Rentals
Hidden Truths: John Pilger and the Power of Documentary
Shining a light on the world’s upheavals, power politics, injustices and the struggle of peoples.
Over the course of 50 years, the Australian-born, British-based journalist John Pilger’s remarkable body of work gave a fresh eye to history in the making – from the US war in Vietnam, the aftermath of Pol Pot’s Cambodia, and repression in East Timor and Burma, to the post-9/11 world and discrimination against Indigenous Australians in his homeland. From his first television film in 1970, Pilger challenged the establishment. While ruffling feathers, he showed the power of the documentary in exploring complex issues and eliciting public and political reactions. He directed and co-produced many of his later films, which were still commissioned by ITV but often shown in cinemas. Pilger’s legacy is commemorated in this collection, which features some of his most powerful documentaries, alongside a choice of similarly incisive films from around the world that he personally chose before his death.
- Anthony Hayward, author
The documentaries in this season contain distressing scenes of both violence and racism related to the events they cover.
With thanks to
John Pilger, Jane Hill, Sam Pilger, Christopher Hird, Matt Hird, David Boardman, Marcus Prince.
Programme texts compiled by John Pilger, Jane Hill, Sam Pilger, Christopher Hird, Matt Hird, David Boardman, Maggi Hurt and David Somerset.
The Coming War on China The Coming War on China
Documentary 2016 113 mins Director: John Pilger
John Pilger’s prescient 60th film for ITV is both a warning and an inspiring story of resistance.
Utopia Utopia
Documentary 2013 111 mins Director: John Pilger and Alan Lowery
John Pilger's portrayal of the oldest continuous human culture is also an investigation into a suppressed colonial past, and rapacious present.
The Ballymurphy Precedent The Ballymurphy Precedent
Documentary 2018 108 mins Director: Callum Macrae
John Pilger's film on the conflict in Northern Ireland is a skilful mix of investigative journalism, documentary storytelling and reflections on contemporary history.
The Golden Dream The Golden Dream
Drama 2013 108 mins Director: Diego Quemada
Diego Quemada-Diez’s astounding debut feature follows four Guatemalan teenagers as they attempt to escape from the slums of Guatemala City to the bright lights of Los Angeles.
I Am Not Your Negro I Am Not Your Negro
Documentary 2016 94 mins Director: Raoul Peck
Raoul Peck’s penetrating and acclaimed documentary reconstructs an unfinished manuscript by James Baldwin, chronicler of America’s Civil Rights Movement.
Hidden Truths: John Pilger and the Power of Documentary
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