Here are the nominees for our Best Use of Footage in a Factual or Natural World Production. We look forward to announcing this year’s winners at the Awards Ceremony on June 20th.
Manson: The Lost Tapes
Charles Manson, America’s most infamous criminal and leader of the hedonistic cult called the Family in the late 60s, was convicted for the murder of seven people, suspected of killing many more. While still at its height one filmmaker had access to the Family resulting in over 100hrs of footage and thousands of photographs that have been hidden away until now.
Production Company: Naked EntertainmentMercury 13
NASA’s ‘man in space’ program, dubbed ‘Project Mercury’ began in 1958. The men chosen became known as The Mercury 7. Mercury 13 is the remarkable story of the women who were also tested for spaceflight in 1961, all of whom passed and some of whom outperformed the men, but whose dreams were dashed in being the first to make the trip beyond Earth.
Production Company: A Fine Point Films Production in association with Dox Productions for NetflixYou Are Here – A Come From Away Story
You Are Here – A Come From Away Story is an intimate feature documentary that delves into the community of Gander, Newfoundland where 38 airliners carrying over 6,500 passengers were forced to land after the terrorist attacks on 9/11. Their stories were the inspiration for the hit Broadway musical. The documentary reveals first-hand accounts of the great kindness and resourcefulness the community showed their unexpected guests.
Production Company: MDF ProductionsPath of Blood
Deep in the desert, young thrill-seekers at a jihadi boot camp sign up to a plot to overthrow the Saudi government. Using a treasure trove of captured Al Qaeda home-movie footage, Path of Blood reveals terrorism as no film has before and how brainwashed youths, idealistic and arrogant, can be manipulated into carrying out acts of madness and carnage.
Production Company: OR Media LtdUnder the Wire
Using exclusive archive footage, stylised filming and first-hand testimony, Under The Wire tells the highly immersive story of two journalists who entered war-ravaged Syria on 13 February 2012. One of them was celebrated Sunday Times war correspondent, Marie Colvin. The other was photographer, Paul Conroy. Their aim was to document the plight of Syrian civilians. Only one Journalist returned. This is their story.
Production Company: Arrow MediaThe 2019 edition of the FOCAL Awards will celebrate all of the above nominations and more on June 20th 2019 at the Troxy in London. We’ll also be presenting filmmaker Julien Temple with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Whether you’re a nominee, an industry professional or just someone who loves archival film, we hope you’ll join us in celebrating this year’s achievements.
Early bird tickets are available until May 12th, and tickets include welcome drinks, a stylish 3 course meal, post-ceremony drinks and plenty of networking opportunities with nominees, curators, researchers and other industry professionals. We hope to see you there!