Documentary

Non-fiction features and programs, often stranger than fiction, and just as dramatic or comical…

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Civilisations (TV Series) (2018): Inspired by Kenneth Clark's classic documentary series CIVILISATION (1969), this nine-part series tells the story of art from the dawn of human history to the present day, updating the subject matter to avoid the Eurocentricism that marred the earlier show. Presented by brilliant historians Simon Schama,…
Islands of the Empire (1985): Dir. Alister Barry, Rod Prosser, Russell Campbell; Documentary from Wellington production company Vanguard Films (SOMEONE ELSE'S COUNTRY) offering a valuable examination of military relationships between NZ and the USA from WWII onwards. Made in 1985, the 63 minute main feature has been digitally restored, and is presented alongside the short film NO SPY…
Leunig Fragments, The (2019): Dir. Kasimir Burgess; A documentary portrait of Michael Leunig, the cartoonist, writer, painter, philosopher and poet who counts as one of Australia's National Living Treasures. Filmed over 5 years, we observe him reflecting on his art, his mortality, and his formidable career.
Biggest Little Farm, The (2019): Dir. John Chester; Inspirational and utterly picturesque documentary made by a farmer who ditched city life and moved onto 200 acres of barren farmland with his wife, transforming it into an ecologically sustainable rural utopia.
For Sama (2019): Dir. Waad Al-Khateab, Edward Watts; Groundbreaking document of Syrian War, produced, directed and narrated by a journalist and political rebel under the pseudonym Waad Al-Kateab. Chronicles her life across 5 turbulent years during the Battle of Aleppo, which started in 2011 when she was a marketing student at the University of Aleppo. The film…
Frida: Viva La Vida (2019): Dir. Giovanni Troilo
Feat. Asia Argento; Asia Argento narrates this documentary about the enigmatic, iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, exploring her letters and diaries to present both the revolutionary feminist and the tormented individual.
Ken Burns' Country Music (2020): Dir. Ken Burns; Formidable 8-part, 16 hour PBS series by the legendary documentarian Ken Burns, exploring the history of country music and it's cultural impact in America. Features Garth Brooks, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Hank Williams Jr, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harrris, Dwight Yoakam and many more.