Legends and Idols

Scotland's Einstein: James Clerk Maxwell - The Man Who Changed the World

Professor Iain Stewart reveals the story behind the Scottish physicist who was Einstein's hero; James Clerk Maxwell. Maxwell's discoveries not only in

2015

Who Is Poly Styrene?

Originally aired as part of the Arena series, this BBC biography of Poly Styrene of X-Ray Spex. She is one of the first black women singer-songwriters

1979

A Brief History of Time

This shows physicist Stephen Hawking's life as he deals with the ALS that renders him immobile and unable to speak without the use of a computer. Hawk

1991

Balzac

Balzac is a 1951 short documentary film by French director Jean Vidal. It is a biopic on the work, life, and loves of the French playwright and noveli

1951

Mel Brooks: Unwrapped

At the age of 91, Mel Brooks is unstoppable, with his musical "Young Frankenstein" opening to great critical acclaim in London in late 2017. Alan Yent

2018

All Apologies: Kurt Cobain 10 Years On

On April 8th 1994, Kurt Cobain - the lead singer of post-punk band Nirvana - was found dead in his Seattle home of an apparent shotgun wound to the he

2006

Christopher Isherwood: A Born Foreigner

Documentary about author Christopher Isherwood, in which he is interviewed about his life and work and which features extracts from films of his novel

1969

Loving Highsmith

The story of the life, loves and work of US writer Patricia Highsmith (1921-95), told through her unpublished diaries, her own voice and that of those

2022

Salzillo

The Spanish sculptor meditates about his life and work

1983

Pistol Pete: The Life and Times of Pete Maravich

Documentary about basketball player Pete Maravich. The legend of "Pistol Pete" Maravich was born on the playgrounds of his youth, extending to the cam

2001

Portrait of Imogen

Photographer Imogen Cunningham presents her own work in this Academy Award-nominated documentary.

1988

The Colours of My Father: A Portrait of Sam Borenstein

The Colours of My Father: A Portrait of Sam Borenstein is a 1992 short animated documentary directed by Joyce Borenstein about her father, the Canadia

1992

James Gandolfini: Tribute to a Friend

In the half-hour tribute, friends and colleagues remember the three-time Emmy winner, who died June 19 at age 51. The special features clips of Gandol

2013

Jack Kirby: Story Teller

A documentary on the life of Jack Kirby, co-creator of Captain America, The Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Thor, The Avengers, The Hulk, The X-Men and the

2007

Sunrise Over Tiananmen Square

This film illustrates the life of the film director, Shui-Bo Wang in The People's Republic of China. We learn of the life of the director in his own w

1998

Lewis Hamilton: The Winning Formula

As the only black Formula One driver in history, Lewis' journey to becoming the most decorated Formula One driver in history, is one of dreams, courag

2021

Moominland Tales: The Life of Tove Jansson

The life and work of Tove Jansson, mainly known for creating the Moomins but also a writer and painter.

2012

Heimat Is a Space in Time

Director Thomas Heise picks up the biographical pieces left by his family, and composes an epic picture of four generations of his family, of a countr

2019

Eric & Ernie: Behind the Scenes

A history of the British television comedy double act Morecambe & Wise to coincide with the BBC drama about their early lives.

2011

Good Luck on the Road

2011