‘Sugarcane’ is a compelling 2024 documentary that delves into the harrowing legacy of the Canadian Indian residential school system. The film investigates the discovery of unmarked graves at St. Joseph's Mission near Williams Lake, British Columbia, bringing to light the physical and sexual abuses endured by Indigenous children. Through intimate interviews with survivors and their descendants, directors Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie reveal the enduring impact of these institutions on Indigenous communities, highlighting their resilience and ongoing quest for justice. The narrative intertwines personal stories with a broader historical context, showcasing the strength and unity of a community confronting its painful past. ‘Sugarcane’ not only exposes the atrocities committed but also celebrates the enduring spirit of Indigenous peoples as they heal and reclaim their cultural identity. This poignant film serves as a testament to their perseverance and the ongoing fight for recognition and reconciliation.
Sir David Attenborough presents Asia, an epic seven-part series that takes viewers on an extraordinary journey through the vast and diverse landscapes of the largest continent on Earth. From snow-capped mountain ranges and ancient forests to searing deserts and rich coastlines, this groundbreaking series reveals the astonishing wildlife and hidden natural wonders that define Asia’s breathtaking beauty and complexity. The adventure begins in spectacular fashion beneath the surface of Asia’s oceans. In this visually stunning first episode, we dive into a world few have seen—an underwater realm filled with vibrant coral gardens, mysterious sunken ruins, and pristine marine habitats untouched by time. Alongside renowned marine scientists and local experts, we encounter majestic whale sharks, soaring manta rays, ancient sea turtles, glowing jellyfish, and otherworldly nudibranchs. But as we uncover the secrets of these magical ecosystems, we also face the urgent environmental challenges that threaten their survival. Awe-inspiring and thought-provoking, this opening episode sets the tone for a series that is as visually dazzling as it is vital to understanding the future of our natural world.
Episode 4 explores the far reaches of our solar system, where ice behaves in extraordinary ways. Frozen moons orbiting giant planets may conceal vast oceans beneath their crusts—possible homes for alien life. From spectacular icy eruptions to entire worlds shaped by cold forces, this journey reveals that ice can be as dynamic and powerful as fire. A stunning look at some of the most mysterious and potentially life-supporting places in space.
Another year in the life of Diddly Squat Farm, run by Jeremy Clarkson, Britain's best-known but least-qualified amateur farmer. Season 2 of Clarkson’s Farm promises to be even better than the first as Clarkson and his rag tag group combat the public, the council, and the government. In the first episode, Clarkson attempts to diversify his farm's revenue sources (having made only £144 in the previous year) in an effort to increase his profits. He decides that his primary way of doing this will be a new herd of cows and promptly purchases several of the animals. However, the timing of when they will bring in money and the necessity of building an enclosure for them causes problems for Jeremy and Charlie. Meanwhile, inspired by the success of the farm shop, Clarkson has the idea to open a restaurant in the abandoned lambing barn to sell his beef and lamb, but he must deal with the cost of converting the barn and getting approval from the local council.
The results of the TB test are in... but just as important is the fact that numerous calves are scheduled to be born in the next couple of weeks. The first few happen very quickly in the dead of night before Jeremy's woken up, but soon he and Kaleb are dealing with some very challenging situations. Jeremy also meets local farmers to discuss a farmers' co-operative to supply the restaurant - much-needed by some who are really struggling - because the clock is counting down to Decision Day, when the Council will hold a public meeting to decide the fate of Jeremy's restaurant. After weeks of waiting, the day of judgement for Clarkson's restaurant is at last here. He and Charlie set off to put their case to the powers that be. Is it a Yes? Or is it a No?
Spring has sprung at Diddly Squat Farm, and that heralds the release of cows and chickens from their winter captivity. Jeremy's restaurant plans are in tatters, but that's not the end of his dealings with the council, who are also sending letters raising issues about what's being sold in the shop itself. From here on in, Jeremy decides that he and all around him must operate in a world of loop-holes and just-within-the-law cunning wheezes. Pepper the prized heifer still isn't pregnant and her last chance saloon arrives in the shape of a bull called Break Heart Maestro. A chat with Alan the builder provides a Eureka Moment: the restaurant idea is not dead after all! There's much excitement as building work begins and Jeremy meets a chef called Pip. There's less excitement when he has to take his first steer to the abattoir.
The narrative intertwines personal stories with a broader historical context, showcasing the strength and unity of a community confronting its painful past. ‘Sugarcane’ not only exposes the atrocities committed but also celebrates the enduring spirit of Indigenous peoples as they heal and reclaim their cultural identity. This poignant film serves as a testament to their perseverance and the ongoing fight for recognition and reconciliation.