NARC. Mini-Doc – North East Cultural Activism

The Angry Years(en)

1970 marked the start of a bombing campaign by British urban guerrilla revolutionaries The Angry Brigade. Their targets, a bizarre mix, included the Miss World contest, Ford’s motor factory, the home of a conservative cabinet minister and the Biba department store. Following a two year hunt by the newly formed Special Branch, eight suspects were arrested, and following the longest trial in British criminal history, four young graduates were convicted of the bombings. The Angry Years tells the little known story of the Angry Brigade - contributors include Jake Prescott, ex Angry Brigade member, the journalist Paul Foot and the Special Branch detective credited with tracking the Angry Brigade down.

From Atatürk to Erdoğan: Building a Nation(fr)

Turkey's history has been shaped by two major political figures: Mustafa Kemal (1881-1934), known as Atatürk, the Father of the Turks, founder of the modern state, and the current president Recep Tayyıp Erdoğan, who apparently wants Turkey to regain the political and military pre-eminence it had as an empire under the Ottoman dynasty.

Jimmy Somerville: Queer Rebel of British Pop(fr)

With his soaring falsetto and magnetic yet understated stage presence, Jimmy Somerville burst onto the 1980s new wave scene, making the world dance to songs rooted in struggle and resilience. From the harsh realities of Glasgow’s working-class neighborhoods to the challenges of growing up gay in a hostile world, and the devastating impact of the AIDS crisis, Somerville transformed pain into anthems of freedom. First with Bronski Beat, then The Communards, and later as a solo artist, he became both rebel and diva—the unmistakable voice of a generation fighting for equality. Through intimate stories from those who have stood by him for four decades, this portrait reveals a rare artist who has never wavered in his convictions.

What Will I Become?(en)

More than 50% of transgender boys have attempted suicide. Through two life stories, directors Lexie and Logan unravel why their community is particularly vulnerable to living and dying quietly; and a longer summary here.

Croquantes(fr)

Tribal Strands(en)

Tribal Strands is about two self-made Brooklyn hair artists, who create authentic hairstyles, leading the anti-hair discrimination movement. In addition, they inspire Black people to embrace their natural hair worldwide while exploring the intersections between modern and ancient African indigenous hairstyles.

Natalie Portman - Vom Kinderstar zur Hollywood-Ikone(de)

Portrait of an actress in constant evolution who, through risk-taking and side steps, has emancipated herself from the overly polished image forged by the Star Wars trilogy to become a talented and committed artist, a recognized ambassador for the feminist cause.

For The Lives of Others(da)

In a country that prides itself on democracy, a group of activists, known for chalking messages and holding signs, faces a terrifying escalation: repression so severe that their right to speak freely becomes their last, desperate stand.

Poutine et la guerre des cinq mers(fr)

Sex Is Sex: Conversations with Male Prostitutes(en)

Frank and compelling conversations with male prostitutes.

Queer Egypt Under Attack(ar)

A BBC News investigation has revealed how violent criminal gangs are finding, abusing and extorting people from the LGBT community they meet online in Egypt. Using masking technology to hide the identities of the people he meets, Ahmed Shihab-Eldin navigates the complex online and real-life world of people who identify as queer and who have been repeatedly targeted by a gang with violent viral video humiliations and police arrests.

Lali: Time To Step Up(es)

This documentary follows Lali in her return after four years away from the stage, showcasing the personal journey that led her to become the artist we know today.

The US and Their Guns: An American Story(fr)

Tracing the story of a student uprising this documentary explores how the NRA manages to keep a permissive gun law alive, and why it has such a strong hold over American society.

Let Us Be Seen(en)

How do feminist and queer identities operate in contemporary Belfast? Let Us Be Seen is a documentary film that presents the work and ideas of individuals on the ground in Belfast, who have campaigned tirelessly for change and continue to do so. On 21st October 2019, abortion was decriminalised and same-sex marriage legalised in Northern Ireland. This important law change however has shed light on more nuanced barriers facing people locally.

Quebec: Duplessis and After...(fr)

This film establishes a parallel between the 1970 electoral campaign in Québec and the 1936 campaign dominated by Maurice Duplessis. It shows the hope but also the uncertainty that existed in 1970. Had the Quiet Revolution really changed things in Québec? Was it possible that a new leader would emerge on the political scene? (NFB.ca)

Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero(en)

A remarkably intimate portrait of an artist on tour navigating identity, family, expectations, and acceptance, all while reflecting on his place within the legacy of Black, queer performers.

USA: The Conquest of the East(fr)

The conspiracy film focuses on the youth movements that overthrew governments in countries such as Georgia, Ukraine, Serbia, Kyrgyzstan and other former socialist countries of Eastern Europe, and shows how, in places where political parties were discredited, student movements financed by U.S. organizations such as the NED, USAID, the National Endowment for Democracy, the International Republican Institute, the International Democratic Institute, Freedom House, and others received the support that helped overthrow their governments, have received the aid that has allowed them to overthrow their governments.

Being prepared(en)

As the global pandemic reaches into the Arctic Archipelago, Inuk filmmaker Carol Kunnuk documents how unfamiliar new protocols affect her family and community. Her vividly specific soundtrack juxtaposes snippets from local radio broadcasts, issuing health advisories in both Inuktitut and English, with the sweet sounds of children at play. A richly detailed and tender account of disruption and adjustment.

Sense of Tumour(en)

With an experimental treatment looming to cure her aggressive cancer, Jamie ventures to the lake where her and her girlfriend, Grace, fell in love, fearful it will be the last time she ever sees it.

Jay Blades: Learning to Read at 51(en)

Jay Blades, presenter of The Repair Shop, has decided it’s finally time to learn to read. He has been told he has the reading age of an 11-year-old. Throughout his life he has found ways of avoiding the written word, and this film digs deep into how this has shaped him.