Social & External
The people behind it
Jakub Hejna
Self
Václav Havel
Šárka Hejnová
Jan Kačer
Helena Albertová
Daniel Dvořák
Henning Brockhaus
Jaromír Pleskot
Jaroslav Malina
Otomar Krejča
In early 20th-century Naples, a theatrical parody lands beloved thespian and playwright Eduardo Scarpetta in court, facing a malicious lawsuit that could compromise his freedom of expression and the economic security of his extended family—including his son's, young Eduardo De Filippo.
Signals Through the Flames is at once a history and a celebration of the Living Theatre. Founded in the late 1940s by husband-and-wife performers Julian Beck and Judith Malina, the Living Theatre was for many years the predominent American outlet for the avant-garde movement. There were occasional self-imposed exiles to Europe in the 1950s and 1960s, but the group returned full-force during the Aquarius Age to entertain a new generation of theatregoers.
Part journalistic investigation and part performance documentary, "Who Killed The Federal Theater?" tells the story of the Federal Theatre Project within the context of a volatile period in the political, social and cultural history of the United States. The film features interview segments with playwrights, including Arthur Miller, and with actors, directors, designers, and historians. It also incorporates rare archival materials and dramatic sequences, including professionally re-created scenes from Federal Theatre productions that transport viewers back in time to a bygone era in American history and entertainment.
According to family legend, the name Hrušínský was born after Rudolf and Jan Hrušínský's grandfather Rudolf Böhm was caught stealing pears on a theater stage. The German name Böhm suddenly became Hruškovský and shortly after that Hrušínský. Grandfather Rudolf, later known as Rudolf Hrušínský the eldest, adopted the surname as his own and began using it in 1935. However, the history of the Hrušínský acting family goes back much further. It is therefore not surprising that the brothers Rudolf and Jan also took the same path. The documentary charts their acting beginnings alongside their father Rudolf Hrušínský Sr., from their first roles, through theater engagements at the Drama Studio in Ústí nad Labem and the Drama Club in Prague, to unforgettable film and television roles, when three generations of Hrušínskýs often met in front of the camera.
"Chapal Bhaduri, a leading lady of Bengal’s traditional folk traveling theatre-in-the-round, the Jatra, spent his life playing women. This film is an intimate biography that brings you face to face with this unique individual, sharing what it means to him to become a woman night after night, talking of the woman inside his body, of troubled sexuality, of a long partnership with his older lover, of the loneliness of living on the edges of conventional society–and showing how he metamorphoses into the goddess to perform her story." - The Bangalore International Centre
The Living Theatre is an experimental company founded in New York in 1947 by Julian Beck (New York 1925-1985), painter and poet, and the actress and stage director Judith Malina (Kiel 1926), a student of Erwin Piscator. From the very beginning the group’s activities bore the stamp of social and political commitment, imbued with a strong libertarian matrix. A video montage of films and videos from The Living Theatre Archives.
Truth becomes the source of creativity; actions are a result of being, not thinking. This film, INSIDE/OUTSIDE is based upon Monika’s processes over many years. Robert Golden has had the privilege of meeting and photographing some of Monika’s late work. Although her teaching is for performers, Robert has said that her gift of understanding humanity has been gifted in some small ways to him. Monika’s inspirational way of working, helps actors to find a unity between their inner psyche and its outer expression. The 46-minute film shows a precise description of her work. Monika explains it in detail along with thoughts about movement, performance and theatre. The insightful and entertaining book and film are relevant to actors, dancers, Laban yoga, Feldenkrais, Pilates and other sports and movement systems and to people working with children.
A look back at "La Cage aux Folles", which ran non-stop for five years, from February 1973, on the stage of the Théâtre du Palais Royal in Paris. At a time when homosexuality was considered a crime by the law, Poiret and Serrault achieved great success in boulevard theater. Their success continued on the silver screen, with three Oscar nominations and a Broadway musical. Combining never-before-seen archives from the play, extracts from the film, confessions by Poiret and Serrault, and interviews with witnesses, this is the story of a wild epic.
Journey into "Hamlet"-the play and the man-through the experiences of some of the major actors and directors who have brought Shakespeare's great tragedy to life. Christopher Plummer, David Tennant, John Nettles, John Simm, Sir Trevor Nunn, Franco Zeffirelli, Philip Saville, and others explore the enduring appeal of the Prince of Denmark more than 400 years after his stage debut.
England, 1890s. The brutal and embittered Marquis of Queensberry, who believes that his youngest son, Bosie, has an inappropriate relationship with the famous Irish writer Oscar Wilde, maintains an ongoing feud with the latter in order to ruin his reputation and cause his fall from grace.
A documentary of Varala, a physical education institute for women in Tampere, Finland. Filmed in the summer of 1947.
8000: An Art Odyssey (Anssi Kasitonnin maailma) is a documentary about the Finnish Ars Fennica awarded artist Anssi 8000. Anssi does everything his own way, and preferably with his own hands. The films follows Anssi as he prepares for the biggest exhibition of his life at Kunsthalle Helsinki, films a French short film with dreams of an Oscar award and develops a skate toy with a company based in Hong Kong. It is a warm and humorous story about passion, creativity – and how sometimes, doing things the wrong way is the right way.
English pop punk band Senseless Things formed in 1986 London; they released four studio albums and achieved two UK Top 20 hit singles before splitting up in 1995. They reformed in 2017 to play several gigs including Shepherd's Bush Empire. While the audio from the night was recorded, the concert itself was never officially filmed. However, much was captured by fans on mobile phones and handheld cameras, which has now been deftly and impressively sewn together to form a seamless film. The record of that night has been lovingly interspersed with historical and never-seen-before personal footage owned by band.
Ratty: The Downfall of NYC Rats, is an observational documentary giving a voice to the intriguing yet terrifying furry rodents of New York City. Ratty uses street interviews, archival footage, and interviews with organizations such as SenesTech, Positive Pest Management, and PETA to answer the question: How are we alleviating the problem? Does the solution lie in the hands of the people, or City Hall and Sanitation? The whimsical caricature of a Brooklyn rat, played by El Gabriel Gomez, provides a lighthearted transition between interviews. Will the launch of rat birth control be the solution, or another attempt at control that will fail?
Grammy® and Emmy® Award-winning and Oscar®-nominated global icon Mary J. Blige makes history with her first-ever headlining show at the legendary Madison Square Garden in New York City, and fans worldwide can now experience this milestone moment together on the big screen. The sold-out Madison Square Garden show is the coveted hometown stop on Blige’s highly acclaimed For My Fans tour, a deeply personal series of performances dedicated to the supporters who have been with her since the beginning. The tour, which has captivated audiences in cities across the country, features a career-spanning setlist, intimate storytelling, and surprise guest appearances. Performing hits from her extensive catalog—including classics like "Be Without You", "Family Affair", and "No More Drama"—as well as songs from her latest album, the show is a celebration of resilience, empowerment, and artistry.
In a world where traditions are fading, A Place in the Ring follows the deeply personal journey of Katja Schumann, a circus artist and horse trainer, as she faces the end of her legacy. Raised in a prestigious european circus dynasty, Katja has dedicated her life to the art of horse performance, an intricate craft passed down through generations. Now, as her world changes and her children have rejected the circus, she is confronted with the ultimate question: How do you pass on a life’s work when there’s no one left to inherit it? As Katja retreats to her farm in rural Denmark, a young girl named Liv moves in, eager to learn the ways of the circus—but Liv wasn't born into this world. Katja must confront her own inner struggle: Can she let go of the reins and teach this young apprentice, despite the looming fear that the art she cherishes may disappear forever?
Loud thoughts of nine women on the existential themes, about the essence of being human, and about the feelings. Each of them performs the act of meeting with herself. Person number one meets person number two, her alter ego. There rises a question: who am I? Where did I come from and where am I going to? The world comes into contact with them through music and lyrics. A path of self-awareness begins, which they also pass through catharsis on the background of various emotions, and which is saturated only with love.
The history of cinematic sound, told by legendary sound designers and visionary filmmakers.
Experience the events of September 11, 2001 through the eyes of President Bush and his closest advisors as they personally detail the crucial hours and key decisions from that historic day.
This revealing documentary honors the legendary Sidney Poitier—iconic actor, filmmaker, and civil rights activist. Featuring interviews with Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Halle Berry, and more.
A documentary highlighting the Soviet Union's legendary and enigmatic hockey training culture and world-dominating team through the eyes of the team's Captain Slava Fetisov, following his shift from hockey star and celebrated national hero to political enemy.
With unprecedented access to the official archives and intimate recollections from the band, both current and past, Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition invites fans to experience one of the most iconic journeys in music history. Spanning five decades, this electrifying documentary charts the band’s rise from the pubs of East London to the world’s biggest stadiums. Featuring exclusive interviews with band members and contributors such as Javier Bardem, Lars Ulrich and Chuck D, as well as all-new animated sequences of the band's legendary mascot, Eddie, the film offers a rare and intimate look at Iron Maiden’s uncompromising vision and unwavering connection with their truly global army of fans.
SEDUCED AND ABANDONED combines acting legend Alec Baldwin with director James Toback as they lead us on a troublesome and often hilarious journey of raising financing for their next feature film. Moving from director to financier to star actor, the two players provide us with a unique look behind the curtain at the world's biggest and most glamourous film festival, shining a light on the bitter-sweet relationship filmmakers have with Cannes and the film business. Featuring insights from directors Martin Scorsese, 'Bernando Bertolucci' and Roman Polanski; actors Ryan Gosling and Jessica Chastain and a host of film distribution luminaries.
An inside look at one of the most anticipated movie sequels ever with James Cameron and cast.
Those who knew iconic funnyman John Candy best share his story, in their own words, through never-before-seen archival footage, imagery, and interviews.
Join the likes of Jeremy Renner, Hailee Steinfeld, Florence Pugh, and Vincent D’Onofrio as they reveal how Marvel Studios’ “Hawkeye” was conceived and created. Witness firsthand what it took to pull off the show’s pulse-pounding action set pieces, and discover how iconic characters from the pages of Marvel Comics such as Kate Bishop were adapted and brought to life for the six-episode series.
Supersonic charts the meteoric rise of Oasis from the council estates of Manchester to some of the biggest concerts of all time in just three short years. This palpable, raw and moving film shines a light on one of the most genre and generation-defining British bands that has ever existed and features candid new interviews with Noel and Liam Gallagher, their mother, and members of the band and road crew.
The life and career of an actor, artist, and icon. His own journey through his own camera.
Al Pacino's deeply-felt rumination on Shakespeare's significance and relevance to the modern world through interviews and an in-depth analysis of "Richard III."
Lupita Nyong'o narrates a documentary about Peanuts and its creator, Charles M. Schulz. Famous fans—including Drew Barrymore, Kevin Smith, and Al Roker—share its influence on them, and a new animated story finds Charlie Brown on a quest.
Oliver Stone charts the history of the United States from the Second World War to the present.
Prelude to War was the first film of Frank Capra's Why We Fight propaganda film series, commissioned by the Pentagon and George C. Marshall. It was made to convince American troops of the necessity of combating the Axis Powers during World War II. This film examines the differences between democratic and fascist states.
Michael Moore comes home to the issue he's been examining throughout his career: the disastrous impact of corporate dominance on the everyday lives of Americans (and by default, the rest of the world).
Examines the life and career of singer Whitney Houston. Features never-before-seen archival footage, exclusive recordings, rare performances and interviews with the people who knew her best.
For the 20th anniversary of "Titanic," James Cameron reopens the file on the disaster.
A backstage and on-stage look at Justin Bieber during his rise to super stardom.
The Captains is a feature-length documentary film written and directed by William Shatner. The film follows Shatner as he interviews the other actors who have portrayed starship captains in the Star Trek franchise.