A savage journey into the heart of underground Tokyo rock and roll, a look at the people who make it thrive, and stories of their dedication to keeping DIY culture alive.
The Devil and Daniel Johnston (2006)
This 2005 documentary film chronicles the life of Daniel Johnston, a manic-depressive genius singer/songwriter/artist, from childhood up to the present, with an emphasis on his mental illness and how it manifested itself in demonic self-obsession.
This Is It (2009)
A compilation of interviews, rehearsals and backstage footage of Michael Jackson as he prepared for his series of sold-out shows in London.
The Past is Always New, the Future is Always Nostalgic: Photographer Daido Moriyama (2019)
This documentary follows the legendary Japanese photographer as he continues to find new ways of seeing the visual assault of Tokyo’s streets and reminisces about his life and work.
Fandemonium (2023)
A student documentary that explores how crazy fans are willing to go when they are obsessed with music and their favorite artists. Interviews were conducted in San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles California. Produced by Ohlone College students.
What Difference Does It Make? (2014)
A documentary that explores the challenges that a life in music can bring.
Aldo Giannini: Pacific Theatre (2014)
Like many other young men of his generation, after Pearl Harbor was attacked, Aldo Giannini joined the Marines with little idea of what lay ahead. After training, he was quickly deployed overseas and fought in the bloody Battle of Tarawa, surviving with a shrapnel injury and the haunting memory of witnessing the loss of 3,250 U.S. lives. He went on to fight in other battles and returned home after 3 intense years of service. Nearly eight decades later, he still questions if winning the island was worth the price.
MxPx - Both Ends Burning (2011)
"Both Ends Burning" is a film that captures MxPx at a crossroads in their seasoned career. Directed by Bryan Buchelt, this documentary not only follows the band's struggles in the face of the new touring climate, it also looks at the legacy and impact that Mike, Tom, and Yuri have had on the music industry, fellow bands, and their fans. This is one of the first true looks into the life of the notoriously private working class band on the road and at home.
The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness (2013)
Follows the behind-the-scenes work of Studio Ghibli, focusing on the notable figures Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki.
Freed From Memories (2016)
An examination of Manic Street Preachers' 1996 breakthrough album Everything Must Go in celebration of its 20th anniversary.
Elton John: Tantrums & Tiaras (1997)
Unprecedented access into one of the world's greatest musical talents and his larger than life lifestyle: Elton John. With frank, funny, and touching filmmaking, this documentary is a fascinating and honest look at the complex character of a modern day composer and performing artist.
Windsor: Shift Change (2013)
This documentary about Windsor’s arts community provides an “alternative narrative” about the city than a poor economy and high unemployment.
Last Fast Ride: The Life, Love and Death of a Punk Goddess (2011)
Henry Rollins narrates Lilly Scourtis Ayers' no-holds-barred profile of volatile Bay Area punk legend Marian Anderson, whose hypnotic beauty, devil-may-care rebellion and shocking sexual exploits onstage launched her to infamy before tragically dying of a heroin overdose at the tender age of 33.
School Town King (2020)
It follows two teenage rappers in Bangkok who use their musical talent to navigate their difficult circumstances.
Io sono nata viaggiando (2013)
A journey back through Dacia Maraini's and her trips around the world with her close friends cinema director Pier Paolo Pasolini and opera singer Maria Callas. An in-depth story of this fascinating woman's life. Maraini's memories come alive through personal photographs taken on the road as well as her own Super 8 films shot almost thirty years ago.
Pesado: Que som é esse que vem de Pernambuco? (2017)
Documentary about the heavy rock scene in Pernambuco.
Dymna Sumish: Between Hell and Heaven (2017)
A whole generation grew up with the music of Ukrainian rock band Dymna Sumish. It brought not only energetic concerts with slams and crashed guitars, but also ideas: of propaganda resistance, vegetarianism, abstinence from alcohol and drugs. But in 2012, the band was put on hold, and its frontman Sasha Chemerov moved to Los Angeles. Musicians got back together in the summer of 2017 and gave a series of powerful shows. «Dymna Sumish: Between Hell and Heaven» is a movie about the comeback, friendship, and rock’n’roll. The film includes interviews with band members, concert footage from different periods and live performances, specially shot for the movie. And although the band split up at the beginning of 2018, we believe that its story and legacy still matter.
Japan's War In Colour (2005)
Using never-before-seen footage, Japan's War In Colour tells a previously untold story. It recounts the history of the Second World War from a Japanese perspective, combining original colour film with letters and diaries written by Japanese people. It tells the story of a nation at war from the diverse perspectives of those who lived through it: the leaders and the ordinary people, the oppressors and the victims, the guilty and the innocent. Until recently, it was believed that no colour film of Japan existed prior to 1945. But specialist research has now unearthed a remarkable colour record from as early as the 1930s. For eight years the Japanese fought what they believed was a Holy War that became a fight to the death. Japan's War In Colour shows how militarism took hold of the Japanese people; describes why Japan felt compelled to attack the West; explains what drove the Japanese to resist the Allies for so long; and, finally, reveals how they dealt with the shame of defeat.