SISU follows a ten person cycling team from a small community in Maine on a journey to compete in a 1,358KM race around the perimeter of Iceland. The one hour documentary combines an observational filmmaking style with elements of a travelogue and engagement of action sport. Set just after the summer solstice, the team faces rapidly changing road and weather conditions as they push forward against the 72 hour time limit. The film explores the motivations of amateur athletes pursuing a massive physical challenge and considers the role adventure plays in contemporary life.
Pedro Opeka declined an opportunity to play professional soccer in his native Buenos Aires and realize his childhood dream. He chose instead to become a missionary and live in one of the poorest countries in the world. The son of a bricklayer, he convinced destitute families living in Madagascar’s largest landfill that he could teach them how to build their own houses and, in the process, build their dignity. After 30 years of construction, fighting increasing poverty and political instability, Father Pedro has created a highly functional city within this dysfunctional island nation. His mission is to prepare the children he saves to one day save their own country.
The documentary follows Yeshi Kassa, great-granddaughter of Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, as she embarks on a personal quest to discover what happened to her closest relatives during the coup of 1974. While Yeshi and her older sister were thousands of miles away in a British boarding school, her great-grandfather was deposed by a revolution, setting off a harrowing chain of events that would put her parents and siblings in grave danger. For the very first time, the royal family examines the events that led to the collapse of a 3,000-year-old dynasty and reflects on how, against all odds, they were able to survive this turbulent time in Ethiopian history.
On July 16, 1969, the world watches as the three Apollo 11 astronauts attempt the impossible: to ride a controlled explosion off Planet Earth, land on another celestial body and return home. As the nine-day mission proceeds, audio from mission control captures the drama as it unfolds—each moment revealing new dangers, new decisions and new wonders. For the first time on television, this documentary utilizes “lost tapes” of the astronauts, recorded before and after the mission, along with rare film and photos. The documentary reveals the doubts and fears of the astronauts as they stand on the brink of history. The mission was nearly aborted twice, as the crew faced a mysterious alarm sounding in the spacecraft, and when fuel levels ran dangerously low. On the 50th anniversary of NASA’s most audacious achievement, Moon Landing: The Lost Tapes reveals the incredible true story of mankind’s greatest leap.
The intimate journey and unpublished backstory of BeBe Zahara Benet – a charismatic drag performer originally from Cameroon, and the very first winner of the culture-changing phenomenon, RuPaul’s Drag Race. With over a decade of unprecedented access, we observe BeBe’s struggles with celebrity, authenticity, success, and failure.
A report on the National Black Political Convention held in Gary, Indiana, in 1972, a historic event that gathered Black voices from across the political spectrum, among them Jesse Jackson, Dick Gregory, Coretta Scott King, Richard Hatcher, Amiri Baraka, Charles Diggs, and H. Carl McCall.
The story of iconic professional surfers and identical twins CJ & Damien Hobgood. Their sibling rivalry and struggle to each establish their own identity fueled their careers but ripped their personal and peripheral relationships apart.
Documentary about Don Letts who played a leading role in pop history. Letts injected Afro-Caribbean music into the early punk scene and shot over 300 music videos including for Public Image Ltd. and Bob Marley, but also for teen sensations Musical Youth's reggae smash 'Pass The Dutchie'. Besides his enduring relationship with The Clash, the constant factor in Letts' eventful career as a DJ, manager, film director, musician and radio maker is that, from the 1970s on, he continued to draw attention to cultural issues, as he does today with his radio programme for BBC 6, Culture Clash Radio.
On the first day of shooting, James Franco, David Shields, and Caleb Powell throw out the script when a real-life argument breaks out between the three of them about what can and can't be used in the film. Shields and Franco browbeat Powell to sacrifice everything for the sake of the film; Powell threatens to leave; Shields feels guilty about betraying Powell; and Franco wants Shields and Powell to confess all for the sake of the film. A debate, nearly to the death, about life and art.
Jailed for life in 2011 for killing her husband, Sally Challen was convicted on the unanimous decision of the jury. The result provoked little surprise among her friends and family, yet evidence later revealed that Challen was the victim of coercive control from her husband, who would manage her social life and spending. With fewer than 10% of appeals ever quashing a conviction, this documentary is a compelling case for the need for greater nuance in the law and its reporting.
A documentary on sustainable agriculture which journeys into the life of a Wall Street investment banker turned farmer as he struggles to build and run a farm that is feeding his family and the community he has lived in his whole life.
The 2019 World Series was loaded with surprises, comebacks, superstars, and a few new records. Home field advantage belonged to the 105-win Houston Astros, who were looking to take back a title they had won in 2017. The white-hot Washington Nationals were fighting for the first championship in franchise history. The Washington Nationals beat the Houston Astros in a most unpredictable Fall Classic, winning Game 7 with one last rally in a season full of rallies. For the first time in MLB history, the road team won all seven games in the World Series.
An exploration of the nexus of art, race, and justice through the story of art collector and philanthropist Agnes Gund who sold Roy Lichtenstein’s painting “Masterpiece” in 2017 for $165 million to start the Art for Justice Fund to end mass incarceration.
"Bias" challenges us to confront our hidden biases and understand what we risk when we follow our gut. Through exposing her own biases, award-winning documentary filmmaker Robin Hauser highlights the nature of implicit bias, the grip it holds on our social and professional lives, and what it will take to induce change.
This story follows the history of the most over buried commercial cemetery in America. It comes full circle to present day and documents a non profit's efforts to take care of the abandoned and abused burial ground.
Phil Lynott was Ireland's first rock and roll international superstar. His hard man image helped him stand out to the world as one of the most influential rockers of the 1970’s. Explore Phil’s life and career as he paths the way in the rock giants Thin Lizzy.
Breaking 60: Challenging the Impossible is a documentary about the Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge, a Fat Ass-style trail running event where there are no race fees, no prizes, no medals, no pats on the back for being super awesome. Just a bunch of slightly left field individuals trying to run all four of Hong Kong’s ultra trails ‐ totaling 298km ‐ non stop, unsupported and in less than 60 hours. Each year a small group of runners are hand selected and Breaking 60 explores the personal challenges facing 4 of them. Since its inception, no one has ever gone sub 60.
Beyonce Knowles is without a doubt one of the biggest pop stars the world has ever seen. Her powerful female image has inspired millions all around the globe and her lyrics have helped spread the message of solidarity, independence and positivity. From Destiny’s Child to record breaking solo act and worldwide tour with husband Jay-Z. Follow Beyonce's journey to how she got on top!
The death of the King of Rock n Roll shocked the world. How did this happen? The true story of Elvis Presley's last hours on Earth is told by the men who knew him best, his Memphis Mafia. Elvis' closest friends and confidants share their memories and experiences with the King and what really happened during his final hours. Including interviews with Sonny West, Billy Smith, Larry Geller, Joe Esposito, Jerry Schilling, Marty Lacker, and Lamar Fike.