PASSION Documentaries

Le Masque / The Masked Scammer looks back on the life of Gilbert Chikli, one of France’s best-known crooks, who managed to extort millions from the French elite via his sole asset – his voice. He fooled his victims by imitating and disguising himself as Jean-Yves le Drian, the then French Minister of Defence, and persuading them to voluntarily transfer him more than €80 million. By Academy-Award Winning PASSION PICTURES and the creators of Lords of Scam.

Directed by Alex Pritz, co-produced and partially filmed by the Uru-eu-wau-wau community in Brazil – The Territory offers an urgent insight to the fight for Indigenous land and their efforts to combat the deforestation that threatens not only them but us all. Produced with National Geographic Documentary Films

The Rescue chronicles the dramatic 2018 rescue of 12 Thai boys and their soccer coach, trapped deep inside a flooded cave. Academy Award®-winning directors and producers E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin reveal the perilous world of cave diving, the bravery of the rescuers, and the dedication of an entire community that made great sacrifices to save these young boys. An outing to explore a nearby system of caves after soccer practice transformed into a two-week saga of survival and a story that would capture the world’s attention. With exclusive access and never-before-seen footage from the rescue, the film tells the story of the imagination, determination and unprecedented teamwork displayed during this heroic edge-of-your-seat mission with life-or-death stakes.

In ‘Jacob Collier: In the Room Where It Happens’, produced by Passion for the BBC, presenter Alan Yentob gains unique access to the extraordinary world of an astonishing musician. This 20-something-year-old has managed to outdo the Beatles by winning Grammys for each of his first four albums. As a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist, singer, and arranger, we meet some of the superstars Jacob has collaborated with including Stormzy, Chris Martin, and Hollywood film composer Hans Zimmer. We also meet the music world legends – Quincy Jones and Herbie Hancock – who believe Jacob Collier is one of the most talented musicians on the planet today.

Lady Boss takes us on an immersive journey through the trailblazing life of Jackie Collins. Spinning together fact and fiction, this feature documentary tells the untold story of a ground-breaking author and her mission to build a one-woman literary empire. Narrated by a cast of Jackie’s closest friends and family, the film reveals the private struggles of a woman who became an icon of 1980s feminism whilst hiding her personal vulnerability behind a carefully crafted, powerful, public persona.

Recovering from a life-threatening brain haemorrhage and acutely aware that his memory might desert him, the greatest football manager of all time begins to recount the most important stories of his life, both in and out of football, to his son Jason in SIR ALEX FERGUSON: NEVER GIVE IN. Stories of growing- up and family, alongside sporting triumph and failure, the film includes deeply moving insights from his wife and sons, as well as former players, along the way. SIR ALEX FERGUSON: NEVER GIVE IN is coming to cinemas from 27 May and will be available on Amazon Prime Video in the UK and Ireland from 29 May.

In 1976, Karen and Barry Mason had fallen on hard times and were looking for a way to support their young family when they answered an ad in the Los Angeles Times. Larry Flynt was seeking distributors for Hustler Magazine. What was expected to be a brief sideline led to their becoming fully immersed in the LGBT community as they took over a local store, Circus of Books. A decade later, they had become the biggest distributors of gay porn in the US. The film focuses on the double life they led, trying to maintain the balance of being parents at a time when LGBT culture was not yet accepted. Their many challenges included facing jail time for a federal obscenity prosecution and enabling their store to be a place of refuge at the height of the AIDS crisis. Circus of Books offers a rare glimpse into an untold chapter of queer history, and it is told through the lense of the owners’ own daughter, Rachel Mason, an artist, filmmaker and musician.

A musician is discovered in a Detroit bar in the late 60s by two celebrated producers struck by his soulful melodies and prophetic lyrics. They record an album which they believe is going to secure his reputation as the greatest recording artist of his generation. In fact, the album bombs and the singer disappears into obscurity amid rumors of a gruesome on-stage suicide. But a bootleg recording finds its way into apartheid South Africa and, over the next two decades, it becomes a phenomenon. Two South African fans then set out to find out what really happened to their hero. Their investigation leads them to a story more extraordinary than any of the existing myths about the artist known as Sixto Rodriguez. This is a film about hope, inspiration and the power of music.

Using previously unheard audiotapes recorded shortly after John Belushi’s death, director R.J. Cutler’s documentary examines the too-short life of once-in-a-generation talent who captured the hearts and funny bones of devoted audiences.

Holland mixes in-depth witness statements, previously unseen archival material and haunting current-day footage, what comes to the fore is a portrait of how rapidly moral norms can evaporate and how myths and denial can fill the vacuum. Final Account reverberates with themes of our times— examining the perils of authority, conformity, national identity and ideological mythmaking; and laying bare both the dark fog and piercing clarity of human memory.

Greg Barker gives an unprecedented look at the shaping of US foreign policy by following key members of outgoing US President Barack Obama’s administration. With Samantha Power, John Kerry, Ben Rhodes, Susan Rice and President Barack Obama.

An intimate, revealing musical odyssey on the life and career of guitar virtuoso Eric Clapton, told by those who have known him best, including BB King, Jimi Hendrix, and George Harrison.

FIRE IN BABYLON is a truly authentic celebratory romp through modern Afro- Caribbean history. Using the remarkably successful West Indian cricket team of the 1970’s as its focus, the film tells the story of struggle and emancipation, of racism and integration and ultimately of the glory derived across the whole of the West indies as Viv Richards and his men wreaked havoc and revenge against their former colonial masters.

With exclusive access to personal archive, this is the definitive Marlon Brando cinema documentary. Charting his exceptional career as an actor and his extraordinary life away from the stage and screen; the film fully explores the complexities of the man by telling the story uniquely from Marlon’s perspective.

A documentary feature about the troubled heart and soul of Michael Hutchence, lead singer and songwriter of INXS. Deftly woven from an archive of rich imagery, Michael’s private home movies and those of his lovers, friends, and family.

The 1972 Munich Olympics were billed as the ‘Olympics of Peace and Joy’ but became the Olympics of terror. An extreme Palestinian group called Black September held 11 Israeli athletes hostage in the Olympic village while the world looked on, incredulous. Using extraordinary archive footage including the only surviving member of the Black September group, the film tells the dramatic story of what happened during those 21 hours in Munich.

At the end of the 60’s the Rolling Stones were at a turning point: hounded by the press, battling drug busts, and facing possible financial ruin. The band threw down the gauntlet and decamped to the south of France to begin the most arduous recording sessions of their entire careers for an album that, in time, came to be regarded as one of the greatest rock and roll albums ever made. This is the story of the Stones in exile, and the making of ‘Exile on Main Street.’ Featuring a treasure-trove of rare and never-before-seen film and photos, new interviews with the band and some of the men and women who bore witness to the album’s creation, STONES IN EXILE is a heady time-travel trip back to the summer of 1972 that bears witness to a vivid moment in rock and roll history.

In 1994 a 13-year-old boy disappeared without a trace from his home in San Antonio, Texas. Three and a half years later he is found alive thousands of miles away in a village in southern Spain with a horrifying story of kidnap and torture. His family is overjoyed to bring him home. But all is not quite as it seems. The boy bears many of the same distinguishing marks he always did, but why does he now have a strange accent? Why does he look so different? And why doesn’t the family seem to notice these glaring inconsistencies? It’s only when an investigator starts asking questions that this strange tale takes an even stranger turn…Documentary meets Film Noir in this astonishing true story which has all the twists and turns of a great thriller. Just as the truth begins to dawn on you, another truth begins to emerge leaving you even more on edge.

ESPN 30 for 30 documentary “The Life and Trials of Oscar Pistorius” looks at the life of the double-amputee sprinter and his murder of model-girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Director, Daniel Gordon filmed over 100 interviews across four continents to create this four-part series, shining new light on Pistorius’ Shakespearian rise and fall.

When Pat Tillman gave up his professional football career to join the Army Rangers in 2002, he became an instant symbol of patriotic fervor and unflinching duty. But the truth about Pat Tillman is far more complex, and ultimately far more heroic, than the caricature. And when the government tried to turn his death into propaganda, they took on the wrong family. From her home in Northern California, Pat’s mother, Dannie Tillman, led a crusade to reveal the truth beneath the mythology of their son’s life and death. THE TILLMAN STORY resounds with emotion and insight, and goes beyond an indictment of the government to touch on themes as timeless as the notion of heroism itself.

The first film to encompass the remarkable story of one of the true icons of our time, as she fights to maintain her brand’s integrity, her principles – and her legacy.

Citizen K is a riveting insider’s look at how power works in Russia.  The film chronicles the 20-year battle between Mikhail Khodorkovsky (at one time Russia’s richest oligarch) and Vladimir Putin, in a story that includes politics, big business, a Siberian prison, murders and the bizarre spectacle of Russian elections.  Alex Gibney filmed extensively in Russia, not only in Moscow but in Western Siberia and in far flung locations where Russia meets Mongolia and China. He also had exclusive documentary access to Khodorkovsky – who runs opposition operations in London – for over 20 hours of interviews. Told in a way that is alternately brash, sardonic and also deeply moving, “Citizen K” offers a compelling look at modern Russia.

A revealing new look at legendary entertainer Judy Garland fifty years after her tragic, untimely death. Fusing the unpublished recollections of producer, manager and third husband, Sid Luft, with film clips, rare concert footage and Judy’s own inimitable words. What emerges is a complex portrait of a woman whose vulnerabilities were exploited by an industry she helped to build but whose resilience and extraordinary talent made her the quintessential icon.

1970s New York. One nightclub defines an era and a generation. For the first time, one of the people behind the infamous Studio 54 tells the in-depth story of how the world’s greatest nightclub was created.

Today there are seven billion humans on planet Earth, nine of whom have walked on another world. In their own words, this is the story of the men who journeyed to, and walked on, the moon. One of the defining passages of American history, the Apollo Space Program literally brought the aspirations of a nation to another world: visually stunning original NASA film footage – much of it never seen before – is interwoven with riveting firsthand testimony to provide an unparalleled perspective on the fragile state of our planet.

I AM ALI is told through exclusive, unprecedented access to Ali’s personal archive of ‘audio journals’ combined with touching interviews and testimonials from his inner circle of family and friends, including his daughters, sons, ex-wife and brother, plus legends of the boxing community including Mike Tyson, George Foreman and Gene Kilroy. Experience Ali’s extraordinary story, as a fighter, lover, brother, and father – told from the inside for the very first time. An intimate and heart-warming look at the man behind the legend – as we’ve never seen Ali before.

WINTER ON FIRE covers the unrest in Ukraine over 93 days in 2013 and 2014, as student demonstrations supporting European integration grew into a violent revolution calling for the resignation of President Viktor F. Yanukovich. The film includes interviews with protestors, activists, journalists, medical workers, artists and clergy representing multiple generations, social classes, nationalities and faiths, including a 12-year-old volunteer. WINTER ON FIRE documents the fight of Ukranian protestors who stood their ground in the face of bloodshed, despair and harsh conditions.

DRUNK STONED BRILLIANT DEAD is the energetic, revolutionary, gently perverted, and often hilarious story of seminal humour magazine National Lampoon. From its beginnings as the Harvard Lampoon, through its days as a publishing sensation and Hollywood heavyweight, to its eventual downfall and into its rebirth and refocus as a multimedia company. The film features rare and never before seen footage, and showcases the influence that the brand’s magazine, television and radio programs and movies had on American culture and the entertainment industry.

Based on Pulitzer Prize-winner Samantha Power’s ground-breaking biography, ‘Chasing the Flame: Sergio Vieira de Mello and the Fight to Save the World’, SERGIO tells the gripping story of de Mello’s most hazardous mission ever – a mission in which his own life hangs in the balance.

Elite athletes and insiders reflect on the Paralympic Games and examine how they impact a global understanding of disability, diversity and excellence.

A documentary film that tracks the tennis star’s devastating injury journey between 2017-2019. From the front lines of surgical theatres to the intimate corners of his home, we live alongside and witness Andy at his most vulnerable. Considered Britain’s greatest sportsman ever, we see why Andy puts himself through the unimaginable to get back to the sport he loves.

A feature-length documentary that chronicles the deployment of a platoon of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan’s Korengal Valley. The movie focuses on a remote 15- man outpost, ‘Restrepo, named after a platoon medic who was killed in action. It was considered one of the most dangerous postings in the US military. This is an entirely experiential film: the cameras never leave the valley: there are no interviews with the generals or diplomats. The only goal is to make viewers feel as if they have just been through a 90-minute deployment. This is war, full stop. The conclusions are up to you.

Marla Olmstead was hailed as a prodigy at 4 years-old when her paintings – compared to Kandinsky, Pollock and even Picasso – started selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars. When Marla sprang to fame her parents were sucked into the media frenzy, before being halted in their tracks by a ’60 Minutes’ piece which cast doubt over the authenticity of her paintings and the integrity of the family. In the face of the notoriety and backlash – which included personal assaults and threats – the family turned to director Amir Bar Lev to exonerate them. Is Marla a genius of abstract expressionism, a tiny charlatan, or an exploited child whose parents have sold her out for the glare of the media and the lure of the almighty dollar?

Jeremiah Zagar’s CAPTIVATED – THE TRIALS OF PAMELA SMART – In an extraordinary and tragic American story, a small town murder becomes one of the highest profile cases of all time. From its historic role as the first televised trial to the many books and movies made, the film looks at the media’s enduring impact on the case.

Afghanistan, immediately post-9/11: Small teams of Green Berets arrive on a series of secret missions to overthrow the Taliban. What happens next is equal parts war origin story and cautionary tale, illuminating the nature and impact of 15 years of constant combat, with unprecedented access to U.S. Special Forces.

The Australian Dream is a documentary that uses the remarkable and inspirational story of Indigenous AFL legend Adam Goodes as the prism through which to tell a deeper and more powerful story about race, identity and belonging. The film will unpick the events of the 2013-15 AFL seasons and ask fundamental questions about the nature of racism and discrimination in society today. Walkley award-winning writer Stan Grant and BAFTA award-winning director Daniel Gordon join forces to tell this remarkable story of one of the most decorated and celebrated players in AFL history. A man who remains a cultural hero; the very epitome of resilience and survival, who continues to fight for equality and reconciliation. 

The remarkable story of a South African barefoot runner; an American track and field prodigy and a journey behind the events of one of the most memorable moments in sporting history at the L.A. 1984 Olympics. The film charts the journey from rural South Africa during apartheid and the rolling hills of Southern California to the starting line of the women’s 3000 metres; uncovering a tale of betrayal, corruption, exploitation; the blurred lines between politics, media and sport; and the dedication and sacrifice required to compete at the highest level. It’s a story that split Governments and divided Nations but at its heart is a tale of two young women who just wanted to run.

LIVE FOREVER charts the explosion of creativity and the Britpop phenomenon in 90s British popular culture through interviews with leading bands of the time including Noel and Liam Gallagher, Jarvis Cocker, Damon Albarn and Damien Hirst.

HILLSBOROUGH is the definitive account of the Hillsborough Stadium Disaster, Britain’s worst sporting disaster in which 96 men, women and children were killed, hundreds injured and thousands traumatised. Beginning with that fateful day, April 15th 1989, the film details the horror of the tragedy, told through the eyes of those who bore witness to it, be they fans, survivors, family members or policemen, many speaking publicly for the first time. It weaves through the shocking details of the human crush, revealing the attitude of the Police towards soccer fans. And it exposes both the lack of leadership of shown on the day by the Police Commanders and the deceit of those in charge who shifted the responsibility for the disaster away from their actions and onto those of the fans. HILLSBOROUGH shines light on the lack of dignity shown to the bereaved in the identification process, the vilification of the fans that ensued in the media and in the court of public opinion, and the 25 year campaign for justice that was fought on behalf of the 96 victims.

The story of Nim, the chimpanzee who in the 1970s became the focus of a landmark experiment which aimed to show that an ape could learn to communicate with language if raised and nurtured like a human child. If successful, the consequences of the project would be profound, forever breaking down the barrier between man and his closest animal relative and fundamentally redefining what it is to be human. Combining the testimony of all the key participants, newly discovered archive film and dramatic imagery, this is the picaresque story of one chimpanzee’s extraordinary journey through human society and the enduring impact he makes on the people he meets along the way. Filmmaker James Marsh has directed an unflinching and unsentimental biography of an animal we tried to make human. What we learn about his true nature – and indeed our own – is comic, revealing and profoundly unsettling.

For over half a century, 60 Minutes’ fearsome newsman Mike Wallace went head-to-head with the world’s most influential figures. Relying exclusively on archival footage, the film interrogates the interrogator, tracking Mike’s storied career and troubled personal life while unpacking how broadcast journalism evolved to today’s precarious tipping point.