Distinguished
DOCUMENTARY – FEATURES
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Angelique Joyce
Seeking WRADIANCE is a groundbreaking feature-length documentary that sheds light on autism and its presentation in women. An estimated 80 percent of autistic women remain undiagnosed by age 18 because autism manifests differently in females, often leading to missed diagnoses and misunderstanding. The film centers on the story of several autistic women and the inspirational WRADIANCE assessment instrument and protocol, developed over three years with direct input from autistic women across the globe. This radically different approach is the first of its kind to capture the unique ways autism presents in females, offering an assessment that finally sees women for who they truly are. Seeking WRADIANCE not only highlights the challenges autistic women face but also presents a spirit of hope — and of radiance. This protocol has the potential to change the lives of hundreds of thousands of undiagnosed women worldwide. Join us on this powerful journey, and help spread awareness about a tool that could reshape the future of autism diagnosis for women everywhere.
Ghatfan Ghanoom
The Bad Son is a powerful documentary that deeply explores the Syrian revolution by depicting various aspects of life under both Hafez and Bashar al-Assad’s regimes. The film chronicles the Syrian people’s struggle for freedom and justice, highlighting the cultural resistance embodied by the formation of a theater group that challenges the regime through art. As the regime’s repression intensifies, the group members face tragic fates, including imprisonment, exile, and death.
The Bad Son conveys a strong message about the power of art as a tool for protest and resistance, focusing on the resilience of individuals in the face of authoritarianism. The film goes beyond the Syrian context, also reflecting on similar struggles against oppressive regimes elsewhere, such as the story of an Iranian dissident, reinforcing the universal fight for freedom.
The documentary delves into the complexities of the Syrian revolution, illustrating how decades of oppressive rule under the Assad family have shaped the country’s political landscape. Through a combination of satire, flashbacks, and personal interviews, the film offers a multidimensional view of the Syrian conflict.
By blending artistic storytelling with raw realities, The Bad Son portrays the Syrian people’s journey of resistance and its global implications. The documentary also features rare footage, adding significant value to its documentation of the Syrian conflict, offering a deeper understanding of the revolution and its far-reaching consequences.
Jeff Garner
This film is for everyone …no matter the style, status, or background as we all are connected by wearing clothing everyday all day. There was a reckoning in the food industry, (food, inc) and even the cosmetic industry, but not fashion, yet the same chemicals are being used.
After my mother passed too early from her breast cancer, I knew my journey was about to change. I had been speaking against toxicity in our clothing since I began fashion design in 2002. Yet no one was listening….I was ridiculed in my fashion world for cat walking world stages using hemp and plant based dyes grown on my own farm in TN. Apparently, natural was not as good as the synthetic luxury fabrics and my talks, articles and fashion shows were not in the mainstream world as if someone did not want the message to get out. But losing my mother propelled me to strive forward in the documentary as I realised it was the only platform to hopefully give everyone a chance to know what is truly in their clothing. This film is a global exploration of the fashion industry, textiles, and dyes and the intrepid revolutionary disruptors demanding change, protection, and better options for consumers.
My hope for this film is to inspire everyone that it touches to make a shift in their buying choices for their own health and well being and thus bring the industry forward out of the petroleum based toxic world it exists in today. We do not have all the answers, but this film will ignite a global conversation about what is truly hiding in our clothes, affecting our daily health and lead to positive lasting change giving back the power of choice.
Simon Ratigan
Quadruple amputation has been the best thing ever for me’ – this is the story of Alex Lewis and his daring attempt to climb Ethiopia’s highest peak using the world’s first solar-powered, mobility hand-cycle.
Alex Lewis is not someone you easily forget. He’s a man whose life was transformed at the age of 33 when he contracted Strep A. It ravaged his body and, despite surviving almost certain death, he lost all his limbs leaving a self confessed heavy drinker and lazy, inattentive father to a 3yr old son to face life as a quadruple amputee.
With rehabilitation came a dramatic change in mindset and a determination to prove to his son and the world that anything’s possible. After collaborating with students at Southampton University, who designed and built a bespoke off-road, solar powered, hand cycle, he began a life-changing journey that would see him traverse the UNESCO World Heritage wilderness of the Simien Mountains.
Accompanied by Ethiopian double amputee Emebet Ale, the expedition would prove to be a grueling test of both their courage and determination to achieve the seemingly impossible.
Documenting how self-belief and the power of the human spirit can overcome the greatest of challenges, the film bears witness to two ordinary people whose achievement redefines what we think is possible. At a time when humanity faces so many escalating issues and existential threats, the film dares us to face both our personal and planetary problems with the same courage, determination and strength.
April Anderson, Martin Chytil
Conservation efforts to preserve wildlife and habitat are not easy and certainly not “pretty” processes. Extraordinary exercises such as dehorning rhinos to prevent poachers from killing them and the sometimes-necessary culling of herds of elephants to save the rest from dying as their habitats dangerously shrink takes strength and dedication.
If we are to succeed in saving entire species and ultimately ourselves on our finite planet, these actions and many others have become an unfortunate necessity.
While calling attention to the very real plight of our world, creators and supporters of the non-profit Wild Tomorrow apply their efforts and passions to conservation of our endangered wildlife by nurturing habitats and re-creating corridors for animals to naturally migrate through that had been previously blocked by industrial farming for up to a hundred years. They are dedicated to preserve, protect and rewild in the vital ecosystem of South Africa, while raising consciousness and awareness. Their focus extends to ways we can all contribute to a more biodiverse and sustainable future, while reminding us that we are an essential part of nature.
The documentary film For A Wild Tomorrow is just a part of their (and our) ongoing, developing story.
Nich L Perez
Letters to Eleanore is a poignant feature-length documentary that explores the intertwined journeys of two remarkable girls, Keith from Canto Grande, Peru, who bravely navigates life with cerebral palsy alongside her devoted mother, and Olivia from Litchfield, Minnesota, whose experiences highlight the stark contrasts in societal attitudes towards disability in their respective countries. As their narratives
unfold, they are beautifully interwoven with the legacy of Eleanore and her family, whose life, untimely death, and the impact of her wheelchair ignited a powerful movement of hope for countless children and their families facing similar challenges. This film is not just a story of perseverance and love; it is a testament to the strength of community, brought to life through the collaborative efforts of volunteers, students, and communities across Peru and the United States, embodying a true grassroots style of storytelling that
resonates with authenticity and compassion that is sorely needed in these times.
Philip Hamilton
RED – A Sea Worth Protecting, combines stunning imagery with compelling human stories. Given its location and characteristics, the Red Sea should be one of the least concerning seas in the world, but it is fragile and needs protecting. The film recognises and follows the inspiring journey of the diverse group of people dedicating their lives to protecting it, sharing their frustrations and sacrifices as well as their achievements and hope. Inspired by the alarming facts of the IUCN red list, the film highlights some of the most extraordinary but sadly endangered species that are key to the Red Sea’s survival.
Marcel Weiß
“Okhaldhunga” is a documentary that follows the transformative journey of building a school in a very remote region of Nepal, where access to education is scarce. It captures the efforts of volunteers and local communities united by a belief that education is the
foundation for freedom, opportunity, and a better future.
Beyond the physical building of the school, “Okhaldhunga” is a reflection on the search for purpose in life. The film illustrates how opening up, sharing love, and contributing to others not only enriches their lives but also returns fulfillment to those who give. It’s a story of mutual empowerment, where the act of helping others becomes a path to personal growth. The film’s message is universal. Whether in the mountains of Okhaldhunga or the cities of the world, access to education shapes the ability to thrive, make informed decisions, and build sustainable futures. In today’s interconnected world, the well-being of one community affects us all, making it our shared responsibility to address global inequalities in education, water, and resources.
“Okhaldhunga” reminds us that the fight for equality and sustainability transcends borders. By sharing love, contributing to others, and supporting education, we help create a future where everyone, no matter where they live, can lead a life of dignity and purpose. This shared action is key to building a safer, more secure, and sustainable world for all.
Peter Carr
Peter, an investigative journalist with ESPA, has long admired the minke whales that migrate past his home in Yorkshire, UK, each year. When he learns that these same whales are being hunted in nearby Norwegian waters, he cannot help but question why. Pete tasks ESPA Senior Investigator Hannah to dive deeper into why whaling persists in modern-day Norway. Meanwhile, Pete leads a military-trained operations crew to the northern tip of Norway for the whaling season. Their mission is to capture the reality of Norwegian whale hunting to trigger further investigation into the industry.
As one of only three industrial whaling nations left on Earth, and with Iceland’s whaling industry in apparent terminal decline, ESPA decided to research exactly why Norway continued to maintain a whaling industry when comparable historic whaling nations (including the UK and USA) ceased several decades ago when it became clear that whaling was having an enormous negative impact on whale stocks. The under-researched minke whales perform critical ecosystem services, boosting marine life and drawing carbon from the atmosphere. Onboard a whaling target vessel, a young whaling crew reveal a hunt in action.
Hannah’s intelligence missions uncover whale meat’s dwindling domestic demand and low exports, resulting in industrial use of whale meat in pet food. Their findings become increasingly concerning as severe human health risks – especially for women and children – associated with whale meat consumption are brought to light. Pete’s crew encounter Norway’s biggest whaling operator and record irrefutable evidence of inhumane whale hunts, and they are confronted with the scale of industrial whaling in the 21st century. Which whale species could be next, if whaling in Norway continues?
Max Fisk
Overtourism is when the number of tourists visiting a place SO outnumbers the residents and businesses maintaining that site – that it destroys the very thing they’ve come to see. The best known example of overtourism is Venice, Italy, but in 2019 – the ratio of tourists to residents in the historic French Quarter was five times higher.
As the pandemic once again reveals the dangers of relying on a travel-dependent economy, the residents and culture bearers of New Orleans reflect on sustainable tourism and finding a balance between the needs of locals and the desires of our visitors.
Interviewees address their reliance on tourism while illuminating the perils of depending too heavily on any economic driver that can be interrupted by weather, terrorism, the stock market, pandemics and more.
The residents, business owners and culture bearers featured include entertainers Harry Shearer and Judith Owen who first visited the French Quarter as tourists before deciding to become homeowners, open a local recording studio, and found a local non-profit. Grammy-winning drummer, Derrick Tabb, explains the importance of “planting seeds” in a community by investing in children.
New Orleanians have sustained their culture, come hell and high water, by creating a virtuous cycle that can serve as a lesson to all. By the time local children become adults, they’ve all served their community for years as a requirement for graduation. Many have paraded as part of Mardi Gras. Whether throwing the largest free party in the world or rebuilding after a storm, the virtuous cycle assures that we can sustain our community and the amazing experience it provides to visitors from around the world.
Thomas Acton
Close The Divide tackles the monumental challenge of climate change while exploring the deep polarization that hinders progress. In an increasingly divided world shaped by confirmation bias, the film shows that the climate crisis is too vast and complex to be addressed from a narrow lens. It affects us all, regardless of where we live, and our survival depends on confronting it as a global collective. Through compelling storytelling, Close The Divide emphasizes that solutions lie not only in science, engineering, and economics but also in our ability to change human behavior. By uniting different perspectives, the film inspires viewers to see beyond ideological divides and recognize the positive developments already happening across the globe. This is a shared responsibility that requires positive, inclusive solutions to lead the way. Only through collective action can we navigate the climate crisis and secure a sustainable future for all.