Channels
History
2013

Popular History Movies

Medieval Lives: Birth, Marriage, Death
Medieval Lives: Birth, Marriage, Death
In Medieval Lives: Birth, Marriage, Death, historian and author Dr. Helen Castor (She-Wolves: England's Early Queens) examines how the people of the Middle Ages handled three of life's great rites of passage birth, marriage, and death. Why were physicians of no help to women enduring the pains of labor and the dangers of childbirth? Why were newly married couples "put to bed" by the priest on their wedding night? What did it mean to "die well" and why was death such a communal affair, both before and after it happened?
Medieval Lives: Birth, Marriage, Death 2013
Koan of Spring
Koan of Spring
Vietnam 1791. Old Truong, the Emperor’s Master of Arms, feels the end of his life coming. But he has yet to find a successor. The country has to be prepared for war and the Emperor is furiously impatient. He gives Master Truong two weeks to find the one. Truong sets off to visit Master Wing, a famous former General who is now living as a simple fisherman on the shores of a lake. He has three children. Truong wants to test the two sons as his potential successors and asks to see a demonstration of their fighting skill.
Koan of Spring 2013
I am from Krajina, the Land of Chestnuts
I am from Krajina, the Land of Chestnuts
Omer returns to his homeland after a long time, there he encounters those from his past.
I am from Krajina, the Land of Chestnuts 2013
ZIPPER: Coney Island's Last Wild Ride
ZIPPER: Coney Island's Last Wild Ride
A story about greed, politics and the land grab of the century, ZIPPER chronicles the battle over an American cultural icon. Small-time ride operator, Eddie Miranda, proudly operates a carnival contraption called the Zipper in the heart of Coney Island's gritty amusement district. When his rented lot is snatched up by a real estate mogul, Eddie and his ride become casualties of a power struggle between the developer and the City of New York over the future of the world-famous destination. Be it an affront to history or simply the path of progress, the spirit of Coney Island is at stake. In an increasingly corporate landscape, where authenticity is often sacrificed for economic growth, the Zipper may be just the beginning of what is lost.
ZIPPER: Coney Island's Last Wild Ride 2013
Beer Hunter: The Movie
Beer Hunter: The Movie
Michael Jackson is a legend in the world of craft brewing. His 1977 book, The World Guide to Beer, was the first of its kind, and the first to categorize almost every major style of beer in the world. His 1993 television series, The Beer Hunter, became an instant classic, and helped launch the spectacular craft beer movement that we take for granted today. Michael's engaging writing literally saved many styles of beer from extinction, and his work inspired an entire generation of brewers to experiment with beer styles from around the world. Many in the beer world are unaware that Michael was also the leading author on the subject of whiskey, and his books on whiskey have sold more copies worldwide than his books on beer. His sudden death in 2007, at the age of 65, shocked the beer and whiskey worlds. His legacy and contributions were substantial, and should be recognized and remembered. As a person, Michael was one of the best, as those fortunate enough to know him can attest to.
Beer Hunter: The Movie 2013
The Basque Swastika
The Basque Swastika
Hendaye, France, 1940. The German armies have just defeated the French and their patrols reach the Bidasoa River, the Spanish frontier and the Basque Country. The entire border region is then subdued and, from then until 1944, it will become a resting place for Hitler’s soldiers. During this period, Germans film several documentaries about the life of the Basque people.
The Basque Swastika 2013
Finding Family
Finding Family
This documentary tells the true-life story of Oggi Tomic, born in Sarajevo but now living in Cambridge. He co-rote and co-directed the film. He was born in 1985 with water on the brain and given only months to live, abandoned by his mother and brought up in a series of Bosnian orphanages during the bitter Yugoslav civil wars. Finally as a teenager he made his way to the UK and a new life. In 2012 he returned to meet his long-lost biological family - and had to grapple with the fact that they are Serbs, and that some of them were among the enemy army that shelled and sniped at during the 1,300 days of the siege of Sarajevo which began 20 years ago
Finding Family 2013
Destination: Planet Negro!
Destination: Planet Negro!
In 1939, a group of African American intellectuals come up with an ingenious and unlikely response to Jim Crow America -- leave the planet and populate Mars. Using technology created by George Washington Carver, a three-person crew (plus one rambunctious robot) lift-off in Earth's first working spaceship on a mission that will take them to a world not unlike present-day America. Their spacey adventure illuminates some hard truths about American culture, and threatens to undermine the time-line of history along the way.
Destination: Planet Negro! 2013
Silver Reunion
Silver Reunion
In Manchester, Tennessee a secret meeting will take place. But this is no ordinary gathering; instead, a monumental decision will be made. Forty years after the USA men’s Olympic basketball team declined their Silver medals after controversially losing the Gold to the Soviet Union, the 12 players from that team will gather together, and like the jury in 12 Angry Men, they will come to a unanimous decision – accept or refuse the medals for a game many of the players believe they never lost.
Silver Reunion 2013
Pedro Calungsod: Batang Martir
Pedro Calungsod: Batang Martir
Pedro Calungsod, a young Filipino man, leaves his Visayan native roots to join the Spanish Jesuit priest Fr. Diego de San Vitores in his mission to the Marianas Islands (Guam) in 1668. The San Diego Mission arrives in the Marianas where the young Pedro, a trained catechist and mission assistant, begins work for Fr. Diego de San Vitores in baptizing the Chamorro natives, preaching the holy gospel and spreading the good news of salvation through the Christian faith amidst paganism, doubt and disbelief. Despite the longing for his father and the threats to their lives, even at the peril of death, Pedro and Fr. Diego continued their missionary work. They roamed the dangerous islands and baptized many more natives and continued to enlighten them about Christianity.
Pedro Calungsod: Batang Martir 2013
Das Auto: The Germans, Their Cars and Us
Das Auto: The Germans, Their Cars and Us
Documentary examining Germany's economic power and the automobile industry at the heart of it. Across the world, the badges of Volkswagen, Audi, BMW and Mercedes inspire immediate awe. Even in Britain, where memories of Second World War run deep, we can't resist the appeal of a German car. By contrast, our own industry is a shadow of its former self.
Das Auto: The Germans, Their Cars and Us 2013
More Than a Face in the Crowd
More Than a Face in the Crowd
A filmmaker explores the life of her 100-year-old great-aunt, Jane Chung, an actress who made a career for herself at a time when Asian Americans faced widespread racism in Hollywood. Jane has had parts in over fifty films and TV shows including Chinatown, When Harry Met Sally, M.A.S.H. and I Love Lucy, yet most of her roles are uncredited. Through the story of Jane Chung's life and career, More than a Face in the Crowd reveals a larger untold story of Asian American actors and extras in Hollywood.
More Than a Face in the Crowd 2013
Shored Up
Prime Video
Shored Up
Shored Up is the story of our coasts where life on the edge of a rising sea has placed our towns and cities on the front lines of climate change. Following frustrated scientists, confused politicians and level-headed surfers, Shored Up follows the conflicts that are erupting from New Jersey to North Carolina as the ocean rises and we challenge nature to an unwinnable duel.
Shored Up 2013
Of By For
Prime Video
Of By For
A journey across America’s Route 66 finds a country united in disappointment with the status quo in Washington.
Of By For 2013
The Spirit Game
The Spirit Game
In the mid-nineteenth century, three sisters astonished the world with their ability to talk to the dead. But what began as a clever prank to gain fortune and fame, soon spiraled beyond anything they could have ever predicted. Based on the true story of The Fox Sisters.
The Spirit Game 2013
Neighbor
Neighbor
After wars, many people do not see their neighbors ever again. In Cyprus, this has become associated with a local custom of leaving flowers at the door of neighbors and loved ones when they were unable to find them at home.
Neighbor 2013
Feeling Lucky?
Feeling Lucky?
A short fiction-documentary film set during WWII after the Massacre of Chortiatis . Two men are heading to their execution by the Nazis, who are leading them to a path in which their lives and choices collide. This is a part of History, but what has actually changed since then.
Feeling Lucky? 2013
Meanwhile in Memphis: The Sound of a Revolution
Meanwhile in Memphis: The Sound of a Revolution
A Memphis music documentary featuring maverick Bluff City DIY musicians from 1978 to present day. The film documents the fact that Memphis music never stopped; even after Stax Records closed, Elvis died, and the music industry left town.
Meanwhile in Memphis: The Sound of a Revolution 2013
Beatriz's War
Beatriz's War
Beatriz’s young husband disappears during the brutal Kraras massacre by occupying Indonesian forces, sixteen years later she is troubled by his return; is this mysterious stranger her husband, an impostor, or a spirit?
Beatriz's War 2013
El rey de Canfranc
El rey de Canfranc
"El rey de Canfranc" is a documentary directed by Jose Antonio Gonzalez Blanco and Manuel Priede which tells the story of Alber le Lay, head of customs at the French border in the Aragonese Pyrenees, headquartered in Canfranc railway station. During World War II, he remained Lay a spy network from the station that allowed the escape of refugees and Jewish families as well as the passage of supplies to areas under the yoke of the Vichy regime. His collaboration with the French Resistance he acted, on more than one occasion, death.
El rey de Canfranc 2013
Sector Sarajevo
Sector Sarajevo
On 2 May 1992, Serb forces besieged Sarajevo, the Bosnian capital, and began indiscriminately terrorizing the predominantly Muslim civilian population. In July, the Sarajevo Airport - the city's only lifeline - came under control of the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR): Under command of a Canadian general, 800 Canadian peacekeepers used aggressive tactics to deliver humanitarian aid in the midst of a brutal internal conflict. While the siege continued for another three years, in its pivotal opening months, Canadian soldiers saved the lives of thousands and helped begin the Bosnian peace process
Sector Sarajevo 2013
Levitated Mass
Prime Video
Levitated Mass
The artist behind the sensation of a $10 million, 22-city tour, and the international media storm that ensued.
Levitated Mass 2013
The Emperor
The Emperor
In Latin and Teutonic, story of Emperor Marcus Salvius.
The Emperor 2013
Golden Gate Girls
Golden Gate Girls
The film traces the life and times of Esther Eng, a San Francisco native known as Hong Kong’s first “directress.” She directed 10 Cantonese talkies.
Golden Gate Girls 2013
Flakes & Flames
Prime Video
Flakes & Flames
Flakes & Flames is a feature length documentary film about the astonishing Kustom Kulture movement around the globe. Spending a year traveling U.S. and Europe in search of the coolest Kustom Kulture people and events on the planet. Picking the brains of living legends, up and coming artists and builders within the culture. Seeking out some of the hottest Kustom Kulture spots and get some of the worlds best car and motorcycle builders, tattoo artists, pinstripers, custom painters and pin-up models to share their tricks and experience.
Flakes & Flames 2013
White Lies
Prime Video
White Lies
A medicine woman - a giver of life - is asked to hide a secret which may protect one life but which will destroy another.
White Lies 2013
Françoise Hardy et Jacques Dutronc, les inséparables
Françoise Hardy et Jacques Dutronc, les inséparables
She was the French yéyé’s romantic and tormented songwriter, he was their clownish playboy: two of the 1960s legendary muses were meant to get together. But being a couple is not obviously synonymous of being together for the unusual lovers. A couple since 1967 and married since 1981, Françoise Hardy has never hidden her partner’s multiple affairs, his strong taste for alcohol and eccentric night trips. Because the affection and love they have for each other has never faded, the singers propose a new definition of romantic relationships, independent and free: Françoise Hardy, in Paris with her astrology books and cats, Jacques Dutronc, in Corsica with his cigars. Yet still no separation nor divorce has occured and the two lovers that evoke twins because of their physical similarities are maybe simply that : twins, an emotional unity within two separate bodies.
Françoise Hardy et Jacques Dutronc, les inséparables 2013
Cholera
Cholera
Cholera: Path. Acute, infectious disease, often epidemic and very serious.
Cholera 2013
Tokyo Waka
Tokyo Waka
The portrait of a city: ancient yet constantly remaking itself. A poem in images: stillness, patterns, urban motion. And in words: a tofu seller, a homeless woman, a Buddhist priest, contemplating nature, the metabolism of their city, mortality. And 20,000 crows, unruly avatars of the natural world, sardonically observing it all.
Tokyo Waka 2013
Tanda Putera
Tanda Putera
The film is about the close friendship between the second Malaysian prime minister, Tun Abdul Razak and his deputy, Tun Dr Ismail. They were secretive about their health problems as they had the task of restore the peace in their country following the events of 13 May, 1969. Tun Razak was suffering from leukemia and he had to keep it a secret from his family. They both seek the services of Dr. Macpherson. The reading room of Tun Dr Ismail became a secret clinic for their treatment.
Tanda Putera 2013
The Story of Zhou Enlai
The Story of Zhou Enlai
With a unique perspective of the accompanying cameraman of Premier Zhou Enlai, the film tactfully tells the story that Premier Zhou went to the old revolutionary base area of Hebei Province at the beginning of the 1960s when our country suffered from the Great Chinese Feminine. He made in-depth research in Boyan commune of Handan District, work closely with the masses, followed up a clue and seized the culprit in four days and nights.
The Story of Zhou Enlai 2013
A Sketch of Manners (Alfred Roch's Last Masquerade)
A Sketch of Manners (Alfred Roch's Last Masquerade)
Alfred Roch, member of the Palestinian National League, is a politician with a bohemian panache. In 1942, at the height of WWII, he throws what will turn out to be the last masquerade in Palestine. Inspired by an archival photograph, A Sketch of Manners (Alfred Roch’s Last Masquerade) recreates an unconventional bon vivant aspect of Palestinian urban life before 1948. Posing silently for a group photo, the unmasked and melancholic pierrots accidentally personify the premonition of an uncertain future.
A Sketch of Manners (Alfred Roch's Last Masquerade) 2013
Until Tomorrow, Comrades
Until Tomorrow, Comrades
Portugal, 1944. In a country oppressed by a brutal dictatorship, there are those who resist and mobilize the people to fight for bread and freedom, even if it cost them prison, torture or their lives.
Until Tomorrow, Comrades 2013
Cinco de Mayo: The Battle
Cinco de Mayo: The Battle
On May 5th, 1862, a few thousand Mexican soldiers put their lives on the line against the world's largest and most powerful army in one legendary battle for freedom and for Mexico.
Cinco de Mayo: The Battle 2013
Milunka Savic: Heroine of the Great War
Milunka Savic: Heroine of the Great War
Documentary about the life of the most decorated woman warrior of all time, Milunka Savic and her struggles after the end of WW1 in her homeland of Serbia.
Milunka Savic: Heroine of the Great War 2013
Burning Bush
Burning Bush
Czechoslovak society after the invasion of the armies of the Warsaw Pact in August of 1968. It depicts the beginnings of Czech and Slovak resistance against the occupation, which reached its apex with the mass protests during Palach's funeral
Burning Bush 2013
Baghdad Outside Baghdad
Baghdad Outside Baghdad
Baghdad Outside Baghdad is based on the Gilgamesh Sumerian legend, set in the first decades of the 20th century and told with a realistic and human hold. The story portraits six different stories that in different ways reflects the intellectual and cultural life in Iraq in that period, a period that fostered great poets and singers. The film presents six figures from this period through easy going as well as melancholic perspectives, while they live as strangers in their homeland and slowly move towards death. Gilgamesh is constantly present in the story, and as set in the historical epic portrayal, watchful and fearful of the death. Baghdad Outside Baghdad is outermost a historical portrait of Iraq.
Baghdad Outside Baghdad 2013
The Battle of Pussy Willow Creek
Prime Video
The Battle of Pussy Willow Creek
Ken Burns meets Spinal Tap in a subversive tour de force relaying the outrageous life stories of four forgotten Civil War heroes: an opium-addicted gay Colonel, an aging Chinese launderer, a nerdy escaped slave, and a one-armed teenage prostitute. Both wickedly satirical and deeply affectionate, The Battle of Pussy Willow Creek tells the "100% true" story of how these oddball outsiders saved the Union from a nefarious foreign plot, how the forces of bigotry expunged their stunning victory from the history books, and - most importantly - how meeting one's ex on the field of battle can be just the thing to re-spark a detoured romance.
The Battle of Pussy Willow Creek 2013
Warszawa 1935
Warszawa 1935
"Warszawa 1935" ("Warsaw 1935") is a short movie which was produced by the Newborn special effects studio for nearly 4 years, showing the audience for the very first time the capital of Poland in the mid-war period. This film will take us to the streets of the city, presenting the precisely reconstructed pre-war Warsaw architecture. The main source of images for the digital reconstruction was photographs available among others in the State Archive of the Capital City of Warsaw. (source: promotional materials)
Warszawa 1935 2013
The Disquiet
The Disquiet
Earth-shattering events are relatively par for the course in Lebanon, with war, political upheaval and a number of social revolts. While the Lebanese focus on surface level events that could rock the nation, few realize that below the ground we walk on, an actual shattering of the earth is mounting. Lebanon stands on several major fault lines, which are cracks in the earth's crust. The film investigates the geological situation in Lebanon, trying to look for the traces of the imminent disaster.
The Disquiet 2013