November 2020: the audience follows Janine fly-on-the wall from initial research and rehearsals in Stockholm, to a hectic month in London where, accompanied on the piano by Pappano, the legendary Director of the Royal Opera, she becomes acquainted with each of the violins and select works that fit them best. Made by the legendary luthier Antonio Stradivarius, some of these violins have not been played for 200 years while others belonged to the greatest virtuosos ever, including Fritz Kreisler, Nathan Milstein, Ida Haendel and Oscar Shumsky, all featured in the film in powerful archive. Learning their histories, and coming to grips with their foibles, Janine then falls ill with Covid. Nevertheless, in a virtuoso feat of determination, she recovers to rehearse and record this astonishing album with just a day to spare before the first violin must be returned to its owner. This is a nerve-wracking, intense, and hugely exciting film, where, up close and personal, we see not only what makes these the most unique stringed instruments in the world, but also the enormous humour, spark and energy that drives two of the world’s leading musicians at the top of their creative game.

Janine Jansen embarks on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to record a new album on twelve of the greatest violins to have ever been created.

Janine Jansen: Falling for Stradivari

Hip-hop dance would never have reached the great international stages without Mourad Merzouki. A recognised choreographer, his shows are now touring worldwide, with more than 2800 performances in 58 countries. The film offers an immersion into the heart of his next creation: Vertikal. In the middle of his troupe of dancers and close to Mourad, we participate in the creative process backstage, until the first performance – between doubt and creative impulse. With an objective: to defy gravity and create a visual vertigo. Through Mourad’s confidences and moments stolen from his busy life, we discover his influences, his artistic career and his universe. Thus emerges the portrait of one of the most promising choreographers of his generation. 

An immersion into the heart of Mourad Merzouki's next creation: Vertikal.

Mourad Merzouki: Dance Alchemist

Filmed on location with Cirque Du Soleil performers, this documentary offers an intimate look at their lives on and off the stage. 

A behind the scenes look at people chasing their dreams and pushing their bodies to the limits.

An intimate documentary following the world-renowned performers of Cirque Du Soleil.

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Kathleen Battle & Jessye Norman sing Spirituals: Magic Moments of Music

Cast & Crew

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