Beijing, China, 2020. Empty streets, mandatory masks, checkpoints, the entire state apparatus used to impose severe restrictions on population movements. An entire country quarantined to fight a fierce epidemic…
She mesmerised the crowd. The first sight would rapidly disappear and anyone who would get closer would also be surprised. It is not known if she did it for "beauty or precision", as Guimarães Rosa used to say. But the truth is that stereotypes would be destroyed as soon as she would fetch her followers. And revelations would unfold. Behind her suavely acute and toned voice, there was a deep tone that only few could reach. Behind her humble upbringing, there was an uncommon sensibility and intelligence. Her disguise was her irrepressible technique. Elis was pure emotion. And singing was not her final objective, she really wanted to make people happy. This film honours Elis and creates a singular portrait of Brazil's biggest star.
In the fifties, when the future Democratic Republic of Congo was still a Belgian colony, an entire generation of musicians fused traditional African tunes with Afro-Cuban music to create the electrifying Congolese rumba, a style that conquered the entire continent thanks to an infectious rhythm, captivating guitar sounds and smooth vocals.
La mazorka mecánica
A documentary on the island off the French Riviera where 'bathing in the buff' isn't just practiced, it's highly encouraged!
In a Documentary Special, Matt Frei speaks to leading healthcare experts, asking how the NHS will cope with coronavirus, and if we should be acting quicker to stop things spiralling out of control.
A documentary on the once promising American rock bands The Brian Jonestown Massacre and The Dandy Warhols. The friendship between respective founders, Anton Newcombe and Courtney Taylor, escalated into bitter rivalry as the Dandy Warhols garnered major international success while the Brian Jonestown Massacre imploded in a haze of drugs.
A documentary about Haruomi Hosono, a musician respected around the world and the music composer of Cannes Palme d'Or winner Shoplifters. The footage traces his encounter with music in early childhood to his days in bands Happy End and YMO to his solo activities. It also includes in-depth coverage from recent years of his first overseas performances in London, New York and Los Angeles. In London, he was joined by Yukihiro Takahashi, and when Ryuichi Sakamoto made a surprise appearance onstage, the YMO members were reunited for the first time in five years, a must-see spectacle captured on film. Written by Nikkatsu
Following his explosive career as a member of one of Korea’s hottest K-pop groups, Kang Daniel has chosen to walk down a path all his own. His debut as a solo artist may have been delayed due to circumstances outside of his control, but it was during this time that Kang Daniel explored and discovered his true colors as an artist. With the release of his first full album, Kang Daniel stands before fans once again with “FIRST PARADE,” his first solo concert in Seoul that also marks the start of an epic world tour. This concert documentary film chronicles Daniel’s time in the rehearsal room, his stripped back and natural self with the people closest to him, and a glimpse into his mindset and resolve through heartfelt interviews. As we cheer for Kang Daniel on his path of transforming his dreams into reality, we soon find ourselves cheering for our own journeys as well. Here’s to KANG DANIEL, here’s to MY PARADE.
James Lavelle played his first DJ set at 14, launched pioneering record label Mo'Wax at 18 and released the genre defining UNKLE album Psyence Fiction at 22. His phenomenally rapid rise seemed limitless, but it's only when you're going so fast that the wheels fall off. The Man from Mo’Wax tells the remarkable story of one of the most enigmatic yet influential figures in contemporary British culture. Unearthed from over 700 hours of footage including exclusive personal archive spanning three decades, we get the rare opportunity to watch a boy become a man in the world of music. The result is an exhilarating, no holds-barred ride into the life of an extraordinary man and an equally extraordinary era, taking in some decidedly flawed decision-making (both personal and professional), Lavelle emerges as an innovative artist who thinks big and consistently overcomes adversity.
Remember the culture clash in THE GODS MUST BE CRAZY? This time it's real. One of the most ancient cultures on our planet is undergoing a major change. The Ju/Hoansi Bushmen in Namibia are not allowed to hunt anymore and need to converge with our so called “civilized” lifestyle. For the first time the Ju/Hoansi Bushmen travel through the Kalahari and then right into the heart of Europe. What starts as a look at their fascinating culture becomes an even more fascinating look at our Western lifestyle. A warm and humorous reflection of our habits through the eyes of people who are about to give up their million year old traditions.
"Summer of (family) love" is a roadtrip film that brings together some of the bigger names in the tiny house world with one family's attempt to live deliberately with just the essentials, if only for one season.
RATTY is a nasty little peek at the making of KGATLW’s 2019 album "Infest the Rats' Nest". The doc shows the path of creation from gag jams to gigs and all the sweat and stink that comes with it.
Beatus Ille
Vitor and Gustavo decided, in January 2020, to start a long-distance relationship, and were planning to meet again in a few months. Until COVID stopped them. This is the story of how they overcame the difficulties of time and distance through a lot of love and through Whatsapp audio messages.
Three bandmates set out to professionally record their passion project - an extended playlist of songs they have been hard at work with. This is a documentary about the experiences of starting a rock band and the cost of what it takes to reach a fulfilling outcome. From the visionary minds of REVERA, a grunge-inspired rock band from Alberta, Canada.
Accentuates the journey of Renaissance World Tour, from its inception, to the opening in Stockholm, Sweden, to the finale in Kansas City, Missouri. It is about Beyoncé’s intention, hard work, involvement in every aspect of the production, her creative mind and purpose to create her legacy, and master her craft. Received with extraordinary acclaim, Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour created a sanctuary for freedom, and shared joy, for more than 2.7 million fans.
A documentary film by Andy Crofts about Paul Weller. 'One is one year in the life of Paul Weller and his band. It’s a montage of sights and sounds we have witnessed on our travels around the world.'
Outermost Radio is a feature-length documentary that takes an intimate look at a community on the tip of Cape Cod, far from the mainland and out of the mainstream, committed to keeping their freedom of expression alive, and their non-profit community radio station on the air. Meet the people who bring their love of music, controversial points of view, and authenticity to the airwaves.
No Crew Call