Aspect Film: Film and TV Library : Documentaries

Sonia Eckhardt-Gramatté defied poverty, prejudice and the politics of two World Wars to become one of the most intriguing composers of the 20th Century. Appassionata spans the years from her mysterious origins in Russia to her tragic death in Germany, and explores the two constants in her turbulent life, her fierce determination to succeed in a male sphere of artistry and her intense passion for the two husbands who both inspired her career.

A truly vibrant hour-long television documentary which will mesmerize the viewers as they experience a spectacular boat journey along the exotic Amazon River into the heart and soul of Brazil. This award-winning film strives to uncover the myths, truths and passions of the people who live, work and celebrate along the Amazon, including the electrifying festivities that erupt at the end of the rains.

Hoping to find fortune and a better life, having attempted a multitude of businesses, Facundo Bacardi befriended a French alcohol/spirits dealer who confided in Bacardi and divulged the best of his secrets: the formula for a new kind of Rum, a most exquisite and superior beverage. Produced for the first time with the blessings of the Bacardi family, yjis fSpecial traces Bacardi's life and times, and his establishing and growing of the Rum business that has stretched its reach and his family name trademark, worldwide.

Inspired by the great Harry Houdini, Rick Maisel is arguably the world's greatest living escape artist. In this unique television special, Rick will attempt to break four world records while risking life and limb in the process. Complete with interviews and behind the scenes coverage, Escape & Beyond will entertain and amaze viewers of all ages.

Tsunamis, mass shootings and fires: tragedies occur everyday. But when it is you or your family stuck in a vulnerable situation, who will be there to help? This exciting documentary follows the first responders who put their lives on the line everyday to save others. They are trained for the unexpected, including rescue missions in raging grass fires and multiple car pileups. These heroes are also called to the scene when hazardous waste spills or wild animals are in trouble. Watch these first responders in action!

Narrated by acclaimed actor Gabriel Byrne, this sensational documentary film is the most comprehensive and thought -provoking investigation of humankind's relationship with death. Using Ernst Becker's classic work, "The Denial of Death" as a starting point, Flight From Death uncovers death anxiety as a root cause of human behaviour. Whether from fear or curiosity, death is a subject that comes across everybody's mind and Flight From Death approaches this topic with captivating theories and personal stories.

With four wars in six years and two long decades of unrelenting terrorism, Kashmir has seen much turmoil. Floating Lamp is a documentary of film festival quality, which illustrates a tiny symbol of hope in Arif, a ten-year-old boy who works as a ferryman to support his siblings and mother. The conflict over Kashmir not only plays a role in the background of this film, it affects Arif's life directly as his absent father is directly involved in the terrorism. This is truly an amazing story about the hopes and aspirations of a resourceful little boy and his boat

Gargoyles! For centuries, we have adorned our rooftops with these mythical and mysterious beasts. Come pierce the shroud of mystery and superstition that surrounds these most recognizable of cursed creatures. Learn what their bearing and expression say about their plight…and yours. From the spires of Notre Dame, to the halls of Oxford and Princeton University, to the skyline of New York, join us as we delve into the amazinglegends and surprising reality of these carved creatures.

To break the monotony and loneliness of the road, many truck drivers in INDIA rely on casual relationships with women in the truck stops and villages along their routes. Highway in My Veins poignantly illustrates the life of truckers in India and their growing vulnerability to AIDS. The use of condoms is rare and these highways are the breeding grounds of the AIDS epidemic. Sadly, it is estimated that more than three hundred thousand truckers in India are infected with AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

For centuries, these larger-than-life puzzles have symbolized mankind's search for eternal truths. Today, mazes continue to draw us in, daring us to solve ancient riddles as we tread their perplexing pathways. Discover the secret meanings and religious significance of the maze, and visit some of the most astounding and beautiful examples of this mystical art form. Spectacular gardens, ancient vistas and bedeviling modern designs are woven into a rich story of art, myth and spiritual discovery.

The Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris is shrouded in romance and myth, mystery and intrigue. Eight centuries of faith, pageantry, revolution and revival have unfolded in her shadow. With breathtaking photography, rare archival material, and insights from leading scholars, architects, and theologians, Notre Dame: Witness to History tells the remarkable story of this Parisian landmark and brings to life the fascinating characters - both real and fictional - whose destinies are woven into the legend of this most famous of all cathedrals.

Orchids: the seductive sirens of the natural world. With over 30,000 varieties, they are the largest family of flowering plants. For centuries, orchids were treasures of the rich. The story goes to Miami and New York and takes the viewer behind the scenes at two of the largest and most prestigious orchid expositions. Watch growers prepare lush displays, collectors swoon over new hybrids, and judges ruthlessly search for the perfect orchid. Explore a world of science and obsession.

How do you tell a seven-year-old boy his mother has just died? This was the situation in which Nicholas Lanka's father found himself after the attack on the World Trade Center in New York City. This Emmy award-winning film follows the ten days in Nicholas' life after his mother was killed in the fall of the twin towers, documenting the emotional reaction from Nicholas when his father finally tells him the unbearable truth.

From the world's #1 science and technology authority, comes an explosive new television series presenting the near-total transformation of the 21st century military: exotic weapons, extreme science, and futuristic inventions….happening now! This spectacular documentary series features never-seen footage, exclusive expert interviews and the latest updates. Complete with an informative and compelling narrative, the episodes highlight: Counter-Terrorism, Ground Combat, Airpower, Seapower and The Future of War.

Long hidden under the shroud of ancient mythology and legend, the astonishing mystery of the Great Pyramid of Giza comes into the light of day. The general consensus and traditional viewpoint has always been that it was built by the pharaoh Khufu, but this documentary Special unequivocally illustrates how the Great Pyramid was far too sophisticated to have been designed and constructed by the people of that day.

Much of the history of the past 200 years revolved around a single idea called 'socialism'. At its crest in the 1970s, roughly 60% of the earth's population lived under governments that espoused socialism in one form or another. Then, suddenly, it all collapsed. WHY? This new mini-series tells the fascinating story of an idea that tried to turn the world upside down and for a time succeeded. From the idealists and theorists to the dictators and the democrats, this is the epic chronicle of a movement that rivaled the great religions in sweep and power.