Projects in categories: Documentary

Synopsis

On an island steeped with a history of shipwrecking and smuggling, there is evidence of of the influence of pirate ancestry still alive today. A descendant of the original settlers in Bimini, Ashley Saunders has spent the last twenty years scavenging the land, and combing beaches, to gather materials for his home. Built entirely from found items, Ashley's home is now an important landmark on the island, and is a modern reminder of the resourcefulness of people who look to the sea for survival.

Synopsis

In June 2010, Ana Garcia returned home to Gibraltar to get married. Coming back to the most unique of British territories, she finds herself compelled to find out more about the history of her family and her birthplace. As she prepares for her wedding, we are taken on a very personal journey that uncovers the inspiring story of how a small community has fought for its home and identity.

Synopsis

When Nathan Harris joined the US Marines at the age of 18, all he wanted to do was kill people. Now 26 and on his third deployment, he is leading a group of soldiers on the Afghanistan frontline. They daily do battle with the invisible Taliban, whilst wreaking havoc with the lives of Afghan villagers. Acclaimed war photographer Danfung Dennis is embedded with the troops, using innovative camera techniques to capture the often harrowing action. After Harris is badly injured and sent home, he must play “a whole lot of wait and see” to try to overcome his injury, as well as battling a nascent addiction to painkillers. By intercutting two overlapping narratives shifting between the twin hells of Afghanistan and American suburbia, Dennis tells a mesmerising story of one man and his demons on and off the battleground. Winner of the World Cinema Jury and Cinematography Awards, Sundance Film Festival.

Synopsis

During a 50,000km road tour of Australia the film makers encountered 89 year-old Helmut. Living alone and remotely for nearly 40 years in a hand-built house on the bed of one of the largest rivers in the country, he was wearing only a loin cloth when they arrived unannounced.

Helmut's House is a portrait of an original character leading a truly unconventional lifestyle in the wilderness, and a rare document of a unique encounter with a remarkable human being.

Synopsis

The film traces the rise of one of the world's premier architects, Norman Foster and his unending quest to improve the quality of life through design. Portrayed are Foster's origins and how his dreams and influences inspired the design of his emblematic projects.

Synopsis

A team is at work dissecting what appears to be an ordinary bush. The examination is carried out with such conviction and reverence, towards something which is seemingly so mundane, that the whole process appears quite absurd.
 
Filmed during a Gulbenkian Galapagos Artists Residency.

Synopsis

A 90 minute feature documentary telling the compelling story of the 40th Irish Dancing World Championships.

Thousands of dancers, their families and teachers from around the globe descend on Glasgow, Scotland for a drama-filled seven days.

Wigs, make-up, tans, diamantes and dresses costing thousands of pounds combined with blood, sweat and tears: 364 days of incredibly hard work and practice for just a few tense minutes on stage. From little ten year-olds upwards they're all competing to win a coveted World Title.

Synopsis

King Dong offers a vhs-tinted glimpse into the mind of comedy filmmaking obscurity Len Cella, who for forty years has strove to make the lowest-brow films and videos with all the seriousness of an auteur.

Synopsis

An epic 12 year journey into in the world of an Irish Traveller community, Knuckle takes us inside their brutal, secretive and exhilarating bare-knuckle fighting lives.
 
Chronicling a history of violent feuding between rival families, the story focuses on two brothers as they fight for their reputations and the honour of their family name.

Synopsis

Reggae, Punk and Bhangra musicians from the UK city of Birmingham discuss their distinctive musical styles and reflect on how music has played its own role in fostering a new sense of collective identity in the city. Including interviews and archives from Steel Pulse, UB40, Swami, Au Pairs and Nightingales.

Synopsis

Nothing Is Impossible is a portrait of Fauja Singh: a 98 year-old long distance runner who keeps running. He holds the fastest over 90 year-old marathon race time, and he defies perceived notions of age with a twinkle in his eye and an infectious zest for life.

Synopsis

In just a few years, the Afghan cricket team has risen from obscurity in the sport’s lowest ranks to phenomenal success in the highly competitive international arena. This is the remarkable and inspirational story of coach Taj Malik Aleem and his team, who became the sport’s unlikeliest heroes during a triumphant campaign culminating in the crucial World Cup qualifier in South Africa. In a country more often associated with war and rigged elections, their incredible journey is an absolute joy to behold.