ITV

Category: Documentary

  • 18th MIFF sees the Asia premiere of doc film The Commandant’s Shadow

    18th MIFF sees the Asia premiere of doc film The Commandant’s Shadow

    Mumbai: As part of the ongoing Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF), the Asia premiere of the highly talked about documentary film ‘The Commandant’s Shadow’ directed by Daniela Volker was hosted at the festival.

    Walking the red carpet of the film were filmmaker Daniela Volker, Executive producer and creative entrepreneur Sajan Raj Kurup, Co/Executive producer Wendy Robins and festival director and MD, NFDC Prithul Kumar.

    The screening also saw industry members, Adman Prahlad Kakkar, actor- Producer Masumeh Makhija, Producer Succhanda Chatterjee and Shona Urvashi among others in attendance.

    With a wide release across the USA, the documentary follows Hans Jürgen Höss, son of Auschwitz’s Commandant Rudolf Höss, confronting his father’s terrible legacy for the first time and as he is introduced to Anita Lasker-Wallfisch, a Jewish survivor of the camp. Their historic meeting, eight decades later, in Anita’s London living room, alongside their children Kai Höss and Maya Lasker-Wallfisch, delves into their very different hereditary burdens and raises questions about love, guilt, and forgiveness.

  • GRB Media Ranch acquires three compelling political documentaries for international distribution

    GRB Media Ranch acquires three compelling political documentaries for international distribution

    Mumbai: Coinciding with the guilty verdict of the hush money/porn star payoff trial, GRB Media Ranch has announced its acquisition of #Untruth, a political documentary about the psychology of “TrumpISM” and the authoritarian strain that it seeded in the American political landscape.

    This documentary by director Dan Partland, multiple Emmy Award winning and executive producer, and president of Doc Shop Productions, accompanies two other Partland productions available through GRB Media Ranch on the topic: #Unfit: The Psychology of Donald Trump and God + Country, a look into the growth of white, Christian nationalism in the U.S.

    Released theatrically, God + Country (co-produced by Rob Reiner), opened to rave reviews in the New York Times, Christianity Today and the Hollywood Reporter and received an 88 per cent score on Rotten Tomatoes.

    Benz stated: “We acquired these programs just at the time that Donald J. Trump was found guilty by a jury of his peers. GRB Media Ranch is proud to include them in its portfolio of timely documentaries on compelling subjects produced by an acclaimed filmmaker – Dan Partland.  In a historic U.S. election year where the subjects of the films reflect the deep divisions within the nation, these riveting political documentaries are essential viewing!  At GRB Media Ranch, we get stories – riveting, topical, compelling.”

    Partland added: “Democracies around the world are under threat like we haven’t seen in 100 years.  Hopefully, yesterday’s verdict in New York is the beginning of an American recommitment to the fundamental values of liberal democracy that have been so eroded by the global wave of intolerance and authoritarianism, which is drowning our body politic.”

  • Soudah Development & Warner Bros Discovery International sign partnership to promote Soudah Peaks’ rich heritage

    Soudah Development & Warner Bros Discovery International sign partnership to promote Soudah Peaks’ rich heritage

    Mumbai: Soudah Development and Warner Bros. Discovery International signed a one-year partnership agreement to promote and celebrate the distinctive nature, culture, and heritage of Soudah and parts of Rijal Almaa, a region situated in southwest Saudi Arabia. This collaboration will focus on raising awareness of Soudah Peaks – an upcoming luxury mountain tourism destination set 3,015 meters above sea level, on the highest peak in Saudi Arabia – and showcase its unparalleled beauty and diversity to a global audience.

    The partnership agreement entails the production of three short-form documentaries that will highlight Soudah’s natural landscapes, cultural heritage, ancestral traditions, architectural aesthetics, local community and its wide range of unparalleled offerings including historical sites and monuments.

    These short forms will be airing this summer across Europe, US, Middle East, Africa, and India on WBD’s TV channels Discovery Channel, Travel Channel and Eurosport 1 and 2. Additionally, the short forms will air on digital across Discovery Youtube channel, on VOX MEDIA’s social networks and Discovery Channel Weibo in China.

    Soudah Development CEO Eng Saleh Aloraini commented on the partnership: “We are delighted to join forces with Warner Bros. Discovery to unveil the exceptional beauty and cultural significance of the Soudah region, along with the Saudi Arabia, on a global scale. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in our endeavor to position Soudah as a unique luxury mountain tourism destination, and we are confident that it will captivate travelers from around the world.”

    The Soudah region is home to a variety of fauna and flora, varied topography, and unique agricultural practices such as beekeeping, all of which will be highlighted in the content produced.

    Warner Bros Discovery, sports & lifestyle international brand partnerships head Mike Rich said: “Partnering with Soudah Development presents an exciting opportunity for us to showcase the unique appeal of the Soudah region through our influential media platforms. We are thrilled to bring captivating stories of Soudah’s natural wonders and cultural heritage to our viewers. We eagerly anticipate a successful collaboration ahead.”

  • New Docuseries ‘Fallen Idols: Nick and Aaron Carter’ to premiere in India on May 31

    New Docuseries ‘Fallen Idols: Nick and Aaron Carter’ to premiere in India on May 31

    Mumbai: Investigation Discovery, the leading true crime network, announced Fallen Idols: Nick and Aaron Carter a four-part docuseries that delves into the lives of Nick and Aaron Carter. From their outsized fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s to their headline-making struggles in recent years, the docuseries pulls back the curtain on the fraught dynamic of the Carter family and the dark side of such an abrupt rise to fame. At its core, FALLEN IDOLS explores the accusations of sexual assault against Nick Carter by three women, while also diving into his brother, Aaron Carter’s, struggles with mental health and substance abuse – and the rift that occurred after Aaron decided to support his brother’s accusers. ‘Fallen Idols: Nick and Aaron Carter will stream on discovery+ on Friday, 31 May.

    In 2017, Nick Carter was accused of sexual assault by singer and actress Melissa Schuman, former member of a popular girl group DREAM while Nick Carter and Backstreet Boys were at the height of their fame. In the years following Schuman’s decision to come forward, additional accusers, Ashley Repp and Shay Ruth spoke out with similar accusations. During this period, Aaron Carter decided to support Nick’s accusers, while battling addiction and struggling with his mental health, stoking a very public feud between the two brothers in the lead-up to Aaron’s tragic death in 2022. Fallen Idols: Nick and Aaron Carter delve into the accusations against Nick and how those intertwined with the volatile relationship between the two brothers.  

    Featuring exclusive interviews with Melissa Schuman, Ashley Repp, and Shay Ruth, who offer emotional, powerful insights and perspectives into their allegations against Nick, Fallen Idols: Nick and Aaron Carter not only offers a deeper understanding of the allegations but also chronicles the intense backlash Nick’s accusers have faced since they decided to speak publicly and the lasting impact that has had on their lives. The docuseries also features first-hand accounts from a member of the Carter family and close family friends, including Nick’s ex-girlfriend Kaya Jones and Aaron’s former fiancé Melanie Martin, to offer an intimate perspective on how intense fame and the spotlight caused a rift between two brothers. Over four parts, FALLEN IDOLS explores the dark side of fame and fraught family dynamics but also the intense challenges faced by accusers who come forward against celebrities and pop culture icons in today’s modern world.  

    Fallen Idols: Nick and Aaron Carter is produced for Investigation Discovery by Ish Entertainment.  

  • Akash Sagar Chopra’s documentary ‘Walking With M’ wins four awards across the film festival circuit in Europe

    Akash Sagar Chopra’s documentary ‘Walking With M’ wins four awards across the film festival circuit in Europe

    Mumbai: Filmmaker and producer Akash Sagar Chopra’s highly acclaimed and award winning documentary, “Walking With M” is a ground-breaking feature and a global documentary event, that has garnered honours at various international film festivals.

    The film made with over 1500hrs of archival footage has received the Best Documentary Award (Berlin FFI) at Milan Italy, The Global Peace and Harmony Award at The International Film Festival The Hague, Out-standing Achievement Award at the Swedish International Film Festival, and has also won the prestigious Honorable Mention Award at the Athens International Monthly Film Festival in Athens, Greece.

    With a runtime of one hour and 37 minutes, ‘Walking with M’ is based on the Walk of Hope 2015 movement, a peace march led by author and educationist Mumtaz Ali (Sri M, recipient of the Padmabhushan Award 2020), as he and a group of 100 co-walkers walked from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, in the year 2015.

    Seven years in making, the film tells the incredible story of Sri M’s ardoulous 7500km journey on foot, emphasizing the change within the individual as a true catalyst for societal change. Told through a gripping narrative, the film covers a journey of 474 days, across India’s di-verse landscape.

    Receiving immense praise and acclaim across its screenings in Milan, Athens and across the Euro-pean Film Festival Circuit, the film has also garnered nominations for Best Director of a Documentary, Best Editing of a Documentary, and The Historical Interest Award at Film Fest International (Berlin FFI) Milan, Italy. It has also been selected as a Finalist at the Scandinavian International Film Awards (Cameo Awards Gala).

    The documentary has also been selected and screened at renowned film festivals across Asia and other parts of Europe including Film South Asia (Nepal), Paradise Film Festival(Budapest, Hungary), and The Stockholm City Film Festival and it had its UK premiere with two screenings at the prestigious Garden Cinemas in London.

    The film also premiered in Fremont, a part of the Bay Area near San Francisco, USA with three shows running at a full house capacity back-to-back, with a demand for more.

    Closer home, the first Indian screening after the global festival circuit held at The Royal Opera House in Mumbai where the film received a seven-minute standing ovation.

    Speaking about the documentary, film maker  Sagar Pictures Entertainment CEO Akash Sagar Chopra said, “It’s heartwarming to witness widespread resonance with our documentary. It’s a collective effort offering an immersive glimpse into the Walk of Hope movement. We’re thrilled by its universal reception and global acclaim across numerous countries.”

    Sagar Pictures Entertainment, the Indian distribution partner of the film, has announced that the film has now been taken up for distribution in North America. It will also be dubbed in various Indian languages, for community screening tours across various Indian cities.

  • ‘Love Kills: Madhumita Shukla Hatyakand’ – dive into a deadly political affair and the shocking murder

    ‘Love Kills: Madhumita Shukla Hatyakand’ – dive into a deadly political affair and the shocking murder

    Mumbai: Brace yourselves for another thrilling exploration into the depths of a true crime murder documentary as Discovery Channel gears up for the highly anticipated premiere of “Love Kills: Madhumita Shukla Hatyakand”. This gripping investigative docu-series is set to premiere on Discovery Channel on 5 May 2024, offering viewers an unprecedented glimpse into the trivial 2003 murder of the young, poetess Madhumita Shukla at the hands of Amarmani Tripathi, UP’s foremost kingmaker and ‘Baahubali’ politician and her lover.

    The investigative docu-series encapsulates the viewer from the first episode by interviewing the individuals who were directly involved in the case at the time. Additionally, a conscious effort was made to shoot all the scenes in real locations. This docu-series is also unique as almost all of it is portrayed in the first-person narrative of the investigating officers. This includes former Superintendent of Police (Crime) Rajesh Pandey, Senior Superintendent of Police Anil Aggarwal, former investigating officer Ajay Chaturvedi, government lawyer Raj Mohan Ram, and senior journalist Amita Verma. This docu-series is produced by Times Chronicles.

    Don’t miss “Love Kills: Madhumita Shukla Hatyakand” on Discovery Channel to witness a true story of politics and murder. Catch the first episode on Sunday, 5 May at 10 pm.

  • Sajan Raj Kurup joins The Commandant’s Shadow as executive producer

    Sajan Raj Kurup joins The Commandant’s Shadow as executive producer

    Mumbai: While India makes waves at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival, it was announced on Friday (26 April 2024) in a statement by Warner Bros. Pictures and Fathom Events that Daniela Völker’s much-talked-about documentary The Commandant’s Shadow is set to release in 500 theatres across the U.S. on May 29, 2024, with an encore presentation the following day.

    A little-known fact is that this hard-hitting documentary also boasts a strong Indian connection, with noted creative head and entrepreneur Sajan Raj Kurup serving as Executive producer on the documentary film.

    Speaking about this Kurup said, “It is a proud moment for us at Creators Inc. and Creativeland Studios to be able to back The Commandant’s Shadow, a story that deserves telling, and we are happy to see it reach a wide audience with its upcoming release in the US.”

    “For me personally, I am happy that the dream I set out to achieve, to back content that builds legacy, is one step closer. I am positive this will be the first of many such landmarks from Creators Inc. and Creativeland Studios” he added.

    The Commandant’s Shadow follows Hans Jürgen Höss, son of Auschwitz’s Commandant Rudolf Höss, confronting his father’s terrible legacy for the first time and as he is introduced to Anita Lasker-Wallfisch, a Jewish survivor of the camp. Their historic meeting, eight decades later, in Anita’s London living room, alongside their children Kai Höss and Maya Lasker-Wallfisch, delves into their very different hereditary burdens and raises questions about love, guilt, and forgiveness. This feature-length documentary explores the trans-generational impact of war crimes, yet ultimately offers a story of hope, acceptance, and compassion.

    The documentary film is written, produced and directed by Daniela Völker and produced by Gloria Abramoff, with Wendy Robbins, Neil Blair, Jonathan Blair, Matti Leshem, Joel Greenberg, Len Blavatnik, Danny Cohen, Sajan Raj Kurup, Jani Guest and Jamie Jessop serving as executive producers. Völker’s creative team includes directors of photography Rob Goldie and Piotr Trela, editor Claire Guillon, and music composer Gabriel Chwojnik.

    Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with HBO Documentary Films, A Snowstorm Productions / Creators Inc. Production, In Association with New Mandate Films, A Film By Daniela Völker, “The Commandant’s Shadow.” It will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, and is rated PG-13 for thematic content involving the Holocaust, some disturbing images, and smoking.

  • DBS Bank India hosts screening of “Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: A Singapore Saga”

    DBS Bank India hosts screening of “Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: A Singapore Saga”

    Mumbai: DBS Bank India hosted an exclusive, invite-only screening of the documentary “Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: A Singapore Saga” in Delhi.

    The event was attended by dignitaries such as Singapore High Commission H.E Simon Wong, Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (National CAMPA) CEO Subhash Chandra National, National Medical Commission, Ministry of Health secretary Dr. B Srinivas, Delhi Development Authority member finance Vijay Kumar Singh, YSM,SM,VSM (Retd), ex-director general, resettlement Major General Sharad Kapur, Sansad Ratna Awards Committee chairman Adv. Priyadharshni Rahul and Ministry of Commerce – CIO, Invest India Sunita Mohanty. DBS Bank India MD and head of institutional banking group Rajat Verma delivered the opening remarks, kicking off the event.

    The documentary is commissioned by the Tagore Society Singapore and sponsored by DBS Bank India. It captures Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s role in spearheading the Azad Hind movement from Singapore. Scripted and directed by Lakshmi Raman Venkat from Gravitas Media, it features engaging narration by renowned quiz master Siddhartha Basu.

    Through the eyes of a Singaporean history buff recounting Netaji’s life to a young visitor from India, the documentary takes viewers on a captivating journey. It skilfully links landmarks that played a crucial role in Netaji’s journey to the progression of the Indian freedom movement.

    The documentary delves into contributions of the Indian National Army (INA) and the remarkable involvement of women, particularly through the establishment of the Rani of Jhansi Regiment. It also features a reenactment of Netaji’s ‘Great Escape’ in January 1941, filmed at Netaji Bhawan in Kolkata. In the documentary, Subhashini Ali, the daughter of Dr. Lakshmi Sahgal (nee Swaminthan), one of Netaji’s closest aides in the INA, shares anecdotes about her mother’s role in the Rani of Jhansi Regiment.

    DBS Bank India MD and head– group strategic marketing & communications Shoma Narayanan said, “We are honoured to be associated with a compelling documentary that captures the connection between India, Singapore, and a historic figure: Subhas Chandra Bose. His spirit of resilience and dedication continues to inspire generations in both countries. Through our collaboration with the Tagore Society Singapore, we wanted to commemorate a period of history that transcended geographical boundaries. This association embodies our commitment to creating meaningful cultural experiences for customers and communities, setting us apart as a different kind of bank.”

    The production team from Lakshmi’s company, Gravitas Media, comprising Rajendra Nanoskar, Prakash Parmar, Santosh Mithbawkar, and Wilson Thomas, meticulously brought Netaji’s story to life. Their efforts unearthed remarkable stories of Netaji’s time in Singapore, enriching the documentary’s narrative.

    DBS Bank India, the largest foreign bank in the country by branch presence, continues to curate experiences that go beyond traditional banking. Through strategic partnerships, the bank aims to engage a broader audience and reinforce its brand promise of ‘Live more, Bank less’.

  • ‘Never Ask Why’ set for public release in 2024

    ‘Never Ask Why’ set for public release in 2024

    Mumbai: Multi-award winning docu-drama ‘Never Ask Why’ is in talks with OTT platforms in India for global release in 2024, after the documentary’s remarkable success in the international film circuit.

    Till date, the 19-minute short docu-drama has garnered over 63 awards and laurels at global film festivals, including ‘best director’ & ‘best short film’ wins at the Cannes World Film Festival, The French Duck Film Festival, Oregon Documentary Film Festival, Paladino d’Oro Sport Film Festival, New York Movie Awards, Naples Film Awards etc.

    “Never Ask Why” has also been a semi-finalist at the Academy Award & BAFTA qualifying Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival, bringing it tantalizingly close to be selected for Oscars & BAFTA glory.

    The maiden project of Eating Potatoes, a film-focused production house of new-age advertising agency Buffalo Soldiers, “Never Ask Why” beautifully chronicles the journey of 20 under-privileged kids in the inaugural year of the Jishnu Mitra Foundation, where children united under the banner of the ‘Dream Team’ came to play in the U-15 Delhi Youth League. “We are in talks for a global release and hope everyone can see the beauty behind the docu-drama that has resonated deeply with audiences around the world,” explained Eating Potatoes co-founder & CEO Sumon K Chakrabarti.

    Jishnu Mitra Foundation was launched in 2018 with a mission to promote football among underprivileged children under the age of 15.

    “The unfulfilled dream of a young football fan, Jishnu Mitra, became the catalyst to help achieve the dreams of talented young under-15 football players who come from a section of our society that’s struggling to meet their daily needs,” said Tech Mahindra former MD & CEO CP Gurnani. “I think it was a difficult subject, to convert it into a story of triumph of hope over a tragedy, ‘Never Ask Why’ was a beautiful rendition of someone’s dream,” Gurnani added.

    “The passion with which the kids of Jishnu Mitra Foundation have been playing football, I think the team behind ‘Never Ask Why’ told the story with similar passion and art. And it tears me up very easily,” said AVSM and India’s first individual Olympic medalist Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, at a private screening of the docu-drama at Alliance Française in New Delhi.

    Directed by Saurabh Dubey, a co-founder of Eating Potatoes, the film has had 17 private screenings across Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, New Jersey, and Atlanta, touching the hearts of audiences worldwide. “While the Dream Team of JMF boys didn’t win the league, they captured the hearts and minds of everyone with their passion for football,” says Dubey. “The journey of these children, their zeal and dedication, despite the hardships, is what makes this story so powerful. It’s a narrative of hope, dreams, and the transformative power of sports.”

    The foundation has two coaching partners – TSC Asia in Delhi NCR and Veterans Club in Kolkata. Jagdish Mitra and Urmi Mitra, who started the Jishnu Mitra Foundation, said: “We are overwhelmed by the global recognition ‘Never Ask Why’ has received. It’s a testament to the work we are trying to do at Jishnu Mitra Foundation, to the power of storytelling and the universal appeal of hope and perseverance.”

    https://vimeo.com/eatingpotatoes

  • GRB Media Ranch acquires four new documentaries

    GRB Media Ranch acquires four new documentaries

    Mumbai: GRB Media Ranch CEO, Gary R Benz announced the acquisition of four hot topical new documentaries covering a range of headline grabbing events.

    The content includes the murder investigation of Tupak Shakur: Tupac: 187 (working title), an art theft in Ottawa in Stealing Churchill, and sensational political topics: God & Country and Unfit. The company will present all four docs at MIPDoc and MIPTV next week where GRB Media Ranch president, Sophie Ferron and GRB sales & acquisitions’ executive Liz Levenson will be in attendance.

    Tupac: 187 (working title) after 30 years, the case of murdered Rap superstar Tupac Shakur may finally get resolved when an accused Las Vegas man stands trial. Discover the criminal negligence and its impact on the night of the shooting and see the development of the false narrative that was devised to cover it up; and track the “big lie” all the way from its inception five minutes after the shooting until this moment – the current case in Nevada. Was the right guy caught? (5×60’)

    Stealing Churchill is an investigative documentary taking audiences to the heart of the unlikely heist that shocked the international arts community: the theft of the famous Winston Churchill portrait by Yousuf Karsh. This masterwork painting was stolen from the Reading Lounge in Ottawa’s Château Laurier and replaced by a fake which was only discovered eight months later. Has the portrait of the Roaring Lion, a work of art that launched Yousuf Karsh’s international career, disappeared forever?  (1 x 60’)  

    Unfit: The Psychology of Donald Trump:  This documentary explores if Donald Trump is psychologically fit to hold the office of President of the United States. This is an eye-opening analysis of Trump by leading U.S. mental health professionals and political observers and those who had intimate personal contact with him and his behavior. (1 x 90’)

    God & Country:  From award-winning director Dan Partland (Intervention) and mega-producer Rob Reiner, this vital documentary reveals the dangerous implications of Christian Nationalism which distorts the U.S.  Constitution and Christianity itself.  What happens when a faith built on love, sacrifice, and forgiveness grows political tentacles, conflating power, money, and belief into hyper-nationalism?  (1 X 90’)

    Gary R Benz stated: “GRB Media Ranch is thrilled to debut four exciting new documentaries to add to its expanding non-fiction portfolio. The new content is both topical and unnerving and complements our library of over 5,000 hours of premium finished programs and formats.  We are delighted to introduce them to the market at this time when the subject matter continues to attract headlines in the media. As we say at GRB Media Ranch – we’ve got stories!”