Spiral

Director: Laura Fairrie

Year: 2010

This film is a unique documentary event: with unrivalled access, it follows both sides in a political battle during a year long campaign which attracted worldwide headlines.   Labour MP Margaret Hodge, a Jewish immigrant, is defending the parliamentary seat of Barking in the British general election from a challenge by the leader of the right wing British National Party, Nick Griffin, who has a big following amongst disenchanted white working class voters.   With building tension, as violence erupts on the streets, the film shows the strategies of both parties and the eventual denouement on election night.   Described as 'remarkable' by the Observer newspaper, the film will be of particular interest in countries where there is a populist rightwing or racist party.

Director: Barnaby Thompson

Year: 2026

An in-depth study of David Lean, the man and his films. David Lean was one of the greatest filmmakers. He redefined what films could be, but his singular vision and tenacious determination to film the impossible earned him a reputation as an obsessive maverick. He was a master of his craft, capable of creating love and beauty on screen, but whose personal life was often troubled, uprooted, and painful. Featuring interviews with contemporary filmmakers including Wes Anderson, Paul Greengrass, Alfonso Cuarón, Celine Song, Brady Corbet, Francis Ford Coppola, Denis Villeneuve, Nia DaCosta, and Joe Wright. Official Selection Cannes Film Festival 2026 - Cannes Classics - World premiere

Director: Rich Felgate

Year: 2026

Told through the lives and motivations of those on the frontline, WE, THE HATED turns its camera on the people behind one of the most polarising protest movements in recent memory. What emerges goes deeper than placards and road blocks: these are individuals who have weighed up the personal consequences of action against the existential stakes of inaction. With fossil fuels driving both the climate crisis and global conflict, and governments increasingly cracking down on dissent, the film raises urgent questions about protest, power and what democracy actually means in practice. Director Rich Felgate, who is in a relationship with Just Stop Oil's founder, brings an insider closeness to the story whilst retaining enough balance to speak to audiences well beyond the already converted. Official Selection Sheffield DocFest 2026 - World premiere