This fascinating film tells the story of the greatest rescue in cultural history: how in 1623, two former colleagues of William Shakespeare took on the task of saving The Bard’s work for posterity by collecting his plays into one incredible book.

"First Folio" preserved 18 plays that had never been printed before, including "Macbeth,'""Twelfth Night," and "The Tempest." It was the first book to divide Shakespeare’s plays by genre: comedies, histories, and tragedies. Plus, its engraved portrait is thought to be one of the most authentic likenesses of the playwright in existence.

Shakespearean scholar Emma Smith presents and reveals John Heminges and Henry Condell feared that when their friend died, his words might fade with him. Featuring performances from Mark Rylance, Stephen Fry, Roger Allam, and more.

The extraordinary story of how two of William Shakespeare's friends saved some of his greatest plays from being lost and forgotten.

Will's Book: Shakespeare's First Folio

Discover the fascinating story behind one of literature's most famous families, the Brontës. 

Charlotte gave us "Jane Eyre," Emily "Wuthering Heights," Anne "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall," and Branwell, the only portrait of the three. Few families had as prolific an impact on English literature as the Brontës. 

This two-part dramatized documentary series reveals the layers of myth surrounding the gifted yet ill-fated Brontë family, offering a deeper insight into their lives and works. By challenging long-standing misconceptions, "Searching for the Brontës" sets the record straight, unveiling the complexities of these literary icons' lives 150 years after their untimely deaths, offering a compelling exploration of family bonds, artistic ambition, and the enduring legacy of three extraordinary sisters whose works continue to captivate readers worldwide.

Discover the fascinating story behind one of literature's most famous families, the Brontës. 

In Search of the Brontes

This critically acclaimed docudrama depicts a monumental night in Gothic history that gave birth to two iconic figures of modern horror: Mary Shelley’s ''Frankenstein'' and John Polidori’s ''Vampyre.''

In 1816, at Villa Diodati on Lake Geneva, the notorious poet Lord Byron—a rock star of his era—sought refuge from scandal. He was joined by the equally infamous Percy Shelley and his teenage lover, Mary. Rumors of free love, drunken revelry, and drug use circulated about their stay at the villa—some of which were true.

On a dark and stormy night, the group challenged one another to write the best ghost story. The literary legends would later recount their life-changing stay at the villa in letters, journals, and diaries, forming the basis of this film. Contemporary authors Margaret Atwood, Neil Gaiman, and Charlaine Harris explore why this night had such a profound impact on our culture.

A scandalous villa stay sparks the creation of Mary Shelley’s ''Frankenstein'' and John Polidori’s ''The Vampyre.''

Frankenstein and the Vampyre: A Dark and Stormy Night

This uplifting feature documentary follows two friends on a global road trip to meet eight knights and a dame while immersing themselves in the world of William Shakespeare. 

Dan and Giles, former Shakespeare skeptics who became enthusiasts after being captivated by Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes in "Romeo and Juliet," journey to London to pursue acting careers and cultivate a profound appreciation for the Bard. 

Over the course of four years, they encounter a host of Shakespearean luminaries, including Ian McKellen, Judi Dench, and Baz Luhrmann. This heartfelt and entertaining film aims to demystify and illuminate Shakespeare’s work for everyone. Think he’s no great Shakes? Think again!

Two young actors embark on a road trip to get to the heart of the world’s greatest storyteller, William Shakespeare. 

Muse of Fire

Witness the transformative power of dance as a group of inmates participate in choreographer Angelin Preljocaj's dance workshops behind bars. 

Sylvie, Lili, Sophia, Annie, and Malika are serving long sentences in Marseille's Beaumettes prison. For four months, they are visited by renowned choreographer Angelin Preljocaj whose dance classes are a welcome reprieve from life behind bars. Together they choreograph a new work to be performed "outside the walls" at prestigious venues like the Pavillon Noir in Aix-en-Provence and Montpellier's International Dance Festival.  

This moving documentary chronicles their profound journey as they discover the unyielding spirit that emerges when art meets confinement, revealing a gripping tale of human expression and liberation through dance.

Witness the transformative power of dance as a group of inmates take part in choreographer Angelin Preljocaj's dance workshops behind bars.

Dancing Free

Discover the story of world-renowned opera singer Maria Callas through the lens of acclaimed director Tony Palmer's revealing documentary.

Few opera singers have reached the level of acclaim and success like Prima Donna Maria Callas. From her humble beginnings in Manhattan NY to the onset of her career and her turbulent marriage to billionaire Aristotle Onassis, Maria's life was a whirlwind of triumphs and tragedies. With breathtaking archival footage showcasing Callas's iconic performances and intimate interviews about her personal life, this documentary reveals not only Callas the artist but Maria, the woman. 

Delve into the story of world-renowned opera singer Maria Callas through the lens of acclaimed director Tony Palmer's revealing documentary. 

Callas

This documentary reveals the fascinating life, mind, and work of John Cage, one of the 20th century's most influential composers and thinkers.

Renowned for his groundbreaking work, including his controversial 1952 composition 4'33'', Cage was not only an artistic pioneer but a deep and philosophical thinker. When filmmaker Frank Scheffer first met Cage, their short conversation says Scheffer, ''changed my life as an artist.'' Over a decade, Scheffer collaborated closely with the composer, collecting a treasure trove of historical audio-visual material. This unique archive, comprised of interviews, musical performances, and evocative 16mm footage from Cage’s life comes together to capture the essence of this influential artist who had such a profound impact on the filmmaker. 

An essential watch for creatives, expect to learn some of Cage's creative techniques and guiding philosophies like the old Chinese methods based on the I Ching, and dive into the world of boundary-changing creativity. 

This intimate documentary reveals the fascinating life, mind, and work of John Cage, one of the 20th century's most influential composers and thinkers. 

How To Get Out Of The Cage - A Year With John Cage

A Zen master or an expert on chance? A specialist in mushrooms or a per­formance artist? The inventor of new sounds or a cook? An author or an anarchist? John Cage was all of these things. This documentary by Oscar-winner Allan Miller and Emmy-winner Paul Smaczny pays tribute to the most fascinating American avant-garde composer John Cage. Shot in America, Germany and Japan, the program presents rare archival footage and features interviews with Yoko Ono, David Tudor, Christian Wolff, Steffen Schleiermacher, Irvine Arditti, Toshio Hosokawa, Mayumi Miyata, Calvin Tomkins and many others.

This documentary by Oscar-winner Allan Miller and Emmy-winner Paul Smaczny pays tribute to the fascinating American avant-garde composer John Cage.

John Cage: Journeys in Sound

This immersive documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at Cloud Gate Dance Theatre's most ambitious and visually stunning contemporary dance performances. 

Under the visionary direction of choreographer Lin Hwai-min, the film explores the intersection of art, nature, and spirituality. Witness dancers' grueling yet exhilarating training regimen as they meticulously hone their craft, explore the verdant landscape of Taiwan that provides endless inspiration for the group and experience the transformative power of movement and meditation.  


This immersive documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at Cloud Gate Dance Theatre's most ambitious and visually stunning contemporary dance performances. 

Meditation in Movement

Get to know superstar German tenor, Jonas Kaufmann in this all-access documentary.

Hailed as “the world’s greatest tenor” by The Telegraph, Kaufmann is renowned for his impeccable vocal technique, charismatic stage presence, and mastery of Garman, Italian, and French repertoire. See what really goes on in the life of an opera singer and follow Kaufmann from rehearsals at the Royal Opera House, where he prepares for the titular role in Verdi’s Otello, to green rooms around the world, and even for a pit stop at Fortnum & Mason for Kaufmann’s favorite honey.  


Get to know superstar Graman tenor, Jonas Kaufmann in this all-access documentary.

Jonas Kaufmann: Tenor for the Ages

Explore the rich history of American tap dancing, from its roots in the fusion of African rhythmic traditions and Irish step dancing to its vibrant present-day expression, in this fascinating documentary. 

Let the electric energy of America's tap dancing legacy put a pep in your step and some twinkle in your toes. Uncover the origins of tap dance, tracing its evolution from the streets to the stage, and its enduring impact on American culture. From its intertwined evolution with the syncopated beats of jazz music to the heyday of Vaudeville and Broadway and the postwar resurgence led by trailblazers like Gregory Hines and Savion Glover, this documentary reveals the intricate steps that have woven the tapestry of tap dance throughout the ages.

Explore the rich history of American tap dancing in Mark Wilkinson's documentary. 

American Tap

What is creativity? Join Award-winning choreographer Alexander Ekman as he explores the mysteries of the creative process in this fascinating documentary.  

Choreographer Alexander Ekman is known for his out-of-this-world creative works like Hammer, Eskapist, and A Swan Lake.  In this new documentary, Ekman explores the elusive nature of creativity by speaking to people like film director Lone Scherfig, professor Shelley Carson, choreographer Mats Ek, performance artist Marina Abramovic, Joffrey Ballet’s artistic leader Ashley Wheather, film director Tran Anh Hung, professor Linda Hill, film director Tiffany Hsiung, the CEO of the David Lynch Foundation, Bob Roth, and several others. 

See creativity and the creative process from every possible angle as Ekman demonstrates his talent for creativity as he choreographs a career-defining dance piece for the Paris Opera Ballet.  

What is creativity? Join Award-winning choreographer Alexander Ekman as he explores the mysteries of the creative process in this fascinating documentary.

Omnibus: Annie Proulx - Way Out West

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