Black Pénélope

Fold Crumple Crush: The Art of El Anatsui

2010

A powerful portrait of Africa's most widely acclaimed contemporary artist El Anatsui. It gives an insider's view of the artist's practice, the ingenious steps and thousands of hours of labor that convert used bottle tops into huge, opulent wall hangings.

Glowing in the Dark

1997 · ★ 7

Set against a backdrop of spectacular neon footage of Vancouver, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, the film is an illuminating exploration into the vibrant history and contemporary use of neon. The movement, power, and raw exuberance of neon is revealed through a fascinating demonstration of how neon is made, a montage of notable neon installations and commentary from a colorful array of neon experts.

The Atelier of Paul Hugo ten Hoopen

2025

Paul Hugo ten Hoopen, the 98-year-old Amsterdam painter, delves into his childhood, education, and past artworks, while exploring his philosophy on the creation of art itself. Paul’s story brings out the perspective of a professional in his field. He urges new artists to find their own voice – their own colours – to be as original as possible.

AVA

Breaking a centuries-old taboo, Ava stands as the first woman in Iran to master the male-dominated craft of carpentry. Within the grit and clamor of the workshop, she confronts a society that deems her presence forbidden. This observational documentary captures her daily battle against physical hardships and social judgment.

Quilty: Painting the Shadows

2019

This fascinating exploration of the creative process follows one of Australia's leading contemporary artists Ben Quilty, as he completes one of his most challenging art works.

Life Will Smile

2017

Zakynthos is a Greek island on the Ionian Sea famed for its beauty. It also has the unique distinction of having saved all 275 of its Jewish inhabitants during WWII. In this compelling story, Haim Konstantini, one of the survivors, narrates how the islanders united to ensure the survival of their Jewish population. Two key figures instrumental to the story were Mr. Loukas Kerreri, Mayor of Zakynthos’ capital, and Bishop Chrysostomos, who both refused to list the island’s Jews for the occupying Nazis. They have been recognized as Righteous Among the Nations at Yad Vashem for their bravery.

The Rembrandt Association, an exceptional year

2024

Documentary about the Rembrandt Association. In the 19th century, a lot of Dutch art disappeared abroad, before the Rembrandt Association stood up in 1883 to put a stop to it. Today, 140 years later, the Association still helps determine what art lovers see in Dutch museums. In their crowning year, the Association faces a difficult choice: will they make the largest contribution in their history to the purchase of Rembrandt's De Vaandeldrager? The amount of 175 million needed for the painting is causing discussion. Is this money well spent?

After Mein Kampf?

1961 · ★ 9

By combining actual footage with reenactments, this film offers both a documentary and fictional account of the life of Adolf Hitler, from his childhood in Vienna, through the rise of the Third Reich, to his final act of suicide in the waning days of WWII. The film also provides considerable, and often shocking, detail of the atrocities enacted by the Nazi regime under Hitler's command.

We Are Building New Villages

1946 · ★ 7

The document illustrates the reconstruction and modernization of Polish villages after the destruction during World War II.

Kokoschka: Work and Life

2017

Painter, poet and playwright, teacher and freethinker, lover and traveler, Austrian artist Oskar Kokoschka (1886-1980) was a rare individual who remained lucid and passionate throughout his long life.

Mi Vida Me Pasa

2024

Arturo Urbiola, independent singer/songwriter, talks about the influence music has had on his life, it's impact, and what's in store for his artistic career after becoming a father.

Eric Carle, Picture Writer: The Art of the Picture Book

2011

An intimate portrait of Eric Carle, creator of more than 70 books for children including the best-selling "The Very Hungry Caterpillar". At 82, Eric is still at work in his studio making books and creating art. As he methodically layers a tissue paper collage of the caterpillar, he describes the feeling he achieves working in his studio, the sense of being at peace, all alone, when everything grows quiet and it is just himself and his work. The film taps into that deep creative need in each of us, a spirit that started in Eric as a very young child and is unceasing today.