Documentaries

A hypnotic tour of a New York hotel that proves that nighttime is Akerman time.

This is the story of the iconic Don Letts, the coolest cultural polymath – narrated by the man himself.

Tatiana Huezo’s poetic documentary captures a holistic view of the rhythms of life in a remote Mexican village.

A dying landscape is healed against all odds, going on to thrive in astonishing ways, in this hopeful story of ecological regeneration.

Legendary film that brilliantly captures the cultural phenomenon that was the 2 Tone movement, and showcases the very best of the British Ska revival.

Engrossing tribute to London’s legendary Scala cinema, aptly subtitled.

Oscar-winning director Asif Kapadia's unsettling drama-documentary delivers a powerful commentary on the state of the world today… and tomorrow.

All We Imagine as Light director Payal Kapadia’s bold and distinctive feature debut explores the political climate of contemporary India.

Captivating 'lost' record of Billy Connolly on the cusp of international stardom during his 1975 tour of Ireland.

The first in Patrick Keiller’s highly imaginative trilogy of films is a photographic trip through London, recounted by our unseen narrator.

Brilliantly mixing archive film and music, Liverpool-born director Terence Davies reflects with wit and wisdom on a times of change, for good or ill

Victor Kossakovsky’s film essay looks at the way we have constructed our built world through a series of breathtaking sequences.

Agnès Varda’s award-winning study of those living on the margins of French society at the turn of the millennium.

Werner Herzog’s profound and deeply moving documentary about the experiences of a community of deaf-blind people.

Menelik Shabazz (Burning an Illusion) shines a light on the music genre often dubbed ‘romantic reggae’; a uniquely black British sound that developed in the late 70s and 80s against a backdrop of riots, racial tension and sound systems.

The incredible story of a band you may never have heard of but whose sound has influenced generations with their irresistible rhythms and message of peace.

The inspiring journey towards freedom of Raghda and Amer, a couple brought together by the turmoil of the Syrian Civil War.

Claude Lanzmann's monumental chronicle of the Holocaust has been acclaimed by many as the greatest documentary ever made.

Claude Lanzmann's monumental chronicle of the Holocaust has been acclaimed by many as the greatest documentary ever made.

Akerman’s introspective apartment-bound reflection on isolation and confinement.

Premiere. A breathtaking and poignant account of the valiant 1924 British assault on the awe-inspiring peak, beautifully restored by the BFI.

Paul Kelly's stirring and acclaimed character study of enigmatic musician Lawrence (Felt, Denim and Go-Kart Mozart).

Groundbreaking music film, coupled with Chloé Raunet’s documentary about the making of the film, offering an insight into the heart of acid house.

Chantal Akerman reads letters sent to her from her mother in Belgium, against a tableau of shots of 1970s New York.

Ron Peck’s experimental follow up to the groundbreaking Nighthawks is both a making-of documentary and a deeply personal film memoir.

Dazzling document of Soviet life, by Dziga Vertov, showing a living city and the people and machines that propel it.

The first part of Martin Scorsese's 'personal journey' through American Cinema.

The third part of Martin Scorsese's 'personal journey' through American Cinema

The second part of Martin Scorsese's 'personal journey' through American Cinema.

The on and off-screen character of Toshiro Mifune, Japan’s first international movie star, is explored in this illuminating documentary exploring the life and legacy of this mercurial icon.

A beautifully textured study revealing the rich and troubled private life of the writer behind Carol.

Werner Herzog’s moving portrait of a record-breaking ski jumper.

A riveting and all-encompassing portrait of the iconic German filmmaker.

Discover the unrealised visions and passion projects of revered British filmmaker Michael Powell, in this fascinating documentary featuring Oscar-winning editor Thelma Schoonmaker.