018 - Berlinale Shorts - World premiere

Synopsis

Atari Kobayashi is 12 years old, and ward to Kobayashi, the corrupt mayor of Megasaki City. When, by Executive Decree, all the canine pets of Megasaki City are exiled to a vast garbage dump, Atari sets off alone in a miniature Junior-Turbo Prop and flies to Trash Island in search of his bodyguard-dog, Spots. There, with the assistance of a pack of newly-found mongrel friends, he begins an epic journey that will decide the fate and future of the entire Prefecture. Official Selection Berlinale 2018 - Competition - World premiere

Synopsis

A man prays in the Muslim tradition while his children try to distract him by climbing on his back. This is a recurring scenario that many try to film at home and upload to YouTube. The film reenacts this script to show the tender side of a father praying. Official Selection Berlinale 2019 - Forum Expanded - Group Exhibition at Betonhalle