Delightful Docs

Drawing a Line ‘You’ll have to send a copy of this script to my lawyer,’ Rachita Taneja tells the filmmaker at the start of Drawing a Line. The reason: Rachita is facing legal problems because of cartoons she made about the Supreme Court. It caused her to be charged with ‘contempt of court’, for which she could go to prison. Her lawyer advises her strongly that these cartoons should not be shown, or their contents discussed, in the film. ‘It’s just stick figures,’ she wonders. ‘How is the highest court in the largest democracy in the world talking about my stick figures?’Rachita’s Sanitary Panels is a popular cartoon series known for its sharp socio-political commentary, and it has captivated young, liberal Indians. While waiting for the outcome of the court case, Rachita seeks guidance and support from like-minded individuals dedicated to amplifying their voices. The film explores Rachita’s inner world and her creative expression, depicting a dystopian narrative where freedom of speech rapidly erodes. Rachita Taneja Indian artist Rachita Taneja’s stick-figure cartoons are deceptively simple. However, just these few clear lines, accompanied with some carefully chosen words, have brought her before the highest court in the land. Now, she is possibly facing prison. There are a lot of misconceptions about Indian cartoonist Rachita Taneja, as she says in the documentary Drawing a Line. ‘The funniest one is that I am a man,’ she says. ‘I don’t know where it comes from. I guess it’s just good old-fashioned misogyny.’ In her popular web comic Sanitary Panels, Rachita’s work is rooted in a strong social and political conscience. ‘My comics sometimes come from a place of anger,’ she says. ‘When I see something that feels unjust to me, I’m going to make a comic about it.’ It may come as no surprise that before she started drawing cartoons, she worked at Greenpeace.Amid an increasing government crackdown on press freedom and freedom of speech in India, Rachita bravely takes on the Hindu-nationalistic ideology promoted by the current Modi government. As a result, she is subjected to threats and vile trolling. ‘There are rape threats, death threats, threats of violence against my loved ones,’ she says. ‘There’s the fear that one day I walk up to my balcony and there’s a group of people just waiting there to do what they’ve promised, which is to hurt me.’Immediately at the start of the documentary, it becomes apparent that the film will not be an easy project. ‘You’ll have to send a copy of this script to my lawyer,’ Rachita tells the filmmaker. The reason: Rachita is facing legal problems because of cartoons she made about the Supreme Court. It caused her to be charged with ‘contempt of court’, for which she could go to prison. Her lawyer advises strongly against showing these comics or discussing their contents in the film. ‘It’s just stick figures,’ she notes, surprised. ‘How is the highest court in the largest democracy in the world talking about my stick figures?’

 A New Kind of WildernessThe Payne family lives on a small, remote farm in a Norwegian forest. Parents Maria and Nik, along with their four children, embrace self-sufficiency and home-schooling, and strive to live in total harmony with nature. To make ends meet, Maria occasionally works as a photographer, capturing her family and surroundings in photos and stories shared on her blog, “Wild + Free.” But their world turns upside down when tragedy strikes and Maria suddenly passes away. Nik must sell the farm, give up his independent lifestyle and reluctantly return to civilization in order to raise his children. “But Mom will come with us,” the kids assure him, and Maria’s photos and stories, present throughout the film, maintain her memory as a constant presence and narrator. A New Kind of Wilderness is a universal story about life choices and responsibilities, a blueprint for living and loving, and a touching message about climate crisis and sustainability through the loss of a mother and Mother Nature.Silje Evensmo JacobsenSilje has directed award winning documentary films and series for the past 15 years. Some of the titles are; Team Ingebrigtsen (2016, 2018), Faith Can Move Mountains (2021) and her last feature documentary A New Kind of Wilderness (2023) who won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance 2024 (World Cinema Documentary Competition).

American Cats In this documentary, comedian Amy Hoggart (Full Frontal with Samantha Bee) dives deep into the controversial world of cat declawing in the United States. On the surface, it appears as a simple, harmless surgery for the convenience of pet owners, but as Hoggart digs deeper, a disturbing nationwide conspiracy unfolds. Through interviews with veterinarians, activists, and pet owners, the documentary unveils a powerful industry lobby that not only promotes but profits from this inhumane procedure. As Hoggart navigates the maze of misinformation, she discovers the profound physical and psychological effects declawing has on our feline friends. "American Cats" is a thought-provoking exposé that challenges the ethical implications of our choices and calls for a nationwide reflection on our treatment of animals. And also lots of jokes and cute kittens.Todd BieberPeabody Winner and Emmy Nominee Todd Bieber has produced over 200 episodes of late night television for TBS and Comedy Central - primarily directing/producing in the field/documentary department. Because of this, he thrives in weird places. Whether it’s embedding with the Georgia militia for Jordan Klepper Solves Guns, heading backstage to interview today's most respected comedian for his feature documentary Thank You Del, or submerging into the Furry scene at the Dallas Marriot for Full Frontal… Todd is used to making friends with oddballs for documentaries. In addition to being a Producer/Director for Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, Klepper, and The Opposition, he served as Creative Resident at Viceland when the network launched, Creative Director of UCB Comedy when people still watched online videos horizontally, and Writer/Footage Coordinator for The Onion when the footage was impressively coordinated. Amy Hoggart Amy Hoggart (born 14 April 1986) is a British-American stand-up comedian and actress, best known for starring in Almost Royal, a faux-reality show on BBC America, and Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, an American political satire show on TBS.

FLY screened at Hot Docs 2024 on Sunday, April 28th and Monday April 29th as part of the Big Ideas Lineup presented by Scotia Wealth Management.CANADA: FLY will be coming later this year to National Geographic Channel and Disney+. Check local listings.USA: FLY will be coming later this year to National Geographic Channel, Disney+ and Hulu. Fly What if the very thing that fuels you could also be your downfall? Humans have long dreamed of the freedom of flight. In the heart-stopping documentary FLY, from National Geographic Documentary Films, directors Shaul Schwarz and Christina Clusiau (“Shaun White: The Last Run,” “Immigration Nation,” the Emmy® Award-winning “Trophy”) immerse viewers in the exhilarating yet perilous world of BASE jumping. At the heart of the film are three couples: Jimmy and Marta, pioneering figures affectionately known as the “Mom and Pop” of BASE jumping; the fearless wingsuit pilot Scotty and his newfound love, Julia; and the resilient duo Amber and Espen, whose bond is tested by triumph and tragedy. Through breathtaking aerial footage, vérité scenes and intimate interviews, the film explores the complex balance between passion and sacrifice. A poignant love story that celebrates the spirit of those who dare to defy gravity, capturing the essence of what it truly means to live on the edge. Shaul SchwarzShaul Schwarz is an award-winning documentary filmmaker. His debut film, "Narco Cultura", premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2013. He co-directed the Emmy-winning film, "Trophy" & co-directed the Netflix Original series, "Immigration Nation" that won an Independent Spirit Award and Peabody Award. Shaul is the co-founder of Reel Peak films.Christina ClusiauChristina Clusiau is an award-winning filmmaker. She co-founded the production company Reel Peak Films. Christina co-directed the Emmy-winning documentary "Trophy", which premiered at Sundance in 2017. She co-directed the Netflix Original Docuseries, "Immigration Nation" which won an Independent Spirit Award and a Peabody Award.Amber ForteAmber Forte (born 2 September 1991) is a world record holding skydiver. Born in Torquay in Devon county, Amber is currently ranked #1 female wingsuiter in the world and holds the world record for the fastest female in a wingsuit. In 2018 Amber became the first female in history to place top 10 at an international FIA performance wingsuit competition.​Her determination and success during international competition representing Norway, meant that in 2018 she became the first female member of the Norwegian national wingsuit team. In 2021 Amber won a silver medal at the FIA world championships in Acrobatic Wingsuiting. ​​Amber is a passionate content creator and works actively with Instagram sharing unique and exciting images and videos daily.

Please support the Nice Ladies here - https://www.share-doc.org/d/46001Nice Ladies With the recent escalation of Russia’s war on Ukraine, the seemingly unbreakable bond of a vibrant cheerleading team of 50+ year old women called “Nice Ladies” is challenged. They face impossible choices between motherland and grandmotherhood, between staying and leaving.Core team member Sveta flees with her family to the Netherlands, while captain Valia and coach Nadia stay behind in the repeatedly bombed city of Kharkiv. Torn apart, the ladies try to keep contact to hold on to their sanity amid terror, heartbreak, and the plague of Sveta’s survivor’s guilt.Will the team be able to reunite, save their sisterhood, and find a common language through the emerging scars of war?Mariia PonomarovaMariia Ponomarova (1991, Kyiv) is a film director, screenwriter, and creative producer permanently based in The Netherlands since 2014.Mariia studied film directing and screenwriting at Karpenko-Karyi Kyiv National University of Theatre, Cinema & Television in Ukraine graduating cum laude in 2013. Focusing on character development in film during her course, Mariia graduated from the Master of Film artistic research program in 2016 at the Netherlands Film Academy.Short fiction and documentary films written and directed by Mariia were screened at such festivals as DokLeipzig, Sheffield DocFest, Chicago IFF, Sarajevo FF, Vancouver IFF, VIS Vienna Shorts, Odesa IFF, CineDOC-Tbilisi, Go Short ISFF, Netherlands FF, KISFF, FebioFest, RVK Feminist FF and others.Her first fiction feature project 'The Right Answer' took part in Boost NL programme that included pitchings at NFF/Holland Film Meeting and IFFR/CineMart and it was developed as a part of the EAVE workshop.Mariia's directing first documentary feature 'Nice Ladies' was presented, among others, at DokLeipzig Co-Pro Market, Meet Market and received a B2Bdoc Award at Producers Meet Producers event. Working on this film Mariia took part in IDFAcademy and DokIncubator workshop. The film had its Dutch & World premiere at Movies that Matter festival & will have an International premiere at HotDocs 2024.Mariia's producer's documentary project 'Fragile Memory' that she co-wrote with Igor Ivanko was selected to multiple international festivals, including IDFA, Sheffield DocFest, DokLeipzig, Krakow Film Festival, Docudays UA, Baltic Sea Docs and Sarajevo FF, where it received a Special Jury Prize.The fiction short film ‘The Diaper Cake’ that Mariia also produced received a Vimeo Staff Pick and was selected by festivals like Palm Springs Short FilmFest, Short Shorts Asia, Festival REGARD, Chicago International Film Festival, Interfilm Berlin, Molodist International Film Festival and more.‍She is a frequent moderator, panel guest and case study speaker within the film industry (DocudaysUA IHRFF, Tempo Documentary FF, Millennium Docs Against the Gravity, Eastern Neighbors FF, HERdocs and more), a project manager for CineCoPro Conference at Filmfest München, a member of the Ukrainian Film Academy and a Senior Consultant at the Documentary Association of Europe (DAE), where she co-hosts the Story Room members-based activity for filmmakers' feedback.Mariia loves rhubarb, collects graphic novels and divides her time between Amsterdam and Kyiv.

Daughter of Genghis 'Daughter of Genghis' is a seven-year odyssey through the Mongolian underworld. The movie follows 33-year-old female gang leader Gerel Byamba. She is the leader of the Mongolian organization, Gerel Khas - an ultra-nationalist group made up entirely of women. Her goal is to cleanse Mongolia from corruption and Chinese oppression and return the supposed/sought ‘glorious nation’ of Genghis Khan's time. Gerel is a gang leader, an avenger and a fervent nationalist. She is also a shaman and a mother. We follow her conflicted life as a mother and gang leader, her fight against prostitution, for an overall gender equal and racially pure Mongolia - a struggle that comes with a high price. Gerel lives alone with her son Temuulen, who is six years old as the film begins. She struggles with the role of being a single mother, often having to abandon her son for her nationalist cause, even though she loves him dearly. Going forward, Gerel's gang begins to fall apart and she herself begins to question her violent methods. At the same time, Gerel harvests a dark secret that she eventually must share with her son. 'Daughter of Genghis' is the tale of an indigenous population fighting for its nation threatened by surrounding powerful empires. What means is one prepared to employ to protect its country? Will one be willing to risk their own life? Can hate be justified? 'Daughter of Genghis' takes a headlong dive into the heart of nationalism.DirectorsKristoffer Poulsen, Christian AlsDirectors Kristoffer Poulsen and Christian Als are both experienced and award-winning photojournalists. “Daughters of Genghis” is their debut as documentary film directors. Als has previously worked as a reportage photographer, specializing in documenting world conflict and disasters for leading Danish and international newspapers. In recent times, he has increasingly focused on longer-term projects that exist on the fringes of the global media agenda. Juel Poulsen's primary work is now in documentary filmmaking, and as a storyteller, he finds meaning first and foremost  in understanding other people and their life choices. Author and ideaKnud BrixKnud Brix is an acclaimed radio host and poet who has worked in all areas of journalism; war reporting, political journalism and creative writing before becoming the host of the Danish radio station 24syv. There, he anchored the daily newscast and had a weekly literature program. He then went on to host Genstart, the most popular daily podcast in Denmark 2020-2022. Knud has worked on several documentaries and has published both poetry and fictional books. He graduated from  the Danish School of Journalism and holds a master's degree in African Studies from CPH University. In April 2022, Knud Brix was appointed editor-in-chief of Ekstra Bladet, a leading investigative and tabloid newspaper in Denmark.

Once Upon a Time in a ForestOnce Upon a Time in a Forest is a cinematic ode to a group of young radicals striving to defend Finland’s forests against the vested interests of the forestry industry and the political system, demonstrating that the outcome of this Once Upon a Time story – happily ever after or ecological disaster – rests largely on the shoulders of young activists like Minka, Ida and their comrades. Virpi SuutariVirpi Suutari (b.1967) is an award-winning filmmaker known for her personal cinematic style challenging the boundaries between fact and fiction. Her films have been shown in the major festivals such as IDFA, Locarno, Leipzig, Vision du Réel and Gothenburg Film festival. The Idle Ones (2001) was nominated for the Best European Documentary (EFA award) and she has won several awards as the Best Nordic Documentary in Nordisk Panorama. Suutari has received the Finnish national Academy award, the Jussi-Award, three times. She is also the member of the European Film Academy. The previous feature documentary she directed and produced a feature documentary about architect Alvar Aalto (Aalto, 2020) received world-wide distribution. Virpi Suutari Once Upon A Time In A Forest (2024) 93 Min A People’s Radio – Ballads From A Wooded Country (2021) 26 Min Aalto (2020) 104 Min Entrepreneur (2018) 78 Min Elegance (2016) 26 Min Garden Lovers (2014) 85 Min

Grand Me Esfahan, Iran. Melina lives with her grandparents since her parents' divorce. She wants to live with her mother, but this is not possible because both her father and new stepfather are against it. Besides that, Melina's mother struggles balancing her relationship with her new spouse and fostering a proper relationship with her daughter. Celebrating her 9th birthday, Melina is finally old enough to bring her custody case to court. With the law on her side, she hopes to eventually choose her own custodian. Unfortunately, Melina is not aware of how the adult world is organized and how reality will probably play out differently. Atiye Zare Arandi Atiye Zare Arandi is a storyteller, raised and educated with the heritage of the great traditional Persian art of telling stories and fables. She studied film directing with a focus on fictional narrative and continued to excel in her studies of dramatic literature. Currently she lives and works both in Esfahan and Tehran. Following her studies, Atiye has gained experience and recognition as writer/director for national Iranian fiction as well as documentary work. Her work has been represented several times at the International Cinema Verité Festival (Tehran). During the edit/post-production in Belgium and the Netherlands, Atiye collaborated with several highly established professionals to finish her international debut.Bram CrolsBram Crols (co-director & producer) is a graduate of the Royal Institute for Theatre, Cinema, Sound in Brussels (RITCS) and of the European Film College in Denmark. He gained experiences as a director and producer for TV, commercials and corporate AV productions before het redirected himself to the international creative documentary industry. Since 2007 Bram is connected as filmmaker and (executive) producer with the Belgian based production collective Associate Directors. He holds credits as (co)producer in about twenty international distributed documentaries including some industry changing documentaries such as ‘The King of Mont Ventoux’ (2014), an event documentary with involvement of EBU and 9 broadcasters, ‘Cold Case Hammarskjold’ (2019) by Mads Brügger, premiering and award winning at Sundance FF and ‘Nelly & Nadine’ (2022) by Magnus Gertten, premiering and award winning at Berlinale. Bram and his company colleagues received the 2016 ‘Gulden Mira' oeuvre award from the Flanders Film press for the combined oeuvre of Associate Directors. In 2014 Bram introduced the release network DocPoppies to introduce documentaries in Belgian cinema theatres. Since 2019 Bram is appointed part time lecturer at the AP Antwerp University College, focusing on factual storytelling in creative journalism.

The film will be coming to National Geographic channel and Disney+.Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story One of the most heartwarming love stories of the year is about the close friendship between a melancholic Scottish man - and an otter. An irresistible film that goes straight to the heart. In the Shetland Islands of Scotland, Billy shares his life with his wife Susan in a deserted house by the sea. Despite the endless beauty of the natural world around them and the faithful company of the couple’s dog, Billy is a melancholic man with a hole in his heart. But one day, a playful baby otter suddenly washes up on his jetty. He names the otter Molly. She ends up sticking around and the two end up becoming friends. It may sound too good (or maybe just too far out) to be true, but make no mistakes – this is one of those completely irresistible films that just wins you over. Breathtakingly beautiful, framed by the breathtaking Scottish cliffs and vast wastelands, but with scenes at otter level too, ‘Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story’ depicts how a friendship can change a man’s life forever, and how love can redirect our attention back to the beauty of nature.Charlie Hamilton JamesCharlie Hamilton James is a world-renowned National Geographic photographer, filmmaker and author known for his captivating work on wildlife and conservation issues. Growing up in the city of Bristol, his interest in photography began at a young age when his parents gave him a camera for his 13th birthday. Charlie began his career at 16, working on David Attenborough’s “Trails of Life” series for the BBC. Before becoming a wildlife cameraman, he worked on several series, including “Planet Earth” and “The Natural World.” He shot and produced his first film at 26, “My Halcyon River,” which was voted by an industry poll to be one of the top ten wildlife films of all time. Charlie’s television work has won numerous awards, including Wildscreen and the Royal Television Society Award for Cinematography twice, and he is also BAFTA- and EmmyⓇ-nominated.   Charlie started working as a photographer for National Geographic magazine in his 30s and has shot 13 stories to date, including two covers. In 2021, his coverage of the Serengeti filled an entire issue of the magazine, showcasing the changing dynamics of life for people and animals in the region. He has also worked on stories for the magazine in the Amazon, the U.S. and across Africa, covering topics ranging from bird cognition to rats. In 2022, he was awarded the National Geographic Photographer’s Photographer Award. Charlie’s current photography work centers on a series of provocative fine art images titled “End Times.” The series documents the current state of the planet, in bold, sometimes offensive, and always controversial ways. They are designed to be both dark and funny, leaving the viewer with more questions than answers.