Projects in categories: Documentary

Synopsis

Revealing the inner world and outer life of Irvine Welsh, one of the most original and controversial writers of our times. Over four decades across novels, screenplays, and as a forthright, opinionated and outspoken media presence, the 'Trainspotting' author has both celebrated and defined contemporary society and culture, whilst simultaneously exposing all of their many flaws. In this intimate and personal documentary we meet the acclaimed writer at a crossroads, acutely aware of his mortality and accepting that his hedonistic days are drawing to a close, but still very much committed to new avenues of creativity and discovery. On a book tour in Canada, Welsh chooses to explore the boundaries of consciousness by taking DMT at a Toronto drug therapy centre. The resulting hallucinogenic trip, illustrated within a kaleidoscopic imagined memory space, is interspersed with candid observational footage, cinematic archive, and novel excerpts to create a captivating piece of autobiographical cinema that gets to the beating heart of one of Scotland’s most vital creative voices. Official Selection Edinburgh International Film Festival 2025 - World premiere

Synopsis

The Manchester 24 Hour Run Against Homelessness raises funds in aid of Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity’s flagship scheme, A Bed Every Night. The filmmaker’s initial approach was slightly judgemental, trying to understand the participants' deeper engagement with the event. However, the organisers’ and runners’ profound responses had transformed the filmmaking journey into an exploratory journey of humanity's multifaceted nature, revealing unexpected layers of resilience and compassion.

Synopsis

A time capsule from the underground. NOVA 78 resurrects the electrifying Nova Convention of 1978 featuring never-before-seen footage of William Burroughs, Frank Zappa, Patti Smith and other icons restored over a decade in the UK and reimagined as a cinematic event for today’s audiences. Official Selection Locarno Film Festival 2025 - World premiere

Synopsis

A security guard must use his wits and keep his nerve as the cold night brings forth an eclectic mix of colourful characters to contend with.

Synopsis

An experimental feature film that dives into the murky waters of memory. The filmmaker's daughter Eden, dressed as Dorothy, walks a path of recollection but she does not walk alone. On her journey she is accompanied by workers from a factory that produces memory. Official Selection Edinburgh International Film Festival 2025 - World premiere

Synopsis

Daria has written her first manuscript about falling in love with a mysterious girl called ‘abi’ [blue]. The night flowers in her garden hide the secrets of a country that has turned love stories into routine crime scenes. Official Selection Toronto International Film Festival 2025 Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2025

Synopsis

A group of facilitators, apprentices, volunteers, people living with dementia, and their supporters gather in a community hall. Together, they revisit memories of food, discovering how the past can affect the present.

Synopsis

Death Cafes offer a place for strangers to gather and discuss all things mortality. Animated in tea and coffee, STEEPING explores the ceremony of the cafe, inviting people to ponder our attitudes towards death and dying and reflect on how a conversation over a cup of something might make broaching the subject a little less terrifying.

Synopsis

OUR LAND dares to tread where few have trespassed before. The film seamlessly juxtaposes the two sides of the debate around our access to nature, giving voice to the different perspectives - those fighting for greater access to the countryside and the landowners who claim to be stewards of the land. Blending history with an eye on the future, Our Land cuts through the conflict, exploring the complex issues of access, custodianship, and conservation. With stunning visuals and gripping narratives from both sides of the fence, the film challenges the age-old beliefs that have shaped our relationship with the land for over a thousand years. As the battle for nature continues on, who truly has the right to roam? Official Selection Sheffield DocFest 2025 - World premiere

Synopsis

Jessi moves to Folkestone's white cliffs; a crucible for debates on what English identity means as refugees cross daily from France. But the film Jessi thinks she’s making, about impossible social and psychological divisions, is changed by her new neighbours, who embody hope for a country of messy inclusivity. Official Selection Sheffield DocFest 2025 - World premiere

Synopsis

Novelty pop band Black Lace are responsible for creating 'Agadoo', the worst record in history (as voted for by music journalists). The track was banned by the BBC for not being "credible", yet was still massively popular. But at peak fame Black Lace’s rapid success unravelled - and a disgraced member vanished - Enter young Dene Michael to save the day. 40 years later, after a decade living and working in Benidorm, Dene's still carrying the novelty fame, driving a clapped-out Volkswagen Up into the most deprived areas of the UK. On tours Dene's always accompanied by his biggest fan Anne, his 89-year-old mother. Unable to fly, Anne's asked Dene to drive her back to Benidorm for a last goodbye. However, the mother and son nostalgia trip has been upended by Dene's unexpected new relationship. Hayley, an 'Agadoo' superfan, has fallen in love with her ageing idol and is joining them on this Spanish adventure. Dene is placing his bets on recording a new 'hit' record. But who needs an overweight pensioner in a loud pineapple emblazoned shirt and oversized red spectacles? Apparently, many do! Agadoo doo Official Selection Sheffield DocFest 2025 - World premiere

Synopsis

When six Palestinian comedians hit the road to tour a stand-up show across Palestine and Israel, their search for humour amidst the injustice of everyday Palestinian life becomes a plea for humanity in the face of brutal war. There are no comedy clubs - or even a tradition of stand-up comedy - in Palestine. The country is also carved up by walls, fences and checkpoints that create divisions in culture and quality of life between towns. As such, developing a comedy show that can speak to these very different audiences is a herculean task. Despite the cultural and security challenges of going on tour, the five Palestinian comedians and their British director manage to cross checkpoints and borders to perform in theatres in Palestine and Israel. Audiences flock to the shows and the tour gains momentum through increasing public demand. Word spreads internationally and they are invited to London for a series of gigs starting, tragically, on October 7th, 2023, just as war breaks out at home. Suddenly, the mission to connect audiences with thoughtful humanity becomes an existential imperative. Official Selection SXSW London 2025 - World premiere