Films

Film list

75 Grams 2008 31‘

Nestled below the rugged Chilean peaks of the Andes lies the gold mining town of Andacollo. The town’s remoteness and mining economy has nurtured religious beliefs in the power of the Virgin over the

South America Labour Material Culture Religion / Belief / Faith

The Ainu Bear Ceremony 1931 27‘

Directed by Neil G. Munro .

The RAI has reedited the original film of this ceremony among the Ainu people of Japan. In the bear ceremony, now no longer performed, a specially reared bear was reverently killed and its flesh and

Central Asia and Far East Ritual Animals Indigenous peoples / First Nations peoples

Back to Basics 1994 33‘

Directed by Dominic French .

A group of environmentalists and homeless have purchased some land on which to settle and get back to a simpler way of life. But the nearby residents of the ‘best-kept village’ in Somerset,

British-Irish Isles Social Conflict Alternative culture Land Rights

Bailarinas 2003 32‘

Directed by Heidi Lipsanen .

Majê Molê is an Afro-Brazilian dance group which offers girls and young women in Olinda, Northeast Brazil, the opportunity to rise above the poverty, drug addiction and crime that scars their

South America Dance / Theatre / Performance Gender Role and Identity Children / Young people

Barah Pal 2009 30‘

Directed by Jennifer Rosen .

12 castes of gypsy artists ended their nomadic ways nearly 45 years ago to squat in New Delhi. Now the slum is being dismantled and rehabilitated. These are their last months in the colony as they

South Asia Refugees / Displaced populations Squatter Settlements / Homelessness Travellers / Roma Urban

Beautiful Dachau 2008 30‘

Directed by Alan Marcus .

Beautiful Dachau is an experimental documentary that observes streams of visitors to the Dachau concentration camp, now a popular tourist attraction. 800,000 people visit the site annually.

Western Europe History Tourism / Travel / Pilgrimage War / Conflict / Reconciliation

Beneath the Budding Greenwoods 2004 25‘

Directed by Evie Wright .

Anne and Rosemary both chose to bury their husbands in the woods, whereas Tony was certain he didn’t want a vicar at his wife’s funeral. Focusing on the experiences of three grieving widows, the film

British-Irish Isles Environment Ritual Death Religion / Belief / Faith

Benin Kingship Rituals 1963 20‘

Directed by Frank Speed Ray Bradbury .

Until it was conquered by the British in 1897, the city of Benin, in what is now Nigeria, was the centre of a powerful kingdom. Its rulers, the Obas of Benin, were mysterious, secluded figures who

West Africa Ritual Dance / Theatre / Performance History

Between Memories 2015 34‘

Directed by Martha-Cecilia Dietrich .

Eudosia is still searching for her husband’s remains in the highlands of Ayacucho; Lucero has been in prison for 25 years now for the crime of terrorism against the Peruvian state; since 2009 the

South America Memory War / Conflict / Reconciliation

Born Again 2003 19‘

Directed by Carla Huysmans .

Carla last met Maureen Mulozi in 1998 in Lusaka, Zambia where they were colleagues and friends. Since then Maureen’s life has changed considerably: she became a ‘born again’ Christian and moved to

Southern Africa Religion / Belief / Faith Inter-religious relations

The Boy From Allison Street 1998 30‘

Directed by Caroline Allward .

Wayne has left school, sweet 16, disillusioned, with no qualifications. He is briefly distracted by Becka, the girl next door, and the discovery of his father’s porno movie. But all he really wants

British-Irish Isles Children / Young people Love

Boya Boya (Shine Shine) 2014 18‘

Directed by Karen Boswall Ruba Al Akash .

A portrait of Syrian refugee Mohammed, a 12-year-old shoe shine boy, ‘Boya Boya (Shine Shine)’ looks at the reality of the growing population of urban refugees from a child’s point of view. While

Middle and Near East Children / Young people Refugees / Displaced populations Labour

Breaking the Yard 2018 21‘

Directed by Richard Werbner .

"Breaking-the-Yard" documents the court hearings and troubled affairs of a quarrelsome young couple, a stay-at-home farmer and his police constable, town-savvy wife. They claim to be still

Southern Africa Family / Kinship Gender Role and Identity Law and Legislation / Bureaucracy Love Marriage

Business as Usual 2002 27‘

Directed by Lucy Pardee .

Everyone knows about Ground Zero in New York, but have you bought into the memory? Big Mike, Tyrone and the other street vendors will sell you part of the disaster whilst offering you their views on

North America Trade Memory Disasters

Cae Dai – a Home From Home 1997 30‘

Directed by Will Grove-White .

After the closure of the North Wales psychiatric hospital in the late 1980s, Sparrow Harrison opened his family home to local people suffering from mental illness. This film explores the humour,

British-Irish Isles Health / Health care / Healing Alternative culture

Call for Grace 2000 30‘

Student Directed by Laetitia Merli .

During Mongolia’s seventy years of domination by the Soviet Union, shamanism, like many aspects of Mongolian tradition, was forbidden by the Communist authorities, and went into decline. Since the

Central Asia and Far East Shamans and Shamanism Post-communism

Caught in a Magic Place 2007 28‘

Directed by Niccolo Patriarca .

A story of sandwiches and generations, ambitions and regrets from the heart of the Italian kitchen.

Western Mediterranean Food Intergenerational relations Labour

Changes 2010 30‘

Directed by Afua Asare-Nyako .

Kwabena wants to move back to Ghana, the country he left more than 30 years ago. This film shows one of the many journeys that he has to take in preparation for his return. It explores the motives

West Africa Western Europe Migration

Cinema Pedregal 1994 27‘

Directed by Ricardo Leizaola .

For forty years Alejandro Farfán has been making and showing films in El Pedregal. Now located in the heart of Caracas, this community was a small village when Alejandro first went to the cinema.

Central America Popular Culture Urban Film / Photography / Mass media Memory

Counterpoint One 2011 37‘

Directed by Richard Werbner .

The first in the Forum Follies series, ‘Counterpoint One’ pitches the ethnographic filmmaker Richard Werbner into debate with audiences for his film ‘Holy Hustlers’ (2009), from a rough to a final

British-Irish Isles Reflexivity

Cultivating Death 2003 23‘

Directed by Martin Gruber .

Cemeteries are not only places for the dead. They are also spaces in which the living interact with each other – and with the dead. “Cultivating Death” depicts the different ways in which

British-Irish Isles Death Ritual

The Daring Young Girl on the Flying Trapeze 2020 27‘

Directed by Nina Ross .

As a child, Nancy Willis dreamt of joining the circus, longing for freedom and adventure. Diagnosed with muscular dystrophy and told she would not live beyond her twenties, the now 65-year-old artist

British-Irish Isles Art/ Artists/ Artisans Personal Narrative Health/ Health care/ Healing Life Story/ Life History

Domov 2000 28‘

Directed by Rosie Read .

This film looks at the meaning of ‘home’ in the Czech Republic through the eyes of two women – one an old woman trying to assert her right to return home from an old person’s residence, and the

Central Europe Prison Elderly people

A Donation to the Museum 2015 25‘

Directed by Teri F. Brewer .

Human remains from the California Channel Islands were donated to an English city museum nearly a century ago. More recently research began into how they came to be there, and whose remains they

North America Western Europe Archaeology Archival material / Museum displays

The Dream of Maelen 2003 25‘

Directed by Eirik Sandberg .

Arne Bakke Mælen lives alone on the small family farm he inherited on the edge of a fjord. The farm is no longer viable economically and, like many small farmers in Norway, he has not found a woman

Scandinavia Art / Artists / Artisans Rural Agriculture / Farming

Dreamland 2001 30‘

Directed by Gema Juárez-Allen .

This film explores the dreams and frustrations of camp squatters in Rio de Janeiro State, as, supported by the MST (Landless People’s Movement), they wait for permission to settle on unused land close by.

South America Squatter Settlements / Homelessness Land Rights

Drive it, Crash it, Paint it 2002 26‘

Directed by James Bolchover .

Kelzo grew up in Hulme and has been writing on walls, wrecked cars and other urban surfaces since 1984. But now that he is a ‘graffiti artist’ whose work is sold in galleries, is he still in touch with his roots?

British-Irish Isles Personal Narrative Alternative culture Art / Artists / Artisans

Duminea: A Festival for the Water Spirits 1966 20‘

Directed by Frank Speed Robin Horton .

The communal rituals of most villages of the Eastern Niger Delta focus on two great classes of spirits – the heroes and the water people. The heroes once lived with the men, founded their

West Africa Ritual Possession

Earning a Crust 2009 28‘

Directed by Elisa Contreras .

Through their experiences, Uncle Isidro (a horse dealer) and Jeremo (a scrap collector) illustrate traditional gypsy occupations in the south of Spain, as well as the obstacles facing their

Western Mediterranean Travellers / Roma Labour

Easy Life 1996 30‘

Directed by Amelia Hann .

This film is about a Breton woman and her family, their vision of life, and their clash with the French state which marked them as ‘terrorists’.

Western Europe Political Activists Law and Legislation / Bureaucracy

Eco trip 1997 30‘

Directed by Rachel Robertson .

A group of eco-activists travel around Britain attending festivals and other events aimed at raising awareness of ecological issues and of new, alternative ways of living. But sometimes relationships

British-Irish Isles Alternative culture Environment

Endgames 2008 32‘

Directed by Ilinca Calugareanu .

The film follows a day in the life of Cluj-Napoca, a city in Transylvania, focusing on the way the lives of the three main characters – Valer, an 85 year old retired colonel, Daria, an 89 year old

South-East Europe Post-communism Elderly people Memory

Extended Family 2016 31‘

Student Directed by Ramona Sonderegger .

This films offers an intimate insight into the lives of two same-sex families who found a way to create themselves within a legal grey area in Switzerland. Swiss law bans adoption and access to

Western Europe LGBTQI* Family / Kinship Sex / Sexuality Law and Legislation / Bureaucracy

Faces Voices 2018 18‘

Directed by Paul Basu Christopher Thomas Allen .

The film complicates any simple reading of a colonial photographic archive from Southern Nigeria and Sierra Leone that was collected between 1909 and 1915. Through a collaborative creative effort

West Africa British-Irish Isles Archival material / Museum displays Colonialism / Postcolonialism Race / Racism / Antiracism

Faith 2010 30‘

Directed by Insa Langhorst .

Together with a Pentecostal youth group, teenagers Colin and Salo are on a mission trip to East Germany preaching the word of God. On the streets of Wismar they experience the highs and lows of what

Western Europe Children / Young people Religion / Belief / Faith

Fighting for Control 1998 30‘

Directed by Alexia Coppe .

An unconventional household of two women and five children in South London, attempting to leave a difficult past behind, and build a happy future.

British-Irish Isles Family / Kinship

Fish Have Feelings Too 2001 23‘

Directed by Tom Rice .

For Jack and Stan, two men from Manchester, koi carp have become something more than an obsession. Not only have their pets become a source of fame and distinction, but of affection and mutually

British-Irish Isles Animals

For The Love of the Game 2010 24‘

Directed by Birgitta H. Anttila .

Hurling is a game combining skill, speed and strength. Players – even at the highest levels – are amateurs, but still spend hours on training. Through the encounter with hurler Shane Dooley, we learn

British-Irish Isles Sport

Fragments from the Past 2006 27‘

Directed by Vedide Kaymak Hakan Demiralay .

In the days before DVD and satellite television, the cinema was important to London’s Turkish speaking population as a place to meet and as a link with home. Eight individuals recount their

British-Irish Isles Popular Culture Migration Film / Photography / Mass media

Fresh Fields 1995 31‘

Directed by Alistair Cook .

From conflict to construction — this is the story of two disabled ex-fighters rebuilding their lives. What does the future hold for them in Eritrea, the homeland to which they are committed?

North and Northeast Africa Health / Health care / Healing War / Conflict / Reconciliation Development projects

The Gaijin 2008 24‘

Directed by Chris Christodoulou .

‘The Gaijin’ tells the story of an individual negotiating his identity in a foreign country. It follows Luke Jonathan Driscoll, an American who has been residing in Japan for nearly 3 years and

Central Asia and Far East Migration

Garden Days: Village in Papua New Guinea 1988 25‘

Directed by Ariane Lewis Jon Jerstad .

A detailed account of domestic life in the Sepik area of Papua New Guinea, mainly from the women’s point of view. It describes their everyday activities in the ‘gardens’ in order to produce

Melanesia Agriculture / Farming Children / Young people Ritual

Gelede: A Yoruba Masquerade 1970 30‘

Directed by Frank Speed Peggy Harper .

Among the Yoruba of Western Nigeria and Dahomey the Gelede cult honours the earth spirits, the ancestors and especially the Great Mother. The festival filmed here emphasises the status of women and

West Africa Gender Role and Identity Ritual Festivals / Carnival Social Conflict

Going Back Home 1992 35‘

Directed by Catarina Alves-Costa .

For those who live in the city, each and every summer is about going back to Arga, the village in Northern Portugal, which they left to find work. For the few who have stayed, their return brings

Western Mediterranean Migration Memory

The Guest 2012 20‘

Student Directed by Kira de Hemmer Jeppesen .

Following the personal story of a Danish first-time surrogate mother, ‘The Guest’ explores issues of maternal bonding, modern families, relatedness, and desired control over body and mind. We follow

Scandinavia LGBTQI* Sex / Sexuality Reproduction (biology) Family / Kinship

Guiyang Beautiful Flavour Barbecue 2000 30‘

Directed by Richard Hughes .

In the teeming cities of the most populated country on earth, 20 years of economic reform have brought new opportunity, new energy, and new dangers. This film follows one family’s efforts to navigate

South-East Asia Food Social Change Labour

Gula – Music for a sacred time 2020 15‘

Directed by Remigiusz Sowa .

Introduces the rich and varied Hindu-Buddhist religious and ritual musical heritage of the ancient royal city of Bhaktapur (Nepal).

South Asia Music / Ethnomusicology

Gule Wamkulu: The Great Dance 1991 37‘

Directed by Charles Namondwe .

Performed by the Chewa secret societies, Gule Wamkulu is a form of masked dance which takes place at male initiation ceremonies, funerals, and other major celebrations. Acting as a medium between the

Southern Africa Dance / Theatre / Performance Ritual

Harpoons and Heartache 1998 28‘

Directed by Bessie Morris .

Bessie Morris, a Greek-American, portrays the romantic relationships between Greek men and women tourists. She explores the story of Vassilis, a young male bartender in the tourist town of Hania, Crete.

South-East Europe Tourism / Travel / Pilgrimage Gender Role and Identity Love

The Head Cornerstone 1992 37‘

Directed by Ruth Hammill .

Griffiths takes his responsibilities seriously and works very hard as a taxi driver in Negril, Jamaica, to support his family. His sense of obligation extends to his siblings, his ageing father and

Caribbean Islands Squatter Settlements / Homelessness Socioeconomic conditions

Healer on the Street 2003 28‘

Directed by Joceny Pinhheiro .

During the day, Isnar is a community paramedic who works in the local clinic and runs an arts and drugs rehabilitation centre for young people in Fortaleza on the coast of Northeast Brazil. But by

South America Health / Health care / Healing Ritual

Herat Films: The City of Herat 1983 21‘

Directed by John Baily .

These videos were edited from seven hours of Super 8 film shot by John Baily during two years of ethnomusicological fieldwork carried out in the Herat region of western Afghanistan between 1973 and

Middle and Near East Urban Trade

Herat Films: The Shrines of Herat 1983 30‘

Directed by John Baily .

These videos were edited from seven hours of Super 8 film shot by John Baily during two years of ethnomusicological fieldwork carried out in the Herat region of western Afghanistan between 1973 and

Middle and Near East Religion / Belief / Faith Urban

Hillside Beauties 2008 25‘

Directed by Julia Kurc .

In a violent, marginalized and discriminated environment such as the favelas in Rio de Janeiro, women create a time and a space to construct their identities and their beauty. Marcella, Thuany and

South America Gender Role and Identity Socioeconomic conditions

Holding the Tradition 1998 28‘

Directed by Matthew Fassnidge .

The annual regatta on the island of Malta has been passionately contested for over 200 years by a number of local rowing clubs. Marsamxett has been dismissed by the others as being a club for ‘old

Western Mediterranean Sport

Hope, Despair and Laughter: A circus project in Palestine 2007 27‘

Directed by Ester Hertog .

Filmed in Dheisheh refugee camp in the West bank, this film is about a circus summer-camp dedicated to bring laughter and hope for Palestinian children. Children are taught all sorts of activities

Middle and Near East Development projects Dance / Theatre / Performance Children / Young people

Horror in the Andes 2019 33‘

Special Interest Directed by Martha-Cecilia Dietrich .

Horror in the Andes is a behind-the-scenes documentary that follows the process of making a horror movie in Ayacucho, Peru. Directed by audio-visual anthropologist Martha-Cecilia Dietrich, it

South America Art / Artists / Artisans Dance / Theatre / Performance Ethnofiction Film / Photography / Mass media Indigenous peoples / First Nations peoples

Hulme Homes for Hulme People 1992 23‘

Directed by Aunund Austena .

Summer ’92 and Hulme, a densely populated and culturally diverse area of inner city Manchester, is being demolished for the second time in 30 years, this time in consultation with local residents and

British-Irish Isles Urban

Ian Gleadell: A Falkland Farmer 1987 34‘

Directed by Bob Edwards Alastair Kenneil .

The 1982 war between Britain and Argentina brought the Falkland or Malwinas Islands into the news headlines. This film is less spectacular: It shows the way of life of one inhabitant of this

South America Animals Agriculture / Farming

In the Light of Memory 2010 40‘

Directed by Alyssa Grossman .

‘In the Light of Memory’ explores evocations of memory in contemporary post-socialist Bucharest, nearly twenty years after the fall of Romanian communism. The film is shot in Cismigiu Gardens, one of

South-East Europe Memory Post-communism

In Our Blood 2003 26‘

Directed by Steve Vella .

In Malta, devotion to the Virgin Mary is very fervent, particularly in the village of Naxxar, where the most important annual feast, taking place over several days, is dedicated to her honour. But

Western Mediterranean Religion / Belief / Faith Ritual

In Pursuit of Happiness 2009 31‘

Directed by Ray Ono .

Tokyo life as rarely seen on mainstream media. This short film takes you to the lives of men who live on the outskirts of the city and of Japanese society.

Central Asia and Far East Alternative culture Urban Squatter Settlements / Homelessness

In Search of Home 2000 30‘

Directed by Julie Moggan .

The Shabani family have been living in Manchester as refugees and are homesick for Kosovo. Feeling increasingly unwelcome in Britain, they return home to confront the nightmares of their recent past,

South-East Europe Refugees / Displaced populations Children / Young people War / Conflict / Reconciliation

In a State of Dress 2010 21‘

Directed by Madelief de Heer .

Filmed in Walcheren, a region in the south-west of the Netherlands, this film tells of the lived experience of wearing regional dress. Once worn by the whole community, today this complex attire is

Western Europe Material Culture Elderly people Intergenerational relations

The Internet Bride 2004 29‘

Directed by Ellie Ford .

Cali in Colombia is celebrated for salsa music and beautiful women and is also the base of the Internet Bride agency, ‘Latin Best’ with 900 women on its files. Accompanying the British and American

South America Marriage Internet

Into the Field 2005 28‘

Directed by Alyssa Grossman .

‘Into the Field’ follows the everyday “secular” lives of nuns in a Orthodox nunnery in Romania. Documenting the nuns’ activities, relationships and roles within their community, the film also

South-East Europe Religion / Belief / Faith Animation

IntranQu’îllités 2019 20‘

Directed by Edward Owles .

Lyrically narrated by award-winning Haitian poet James Noël, the short film interweaves the work of several Haitian artists who want to redefine how their nation is perceived. The film explores the

Caribbean Islands Art/ Artists/ Artisans Nationalism Social Organisation

John the Eel Trapper 1982 28‘

Directed by Toni de Bromhead .

The fens of East Anglia provide the scenery for this documentary. At the centre of the film is John, a solitary character, who makes his living by trapping eels in the numerous canals of the area.

British-Irish Isles Animals Hunting / Gathering / Fishing

Join Me in Shambala 2001 30‘

Directed by Anya Bernstein .

Once brutally persecuted under the Soviet regime, Buddhism is re-emerging in Siberia. But with a past where Lamas were killed in prisons and temples burnt to the ground, there are few masters left to

Central Asia and Far East Religion / Belief / Faith Post-communism

Jungle Cat 2000 29‘

Directed by Natalie Schädler .

In search of the righteous way of living, the Liberian rapper CyLover, aka as ‘Jungle Cat’ wants to make music for his people. Now based in Ghana, the big chance to finish his first album approaches

West Africa Music / Ethnomusicology

Kwagh Hir 1975 30‘

Directed by Frank Speed Peggy Harper .

Four million Tiv people form the major culture of the Benue state of southern Nigeria. They are popularly known as the greatest democrats in Africa as their society is based on fraternal cooperation

West Africa Festivals / Carnival Dance / Theatre / Performance Ritual

The Land on which We Stand 2007 31‘

Directed by Becky Payne .

This film is a glimpse into the life of the Landmatters Co-operative, a community of 11 adults and 4 children living in benders and yurts in rural Devon as they develop a permaculture project. The 42

British-Irish Isles Rural Alternative culture

Lessons from the Tiger 2010 22‘

Directed by Ife Olatunji .

A brief glimpse into the Foundation Fior Di Loto girls’ school, this film explores the competing ideas of traditional and contemporary womanhood in Rajasthan, India. Four girls introduce us to the

South Asia Gender Role and Identity Children / Young people Education / Knowledge Transmission

Letters from Palestine 2011 35‘

Directed by Ludovica Fales .

What if in your great-grandfather’s letters there is a mystery your family doesn’t want to talk about? In 1920 Angelo Levi Bianchini set out to Palestine on an Italian diplomatic mission and never

Western Mediterranean Middle and Near East War / Conflict / Reconciliation Memory History

Leyssart 2007 30‘

Directed by Alexander Hirl .

Living among 8,000 animals in the South of France, Thérèse and Dominique live their passion as herders and breeders. Their philosophy of life makes us reflect on the nature of relationships between

Western Europe Animals Herding Family / Kinship

Life as We Know it 1995 25‘

Directed by Alex Reed .

"It was Star Trek that brought us together". John and Pauline are to be wed beyond the Final Frontier at a Star Trek convention in Manchester. Among the guests are Klingons and Hollywood stars.

British-Irish Isles Popular Culture Marriage

Lifelibrary 2007 22‘

Directed by Amanda Hill .

Library spacescape. quiet, history, dreams, wisdom, structure, anomaly, affection, preservation, creation, galaxies, distraction and contemplation. An exploration of a changing world withinwithout

British-Irish Isles Education / Knowledge transmission Archival material / Museum displays

A Little Bit of Freedom 1998 34‘

Directed by Laura Kirk .

This film is set in a traditional household in Nepal and documents a servant girl, Nani; a married woman, Sarita; and a mother-in-law, Ama. In interesting mixture of entrapment, duty and tradition unfold.

South Asia Gender Role and Identity Intergenerational relations Marriage

Living Through Things 2005 32‘

Directed by Anna Waddell .

Kristin, Mark and Bob collect things. The film explores attachment, possession and the way that objects inhabit their lives.

British-Irish Isles Material Culture

Looking for the Man Of Aran 1999 25‘

Directed by Sebastian Eschenbach .

It is 60 years since Robert Flaherty made Man of Aran. How do the people of the Aran Islands remember the experience and what do they feel about the image the films gives of their land?

British-Irish Isles Film / Photography / Mass media History of Anthropology

Made in Trenchtown 2010 33‘

Directed by Ester Maagdenberg .

‘Made in Trenchtown’ is the product of a collaboration with three teenagers from Trenchtown – a ghetto in Kingston, Jamaica, controlled by drug lords. As Philomena, Diamond and Stephan hold the

Caribbean Islands Children / Young people Reflexivity

Making it Big in Berlin 2009 24‘

Directed by Claudia Goldberg .

In Berlin, where low rents and space for creative ideas are still available, self-employed workers live the alternative to a nine-to-five-job. A sewing café owner, a freelance journalist and two

Western Europe Alternative culture Art / Artists / Artisans

Masks of Mer 2010 37‘

Directed by Michael Eaton .

The film Alfred Haddon made in 1898 in the Torres Straits, lasting for less than a minute, is the world’s first example of anthropological cinema. ‘The Masks of Mer’ tells the extraordinary story of

Australia History of Anthropology Film / Photography / Mass media Archival material / Museum displays Ritual

Men at Work 2010 32‘

Directed by Christine Moderbacher .

"Men at Work" depicts the daily working life of one of the few remaining institutions in Austria that still employs only men. They are responsible for a 39 km stretch of Austria’s biggest

Central Europe Gender Role and Identity Labour

Men of Words 2009 22‘

Directed by Johanne Haaber Ihle .

The film explores how ancient traditions of poetry are still used in contemporary Yemen to discuss social and political problems.

Middle and Near East Art / Artists / Artisans Socioeconomic conditions

Message from a Saint 2003 27‘

Directed by Andrew Tucker .

During the celebration of the Feast of San Juan Bautista in the village of Chuao, on the Caribbean coast of Venezuela, an image of Jesus appeared on a drinks tray. The community is trying to find out

South America Religion / Belief / Faith

Milking the Desert 2004 25‘

Directed by Yasmin Fedda .

This film follows the lives and choices of two monks living at Mar Musa, the Abyssinian Monastery in the desert of Syria. Through their daily lives, the issue of dialogue with Islam emerges.

Middle and Near East Inter-religious relations Religion / Belief / Faith

The Most Admired Man 2002 29‘

Directed by Julia Berg .

‘Wise’? ‘Serene’? ‘A Sage’? Mythologized as the Daoist physician from the Jade Dragon Mountain of Lijiang Province in southwest China , Dr Ho receives hundreds of visitors in search of the ‘Real

South-East Asia Public Figure Tourism / Travel / Pilgrimage

The Most Wasted of All Days 2003 24‘

Directed by Nick Kirkwood .

A day without laughter is the most wasted of all days, according to veteran circus performer Jan Erik, a.k.a ‘Fips the Clown’. So when his back goes in the middle of the summer tour round Scotland,

British-Irish Isles Dance / Theatre / Performance

Muktuk 1983 40‘

Directed by Graham Johnston .

Shot on the mosquito-ridden shores of the Mackenzie Delta in Canada’s North-West territories, the film deals with the annual Beluga (white whale) hunt. Three families are followed who have

North America Hunting / Gathering / Fishing Animals Indigenous peoples / First Nations peoples Education / Knowledge transmission

Native 2002 29‘

Directed by Rachel Greenwood .

Through his clothing, a young South African fashion designer of mixed race urges freedom and unity in post-apartheid South Africa. His message is reaching not only his fellow South Africans, but also

Southern Africa Collective / Community identity Material Culture

New Images 1964 27‘

Directed by Ulli Beier Frank Speed .

The film is a brief description of life in a busy commercial centre that still depends upon and retains its ancient traditions. These are based on the history of the town which was founded on the

West Africa Art / Artists / Artisans Religion / Belief / Faith Archival material / Museum displays

A New Kind of Life 1997 28‘

Directed by Emma Farrell .

How is someone’s life affected when faced with cancer? This film is a portrait of three people from Manchester, England, who have chosen to include complementary therapies as part of their daily coping strategies.

British-Irish Isles Health / Health care / Healing Alternative culture

Oink! 2020 22‘

Directed by Rob Eagle .

An experimental research documentary offering a portrait of gay men who‚ in different ways‚ relate to the “pig” sexual imaginary. It provides insight into their experiences of identity,

Western Europe North America Sex / Sexuality LGBTQI* Collective / Community identity

Only Thinking 2009 27‘

Directed by Gabriel Merrun .

On the North African coast in Ceuta, illegal migrants wait and hope to eventually continue onto the Spanish peninsula where they can attain asylum. Whilst waiting there, they are caught bewteen the borders.

North and Northeast Africa Migration

Out of Place 1993 38‘

Directed by Peter Lutz .

The war in Bosnia in the early 1990s drove Nerma and Mavis from their homes. Having found refuge in Sweden, they learn to cope with a new situation.

Scandinavia Refugees / Displaced populations War / Conflict / Reconciliation

Part of Us 2009 27‘

Directed by Maria Meriwether .

For the Ngarrindjeri people, the living and the dead are connected through shared land and heritage. The preservation of this connection is at the heart of the community’s effort to repatriate the

Australia Death Indigenous peoples / First Nations peoples

Pepe 2004 23‘

Directed by Juana Schlenker .

Pepe is a Spanish immigrant who came to England more than forty years ago to work as a waiter. After working in several restaurants and hotels, he retired two years ago and now he fills his days with

British-Irish Isles Migration Elderly people

Pepsi War 1992 30‘

Directed by Charlie Clay .

The post-colonial period in Papua New Guinea has seen resurgence in tribal warfare. Pepsi War follows the story of a fight between two clans, which developed from a dispute over cola bottles.

Melanesia War / Conflict / Reconciliation Colonialism / Postcolonialism

Pushy Women 2001 23‘

Directed by Caro MacDonald .

The modern Japanese woman has the world at her feet: she can pursue any career, wear whatever she likes, and spend her leisure time however she likes – even playing sumo. This film follows five young

Central Asia and Far East Gender Role and Identity Sport

The Ragged Ones 2002 30‘

Directed by David Griggs .

The Basotho live in Lesotho, a kingdom of high mountains surrounded by South Africa. Afflicted by famine, poverty and AIDS, they carry on making a science out of their witchcraft beliefs.

Southern Africa Religion / Belief / Faith Socioeconomic conditions

Raised by Humans 2010 25‘

Directed by Karlia Campbell .

‘Raised by Humans’ follows two dogs with difficult life histories as volunteers from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals try to find families to adopt them in Stockport,

British-Irish Isles Animals Development projects

Raju and His Friends 1988 40‘

Directed by Marcus Banks .

This film is set in the city of Jamnagar, western India. The film focuses on the emotions, quality of life, and on duty. Raju’s friendship with different people, including the director, provide a

South Asia Urban Informant-researcher relationship Life Story / Life History

Ravi and Bhajay 2002 26‘

Directed by Rachel Webster .

Street boys Ravi and Bhajay lead a tough life on the pavements of Mumbai in India. To get away from it, they visit the nearby holy city of Ujjain with the film-maker. But the call of life on the streets is still strong.

South Asia Children / Young people Squatter Settlements / Homelessness Urban

Read Me 2008 29‘

Directed by Janina Kriszio .

Reading traditionally played an important role for German (self-)identification. In 2000 an international survey revealed that German pupils are lacking basic reading skills, giving rise to

Western Europe Education / Knowledge transmission

Reclaiming the Forest 1987 39‘

Directed by Paul Henley Georges Drion .

National governments, itinerant gold-miners, and indigenous inhabitants compete for control of an area of the South American rainforest. The film shows the potential conflict between the interests

South America Land Rights Indigenous peoples / First Nations peoples Social Change Social Conflict

Return of the Nightingales 2013 33‘

Directed by John Baily .

In 2010 Afghan musicologist Dr. Ahmad Sarmast opened the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM), a coeducational vocational music school in Kabul that teaches Afghan, Indian and Western

South Asia Music / Ethnomusicology Education / Knowledge Transmission Children / Young people

Rock ‘n’ Pray 2001 24‘

Directed by Fotini Stefani .

The monks from the monastery of Saints Augustine and Serapheim Sarow on mainland Greece have found modern ways to appeal to young people. The film explores how their traditional life co-exists with

South-East Europe Religion / Belief / Faith Intergenerational relations

Round Trip 1999 36‘

Directed by Angela Torresan .

Portrait of a Brazilian woman and her friends, now living in Lisbon, exploring the basis of their sense of identity in the context of a transnational way of life.

Western Mediterranean Collective / Community identity Migration

A Saint from New York 1995 30‘

Directed by Line Hatland .

Dorothy Day, ex-communist, anarchist, single mother and co-founder of the widespread ‘Catholic Worker’ movement — died in New York in 1980. Soon after the Claretian Fathers started a campaign

North America Alternative culture Religion / Belief / Faith

Saliendo Adelante 2011 28‘

Directed by Ben Cheetham .

Growing up on the streets of Bogotá, where drugs and violence dominate, it seemed as though José might never escape this cycle. It is the job of Orlando and those at the Institution for the

South America Children / Young people Socioeconomic conditions Development projects

Scenes of Resistance 2000 30‘

Directed by Alejandra Navarro Smith .

A series of portraits of life in a Zapatista indigenous community in Chiapas, Southern Mexico. This film invites us into the people’s everyday lives, and presents their own views of the fight against

Central America Resistance Indigenous peoples / First Nations peoples

The Second Red Line 2004 25‘

Directed by Veera Lehto .

In HIV testing, the second red line is the indication of a positive result. This film follows two volunteers working with HIV & Aids sufferers in the Buduburam Refugee Camp in Ghana. In the

South-East Asia Health / Health care / Healing Development projects

Self Defence 2002 28‘

Directed by María Elena Planas .

With the Shining Path guerilla movement in decline, the government in Peru set up a Commission for Peace and Reconciliation to hear the testimonies of those who had suffered in the war. Framed by the

South America War / Conflict / Reconciliation Memory

Shonar Bangla 2009 28‘

Directed by Sara Asadullah .

Four scenes from a Bangladeshi community in London. Each scene is an encounter with a different generation (children, teenagers and adults) until the final scene where all generations are brought together in a wedding.

British-Irish Isles Intergenerational relations Marriage

Shooting Freetown 2011 29‘

Directed by Kieran Hanson .

A decade since Sierra Leone’s devastating civil war, from the ashes rises a new dawn of creativity in audio-visual media. Inspired by Jean Rouch’s ‘shared anthropology’ and ‘ethno-fiction’,

West Africa Film / Photography / Mass media War / Conflict / Reconciliation Reflexivity

The Shrimpers 2008 30‘

Directed by Austin Paterek .

For the past 10 years the shrimping industry in United States has been on a steady decline. Estimates show that only 15 percent of the original fleet is still in operation, due to overseas

North America Hunting / Gathering / Fishing Trade

Sin tierra, no somos Shuar 2009 23‘

Directed by Stacey Williams .

Shuar traditions and land are intimately tied to another. This film explores how the traditions and relationships change when foreign mining companies enter their territory.

South America Land Rights Indigenous peoples / First Nations peoples Social Conflict

A Small Light 2004 32‘

Directed by Julia Yezbick .

Through following the daily life of a home for the elderly in Kathmandhu, Nepal, run by Catholic nuns but situated beside the cremation ghats of Pashupathinath Hindu temple, this film explores

South Asia Death Inter-religious relations Religion / Belief / Faith Elderly people

Small Man of the Forest 2004 37‘

Directed by Hugh Hartford .

Murray Collins leaves his city life in search of a bipedal ape. On his journey to highland Sumatra, he meets an academic, three farmers, two conservationists and a shaman, all of whom advise him on

South-East Asia Animals

Smell the Roses 2003 28‘

Directed by Julie Milling .

Christiania is a self-governing community in the heart of Copenhagen set up by squatters at the height of 1970s idealism. Faced with extinction or urban redevelopment, residents struggle to redefine a fading ideology.

Scandinavia Alternative culture Urban

Smoke 1991 28‘

RAI Basil Wright Directed by Maarten Rens .

The film deals with fish smoking in Monnickendam, a small town twelve miles north of Amsterdam. Using archival footage, interviewing old fishermen, and contrasting the traditional and the modern

Western Europe Hunting / Gathering / Fishing Food Archival material / Museum displays

Sons of the Moon 1984 25‘

Directed by Frank Speed Deirdre LaPin .

In isolated mountain hamlets in Nigeria’s Jos Plateau the Ngas have traditionally observed the movements of the moon in the night sky. The moon is a key symbol in Ngas cosmology, believed to

West Africa Religion / Belief / Faith Music / Ethnomusicology Everyday Life Ritual

Sophia and Her People 1985 35‘

Directed by Peter Loïzos .

Sofia and her family lost their village home in 1975 when Turkey invaded Cyprus. The film, mainly set in Nicosia in 1983, shows the pressures of refugee economic recovery through shift work in a

South-East Europe Refugees / Displaced populations Social Change Family / Kinship

Southeast London Ethnography – Three Student Films: Anglesea Road; The Good Ol’ Days; Talk of Trade 2007 13‘

Directed by Elhum Shakerifar Ed Owles Jamie Taylor .

These 3 films on Southeast London were made by GCC college students who took a course in anthropology & film. ANGLESEA ROAD: Situated in Woolwich, South East London, Anglesea Road is a small

British-Irish Isles Urban

A Spark in Him 2008 28‘

Directed by Claudia Engels .

‘A Spark in Him’ is a film about the life story of Sajay Kumar, a young man without arms who lives in a home for disabled children in Kerala, India, and studies at the College of Fine Arts. By

South Asia Health / Health care / Healing Children / Young people Education / Knowledge Transmission

Spirit 2019 19‘

Directed by Jane Dyson Ross Harrison .

Saraswati is a new arrival in an Indian Himalayan village. She wonders how she will ever feel at home in the new setting. “Spirit” by Jane Dyson and Ross Harrison is a story of longing and

Central Asia and Far East Gender Role and identity Agriculture/ Farming Everyday Life Family/ Kinship

Staging a Return 1994 30‘

Directed by Jakob Hogel .

The Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic are a Danish dependency and for generations, young people have gone to Denmark to complete their studies. When they return for the summer, there is a tradition

Scandinavia Dance / Theatre / Performance

Standing Places 2007 31‘

Directed by Ana Tovey .

A model of Stonehenge has been built in rural New Zealand, functioning like the original not only in its astronomical alignment but also in its role as a ceremonial site. The film explores what

New Zealand and Polynesia Alternative culture Ritual

Still Life 2009 26‘

Directed by Siobhan McGuirk .

“I am here because I can’t go home.” Subject to strict controls in the UK, three women asylum seekers wait for claims to be processed and decisions made. Here they find the lives which they

British-Irish Isles Refugees / Displaced populations Law and Legislation / Bureaucracy

Street Fiction 2002 32‘

Directed by Dominic Elliot .

Through combining their own dramatic reconstructions and real life observation, this film tells the story of children who run away from their homes in search of a better life on the streets of Blantyre, Malawi.

Southern Africa Urban Squatter Settlements / Homelessness Children / Young people Ethnofiction

Suspend your Beliefs 2004 29‘

Directed by Simone Clifford-Jaeger .

Suspension of the living body from hooks has been practiced in various cultural contexts and places in the past, but today forms part of a growing global interest in body modification. This film

British-Irish Isles Alternative culture

The Sweet Life and All That Goes With It 2002 29‘

Directed by Anne Schiltz .

Although the Saxons arrived in Transylvania, Romania over 800 years ago, they have retained a strong sense of their distinctive identity and still speak German. After the Revolution of 1989, most

South-East Europe Collective / Community identity Travellers / Roma

Swings and Roundabouts 1994 30‘

Directed by Helen Pratt .

Five years after the downfall of Ceausescu and Romania still receives an influx of Western European aid workers to help with rural orphanage projects. Temporary and full-time volunteers at an

South-East Europe Children / Young people Squatter Settlements / Homelessness Development projects

Tayuban: Dancing the Spirit in Java 1996 30‘

Directed by Felicia Hughes-Freeland .

Once a year a ritual is held in a Javanese village. After a distribution of food, men dance with professional female dancers. Their allegedly sexual ethos makes these ‘tayuban’ unacceptable as

South-East Asia Ritual Dance / Theatre / Performance Sex / Sexuality Gender Role and Identity

The Temple in the Sea 2008 26‘

Directed by Theo Youngstein .

‘The Temple in the Sea’ looks at ritual and religious practice at a well-known Hindu shrine and its associated cremation grounds in Central Trinidad. Documenting the daily life of the Temple, and

Caribbean Islands Ritual

Tenonde’i – a Beautiful Future 2008 30‘

Directed by Nadja Marin .

In a village inside the world’s fifth largest and tough city, São Paulo, a young Guaraní created a children’s choir to raise money for his community. Filled with beautiful sounds, the film is a

South America Indigenous peoples / First Nations peoples Children / Young people

Thanks Be to God 2008 31‘

Directed by Patrícia Pedrosa .

Four Christian women work and live in a Muslim and patriarchic world. The ‘Sisters of the Consolata Missionaries’ are building a new library in Empada, a small village in the south of

West Africa Religion / Belief / Faith

They Say We’re All Winners 2002 32‘

Directed by Mari Finnestad .

The Zimbabwean girls’ team comes to Norway to take part in the world’s largest kids’ football tournament. The film questions the outcome of this well-intentioned cultural exchange because some of the

Scandinavia Tourism / Travel / Pilgrimage Sport Collective / Community identity

The Thompsons 1996 29‘

Directed by Andy Lawrence .

In 1996 the troubles in Northern Ireland continued to the sound of beating drums and marching feet. This is the story of a Protestant family in rural Ulster and their fight to remain British and free from Irish rule.

British-Irish Isles War / Conflict / Reconciliation

Those Who Don’t Work Don’t Make Love 1998 30‘

Directed by Cristina Grasseni .

An observational documentary about dairy farmers in the Italian Alps. Caught between pride for tradition and the pressure for modernisation, the story of one family is told through the eyes of

Western Mediterranean Agriculture / Farming Social Change

Those who Care: Faith and Freedom in a Ladakhi Village 2001 31‘

Directed by Henriette Levaulx-Vrecourt .

In Tia village, in an isolated area of Ladakh – North West India – lives an amchi (a local herbal doctor) and his wife. It is summer – a short season in the Indian Himalayas and the only period of

South Asia Health / Health care / Healing Archaeobotany / Ethnobotany

Tiempo de Vals 2006 22‘

Directed by Rebecca Savage .

The ‘Quinceañera’ celebration is a lived illusion. A daydream shared by the whole community of Tetlanohcan, a rapidly urbanising agricultural town in Tlaxcala, Central Mexico. The dream is

Central America Festivals / Carnival Social Change

Tindaya Variations 2018 40‘

Special Interest Directed by Isaac Marrero-Guillamon .

The mountain of Tindaya (Fuerteventura, Canary Islands) is more than a mountain. It was a sacred site for the indigenous people of Fuerteventura; later, its rock was quarried and sold for ornamental

Western Mediterranean Archival material / Museum displays Art / Artists / Artisans Environment Material Culture Indigenous peoples / First Nations peoples Archaeology

Treasured Moments 2016 33‘

Student Directed by Ravi Hart Lloyd .

This is the personal story of a boy who grew up mixed in every aspect of his life, his parents, where he was from, his race. The black kid who thought that he was white. The white kid who thought

Caribbean Islands North America Family / Kinship Race / Racism / Antiracism Collective / Community identity Film / Photography / Mass media

Two Ears, One Mouth 1999 25‘

Directed by Andy Benfield .

Duncan Williamson is of Traveller descent and lives in Scotland, Amy Douglas is fifty years younger and lives in Cheshire. But they share a love for telling stories and both manage to make a living

British-Irish Isles Travellers / Roma Art / Artists / Artisans

Unravel 2012 14‘

Directed by Meghna Gupta .

‘Unravel’ follows the Western worlds least wanted clothes, on a journey across Northern India, from sea to industrial interior. They get sent to Panipat, a sleepy town and the only place in the world

South Asia Labour Material Culture Collective / Community identity

Untouched Rock 2008 28‘

Directed by James Vybiral .

‘Untouched Rock’ follows a British climbing expedition to Greenland where six young men hope to establish new routes on the mountains of ‘the un-named valley’.

North America Children / Young people Sport

Usch in the Bush 2001 32‘

Directed by Michaela Schäuble .

In the 1980s Ursula Heimer leaves behind her husband and children in Germany and goes to live in the African bush. We meet her seventeen years later in a tiny village in Togo, where she has been

West Africa Personal Narrative Alternative culture

Vaud and the Villains 2010 30‘

Directed by Lukas Belkind .

Three members of an 18-piece, 1930s style, American folk big band explore their personal relationships with Los Angeles, performing, the music they love, and the band that binds them all together.

North America Dance / Theatre / Performance Music / Ethnomusicology

Vendemos Recuerdos 2009 25‘

Directed by Carolina Corral Paredes .

Carlos is an enthusiastic tour guide and Doña Rosa is an indigenous old woman that sells crafts in the market. Both of their life’s works are an effort to provide what inquisitive tourists might

Central America Tourism / Travel / Pilgrimage Trade

Views from Heavenly Lake 2010 26‘

Directed by Polly Vinken .

Since the beginning of the Mao era in 1949, populations that were once nomadic, isolated by miles of desert and mountains across the Tian Shan ranges, are now becoming highly sought after objects of

Central Asia and Far East Tourism / Travel / Pilgrimage Social Change

Vivir la Chicha 2003 28‘

Directed by Sharis Coppens .

Chicha music evokes the experiences of the many Peruvians who migrate from the high Andes down to the cities. This film tells the story of Aurora Ramos, a cobbler and market saleswoman, and the role

South America Music / Ethnomusicology Trade Migration

We Are Born to Survive 1995 30‘

Directed by Paul Henley Paul Okojie .

A political biography of the activist Kath Locke, from Manchester’s Moss Side, based on an interview conducted by her political comrade Paul Okojie shortly before her death in 1992, aged 64.

British-Irish Isles Political Activists Race / Racism / Antiracism Public Figure

Women of a Divided Land 1997 22‘

Directed by Joanna Hill .

This film follows the activities of Israeli and Palestinian women peace activists in Jerusalem and the West Bank, portraying both the collective and individual experiences of resistance.

Middle and Near East Resistance Political Activists Religion / Belief / Faith

Worldwide, Streetwise 2003 32‘

Directed by Naomi Richards .

A film that explores issues of faith and activism at a radical church in an ethnically and religiously diverse area of Leeds.

British-Irish Isles Religion / Belief / Faith Urban Political Activists

Writing Panare – Portrait of a Linguist on Fieldwork 1996 30‘

Directed by Paul Henley .

Marie-Claude Muller is a linguist who has worked for many years with the Panare, an Amerindian people of Venezuelan Amazonia. She has now been commissioned by the government literacy programme to

South America Linguistics / Language Education / Knowledge Transmission

You Can’t Live With Your Mouth Shut 1999 29‘

Directed by João Nicolau .

Cape Verde is an archipelago situated 500km off the West Coast of Africa. On the island of Santiago lives Mano Mendi, the last player of cimboa, a one-string violin used to accompany the traditional

West Africa Music / Ethnomusicology

Yukaghir Stories 1997 30‘

Directed by Rane Willerslev .

The Yukhagirs are one of the small indigenous peoples of Northern Siberia. This film, shot in the village of Nelemnoye, explores what it means to be a Yukhagir.

Central Asia and Far East Indigenous peoples / First Nations peoples Collective / Community identity

[S+P2] 2010 30‘

Directed by Yasmin Samir-Shakir .

Following various members of The Forest Collective in the run-up to the ‘DIY’ arts space’s Tenth Birthday celebrations, we observe some of the internal and external struggles faced by this

British-Irish Isles Alternative culture Collective / Community identity

RAI FILM

RAI FILM

Film list

Contact

Film shop

Film Festival