Madinat al-Zahra was given its Arabic name, which means "The Shining City," by the 10th century caliph Abd al-Rahman III, who had it built. Nicknamed the "Versailles of Andalusia", Medina Azahara, located in Cordoba, Spain, is today one of the most important Islamic archaeological sites. This unique capital city, built four centuries before the Alhambra in the mid-10th century, is the object of a new excavation campaign. Five years ago, a team of European archaeologists began a new excavation project at this World Heritage site. For over 100 years, excavations here have concentrated inside the Caliph's palace. This new excavation project is focused outside the palace walls, in areas of the city never before studied. A massive new building came to light, its function unknown. Beyond the mystery of this building, the very location of this city is an enigma in itself. Why was a Muslim city of such importance built in a then primarily Christian area? The site is a complete urban complex including infrastructure, buildings, decoration, and objects of daily use. By following this mission and revealing the mysteries of this lost city, this film traces the history of the golden age of al-Andalus.
Christopher Reeve was a world movie star, but in 1995 he suffered a near-fatal horseback riding accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. He later became an activist for spinal cord injury treatment and the rights of people with disabilities. This film offers a poignant exploration of Christopher Reeve's extraordinary life, weaving together intimate interviews with his children, Matthew, Alexandra, and Will. It chronicles his journey from a difficult childhood and a strained relationship with his father to his meteoric rise as Superman, a role that made him a global icon. The narrative transitions seamlessly between his career highs—starring in acclaimed films, enduring public missteps, and returning to the stage—and the personal challenges that shaped him, including his complex relationships, the birth of his children, and his eventual romance with Dana Morosini, the love of his life. After the devastating horse-riding accident that left him paralyzed, Reeve's unwavering spirit redefined heroism. The film highlights his advocacy for spinal cord research, the creation of the Christopher Reeve Foundation, and the enduring impact he and Dana had on disability rights. Their story is one of resilience, love, and inspiration, with their children now carrying on their legacy. Through moments of triumph and heartbreak, this film celebrates a man who truly embodied the spirit of Superman, both on and off-screen.
After a small plane crashes, four indigenous children struggle to survive in the Colombian Amazon jungle, relying on ancestral wisdom as an unprecedented rescue mission unfolds amid the jungle's challenges. Directed by Oscar winner Orlando von Einsiedel, this documentary tells the incredible story from the point of view of those involved in this epic rescue: the children's family, indigenous communities and leaders, and the Colombian army.
The filmmakers challenge former Indonesian death-squad leaders to reenact their mass-killings in whichever cinematic genres they wish, including classic Hollywood crime scenarios and lavish musical numbers. Anwar Congo and his friends have been dancing their way through musical numbers, twisting arms in film noir gangster scenes, and galloping across prairies as yodeling cowboys. Their foray into filmmaking is being celebrated in the media and debated on television, even though Anwar Congo and his friends are mass murderers. Medan, Indonesia. When the government of Indonesia was overthrown by the military in 1965, Anwar and his friends were promoted from small-time gangsters who sold movie theatre tickets on the black market to death squad leaders. They helped the army kill more than one million alleged communists, ethnic Chinese, and intellectuals in less than a year. As the executioner for the most notorious death squad in his city, Anwar himself killed hundreds of people with his own hands. The Act of Killing is about killers who have won, and the sort of society they have built. Unlike ageing Nazis or Rwandan génocidaires, Anwar and his friends have not been forced by history to admit they participated in crimes against humanity. Instead, they have written their own triumphant history, becoming role models for millions of young paramilitaries. The Act of Killing is a journey into the memories and imaginations of the perpetrators, offering insight into the minds of mass killers. And The Act of Killing is a nightmarish vision of a frighteningly banal culture of impunity in which killers can joke about crimes against humanity on television chat shows, and celebrate moral disaster with the ease and grace of a soft shoe dance number.
The film takes viewers on an enchanting journey through the life and legendary career of one of cinema's greatest composers. Directed by John Williams' longtime friend Laurent Bouzereau, it delves deeply into the music that has defined iconic film franchises like “Star Wars”, “Jurassic Park”, and “Harry Potter”. Featuring interviews with esteemed artists and filmmakers profoundly influenced by Williams' timeless compositions, the film explores his extraordinary ability to bring emotion, depth, and grandeur to the screen through his symphonic genius. Archival footage and behind-the-scenes moments illustrate how his unforgettable scores became integral to the movies, revealing just how vital his contributions have been to modern cinema. This intimate tribute captures Williams’ journey from jazz pianist to cultural icon, showcasing the groundbreaking impact of his classical compositions in Hollywood and beyond. From his collaborative masterpieces with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas to his unique approach of composing by hand, "Music By John Williams" highlights the relentless passion and meticulous craft that have defined his career. Personal stories from colleagues, friends, and family, along with moments of Williams conducting before adoring fans, paint a vivid portrait of a man who has shaped our cinematic experiences for over half a century. For anyone captivated by the power of music in film, this documentary is an inspiring and nostalgic celebration of an unparalleled legacy.
Cullen Hoback dives into one of the most enduring and high-stakes mysteries in technology and finance: the origins of Bitcoin and the identity of its anonymous creator, Satoshi Nakamoto. More than a decade after Satoshi's disappearance, Bitcoin now threatens to disrupt the global financial order, forcing nations to reconsider the very nature of money as Satoshi potentially stands to become the richest person on earth. Known for uncovering clandestine subcultures and movements through digital forensics, Hoback immerses himself with key players, uncovers never-before-seen clues, and humorously unravels Bitcoin's chaotic origins and meteoric rise. The documentary offers a thrilling, globe-spanning investigation into the intentions of Bitcoin's enigmatic inventor, as Hoback encounters those who could be Satoshi, seeking to reveal who holds the power -- and what they might do with it if Bitcoin were woven into our daily lives.
Five years ago, a team of European archaeologists began a new excavation project at this World Heritage site. For over 100 years, excavations here have concentrated inside the Caliph's palace. This new excavation project is focused outside the palace walls, in areas of the city never before studied. A massive new building came to light, its function unknown. Beyond the mystery of this building, the very location of this city is an enigma in itself. Why was a Muslim city of such importance built in a then primarily Christian area? The site is a complete urban complex including infrastructure, buildings, decoration, and objects of daily use. By following this mission and revealing the mysteries of this lost city, this film traces the history of the golden age of al-Andalus.