The Death of "Superman Lives": What Happened?

The Death of 'Superman Lives': What Happened? feature film documents the process of development of the ill fated "Superman Lives" movie, that was to be directed by Tim Burton and star Nicolas Cage as the man of steel himself, Superman. The project went through years of development before the plug was pulled, and this documentary interviews the major filmmakers: Kevin Smith, Tim Burton, Jon Peters, Dan Gilroy, Colleen Atwood, Lorenzo di Bonaventura and many many more.

Steve McQueen: The Essence of Cool

Friends, family, co-stars and admirers of actor Steve McQueen talk about his life and his movie career.

Les Belges dans la R.A.F.

Propaganda film about Belgian pilots in the RAF during World War II and the creation of the entirely Belgian 350 Squadron in 1941.

Des traîtres dans la Résistance

In May 1943, Ernst Kaltenbrunner, the new head of the Reich Central Security Office, gave Hitler a report describing in detail the organization of the French Resistance. Indeed, during the Second World War, most of the Resistance networks had been infiltrated by traitors, the "V Man" (trusted men) in the service of the occupier. The Germans had established treason as a system and recruiting Frenchmen ready to inform on them was one of their priorities. It was these Frenchmen, whose number is estimated at between 20,000 and 30,000, who dealt terrible blows to the Resistance.

Bella Ciao! - German Soldiers in the Italian Resistance

When Italy capitulated 1943 and joined the allied forces, some soldiers from the German Wehrmacht also changed sides and joined the Italians in their fight to liberate the country. This film tells the story of Rudolf Jacobs, Walter Fischer and Heinz Brauers, three of the ‘Good Germans’ remembered in Italy for their efforts in fighting the Nazis.

The Unknown Peter Sellers

Documentary about the life and career of a comic genius, Peter Sellers.

The Liberation of Auschwitz

This chilling, vitally important documentary was produced to mark the 40th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz Concentration Camp. The film contains unedited, previously unavailable film footage of Auschwitz shot by the Soviet military forces between January 27 and February 28, 1945 and includes an interview with Alexander Voronsov, the cameraman who shot the footage. The horrifying images include: survivors; camp visit by Soviet investigation commission; criminal experiments; forced laborers; evacuation of ill and weak prisoners with the aid of Russian and Polish volunteers; aerial photos of the IG Farben Works in Monowitz; and pictures of local people cleaning up the camp under Soviet supervision. - Written by National Center for Jewish Film

39-45 L'histoire des bases sous-marines

Heckler

HECKLER is a comedic feature documentary exploring the increasingly critical world we live in. After starring in a film that was critically bashed, Jamie Kennedy takes on hecklers and critics and ask some interesting questions of people such as George Lucas, Bill Maher, Mike Ditka, Rob Zombie, Howie Mandel and many more. This fast moving, hilarious documentary pulls no punches as you see an uncensored look at just how nasty and mean the fight is between those in the spotlight and those in the dark.

Großes Kino made in DDR

In 2016, DEFA celebrates its 70th anniversary: the film embarks on a journey into the exciting film history of the GDR. In a comprehensive kaleidoscope, the importance of DEFA productions is illuminated, the relevance of the films as propaganda productions for the GDR, which socio-political themes were in the foreground, but also which heroes DEFA brought to the screen and celebrated as people from the people.

Das Boot Revisited: An Underwater Success Story

In 1981, a film about the misadventures of a German U-boat crew in 1941 becomes a worldwide hit almost four decades after the end of the World War II. Millions of viewers worldwide make Das Boot the most internationally successful German film of all time. But due to disputes over the script, accidents on the set, and voices accusing the makers of glorifying the war, the project was many times on the verge of being cancelled.

The Farmer and the Shark

Explores the life of local Martha's Vineyard legend, Craig Kingsbury, and his impact on the production of Steven Spielberg’s classic movie

Jean-Marie Straub and Danièle Huillet at Work on a Film Based on Franz Kafka’s Amerika

This film is at once a self-portrait and an homage to Jean-Marie Straub, Farocki's role model and former teacher at the Film Academy.

Bearing Witness to the Holocaust

This powerful short documentary traces the harrowing liberation of Nazi concentration camps across Europe from 1944 to 1945, including Bergen-Belsen, Dachau, and Auschwitz. Through carefully curated archival footage and historical narration, Bearing Witness to the Holocaust offers a stark, unflinching look at the atrocities uncovered by Allied forces as World War II came to a close. Designed for use in high school curricula, the film provides students with a sobering visual record of the Holocaust and the profound human cost of hatred and indifference. More than just a historical account, it serves as a call to remembrance and moral responsibility—reminding viewers that we, the living, are entrusted with the duty to bear witness so that the horrors of the past are never forgotten.

The King Who Fooled Hitler

In a tale of double agents and decoys, this documentary reveals, for the first time, the story of King George VI's elaborate ruse to divert German attention away from the Normandy landings in 1944.

The Black Book

The Black Book, drafted during World War II, gathers numerous unique historical testimonies, in an effort to document Nazi abuses against Jews in the USSR . Initially supported by the regime and aimed at providing evidence during the executioners’ trials in the post-war era, the Black Book was eventually banned and most of its authors executed on Stalin’s order. Told through the voices of its most famous instigators, soviet intellectuals Vassilli Grossman, Ilya Ehrenburg and Solomon Mikhoels, the documentary, provides a detailed account of the tragic destiny of this cursed book and puts the Holocaust and Stalinism in a new light.

Rudy Hernandez: Congressional Medal of Honor

Mexican American Rodolfo P. Hernandez faced death along the 38th parallel, earning a Congressional Medal of Honor for valor during the Korean War. A story of heroism, perseverance and service, Hernandez proved that even in the most dire circumstances a wounded soldier can accomplish his mission and go on to greater service as a veteran.

Frank Maselskis: From WWII POW to Chosin Reservoir Survivor

Despite his horrible experience as a prisoner of war during WWII, Frank Maselskis stays in the military and goes on to fight in Korea, where he participates in the brutal battle of the Chosin Reservoir. Upon returning home, Frank struggles to live a normal life while raising his daughters.

Hindenburg and Hitler - The Making of a Fuehrer

This documentary chronicles the political career of World War I hero Paul von Hindenburg, Germany's chancellor from 1925 to 1934. It also explores Hindenburg's instrumental role in the political ascent of his one-time political foe, Adolf Hitler.

The True Story of the Bridge on the River Kwai

Made famous by the 1957 Hollywood movie, the bridges of the River Kwai emblematize one of the most misunderstood events in history. Contrary to the romanticized film version, the structures represent a period of terror, desperation, and death for over 16,000 POWs and 100,00 local slaves. The Thailand - Burma Railway was the vision of the Japanese Imperial Army: a 250-mile track cut through dense jungle that would connect Bangkok and Rangoon. To accomplish this nearly impossible feat, the fanatical and ruthless Japanese engineers used POWs and local slaves as manpower. Candid interviews with men who lived through the atrocity - including Dutch, Australian, British, and American POWs - illuminate the violence and horror of their three-and-a-half-year internment. From Britain's surrender of Singapore the enduring force of friendship, The True Story Of The Bridge On The River Kwai narrates a moving and unforgettable account of a period in history that must be remembered.