Documentary Movies

Helvetica

Helvetica is a feature-length independent film about typography, graphic design and global visual culture. It looks at the proliferation of one typeface (which will celebrate its 50th birthday in 2007) as part of a larger conversation about the way type affects our lives. The film is an exploration of urban spaces in major cities and the type that inhabits them, and a fluid discussion with renowned designers about their work, the creative process, and the choices and aesthetics behind their use of type.

Samuel Wainer

The man who changed Brazilian journalism. The film focuses on the period of Samuel's life spanning from 1951—the year the newspaper Última Hora was founded—to the mid-1960s, when its decline began.

Fyre

He promised supermodels and yachts, but delivered tents and cheese sandwiches. How one man engineered a music festival disaster.

Hitting the Apex

The inside story of six fighters – six of the fastest motorcycle racers of all time – and of the fates that awaited them at the peak of the sport. It's the story of what is at stake for all of them: all that can be won, and all that can be lost, when you go chasing glory at over two hundred miles an hour – on a motorcycle. But this documentary is also an opportunity to understand the passionate relationship that links the pilots, the technical teams and the legions of fans to the spirit of GP Moto.

The Conductors

Three men serve as "conductors" on their own terms: one man is an established musician whose symphony orchestra is one of the most sought after in the region; another leads some 5,000 singers in one choir group; and the other is a football fan who guides 50,000 people to sing and dance. These three men possess undeniable charms that reflect their strength, integrity, and natural born leadership.

Essencials

From Caligari to Hitler

Film journalist and critic Rüdiger Suchsland examines German cinema from 1919, when the Republic of Weimar is born, to 1933, when the Nazis come into power. (Followed by Hitler's Hollywood, 2017.)

The Gleaners and I

Varda focuses her eye on gleaners: those who scour already-reaped fields for the odd potato or turnip. Her investigation leads from forgotten corners of the French countryside to off-hours at the green markets of Paris, following those who insist on finding a use for that which society has cast off, whether out of necessity or activism.

The Birth of Big Air

In 1985, at the tender age of 13, Mat Hoffman entered into the BMX circuit as an amateur, and by 16 he had risen to the professional level. Throughout his storied career, Hoffman has ignored conventional limitations, instead, focusing his efforts on the purity of the sport and the pursuit of “what’s next.” His motivations stem purely from his own ambitions, and even without endorsements, cameras, fame and fans, Hoffman would still be working to push the boundaries of gravity. Academy Award nominee Spike Jonze and extreme sport fanatic Johnny Knoxville, along with director Jeff Tremaine, will showcase the inner workings and exploits of the man who gave birth to “Big Air.”

Racionais MC's: From the Streets of São Paulo

Armed with music and a message, influential hip-hop group Racionais MC's turned their street poetry into a powerful movement in Brazil and beyond.

The Circlemakers

Uncovering the truth about crop circles and their creators, The Circlemakers explores the underground world of human artists who create intricate pieces of land art in the dead of night as they fight to finally be acknowledged for their designs.

Ostinatamente Oltre

Chiara Turrini, a retired teacher and actress, is putting her body to the test again at the age of 70. An intimate journey through running, prejudice and the freedom not to give in to the passage of time.

Umberto Eco: A Library of the World

A walk through the immense private library of Italian writer and thinker Umberto Eco (1932-2016).

You Are Not Alone: Fighting the Wolf Pack

Through key testimonies, this documentary looks at a gang rape that took place during the 2016 San Fermín festival and sparked protests worldwide.

Bitter Cells

Huiju learned of her biopsy test results, but lied to her mum about them. Feeling guilty about the lie, she embarks on her journey to find cancer patients who have the same diagnosis as hers and learns about their experiences. After hearing their stories, she finds the courage to tell the truth to her mum.

Method to the Madness of Jerry Lewis

It will surprise few to discover that star of stage and screen Jerry Lewis has sought to amuse others since he was five years old. Since that early age, audiences split their sides watching his wacky antics, whilst wannabe comics aspired to his prolific career, from his solo work to his double act with Dean Martin. Indeed, many of his famous fans share stories of affection and admiration for the now 86-year-old performer and filmmaker in Gregg Barson’s documentary. Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino, Eddie Murphy and Jerry Seinfeld are among those waxing lyrical about Lewis’ particular brand of genius, and his place in the annals of history. Including a cavalcade of hilarious clips from eight decades in the spotlight, Method to the Madness of Jerry Lewis examines the icon and his influence, and is essential viewing for aficionados of the man and his legacy.

Parque Oeste

After being the victim of a violent eviction in the Parque Oeste neighborhood, in Goiânia, a woman rebuilds her life based on the struggle for housing.

Water Body

An immersive audiovisual experience using global Earth systems datasets to explore water as the connective tissue of life revealing its continuous movement through rivers, oceans, landscapes and living beings as one planetary circulation.

The Invisible Ones

Filmmaker Martijn Blekendaal thinks there should be a superhero for invisible children: kids who need to be invisible because otherwise their lives are in danger. In The Invisible Ones he tells the stories of four children—some of whom are now 85 years old—who learned to master the art of going unnoticed. This is something he learned to do in his own life.

The Real Spies Among Friends

Documentary telling the real story of the Cambridge Spies - subject of the drama series A Spy Among Friends.