The Paper Mirror

Lino Tagliapietra: The Making of a Maestro

September 2020 •English

Lino Tagliapietra, considered by most as the greatest glassblower in history, is a mentor, motivator, and visionary. Bridging the divide between Italian and American glassblowing, Lino's career has transcended continents and inspired a new generation of glassblowers. Now 85, Lino continues to push the boundaries of the medium, testing the limits to see what both the material and the man can do.

Vratislav Effenberger or Black Shark Hunting

November 2018 •Czech

Anjelica Huston on James Joyce: A Shout in the Street

December 2017 •English

An account of the life and work of Irish writer James Joyce (1882-1941) narrated by US actress Anjelica Huston.

A Mulher da Luz Própria

June 2019 •Portuguese

Helena Ignez is one of the main female figures of Brazilian cinema. She developed a new style of acting. Nowadays, she directs independent films. The documentary tells some of the History of Brazilian cinema, its political context and Helena's trajectory.

Jean Moulin, un homme de liberté

December 1983 •French

L'Homme qui revient de haut

February 2004 •French

Jack Benny: Comedy in Bloom

October 1992 •English

Co-stars and celebrity admirers go through Benny's entire career

Elizabeth: The Unseen Queen

May 2022 •English

The story of Queen Elizabeth II in her own words, featuring never-before-seen home movies.

Pierre Bonnard: A Love Exposed

October 1998 •English

The tender and tragic love story of French painter Pierre Bonnard and his wife and lifelong model Marthe. The artist recorded their relationship on canvas and, 50 years after his death, these paintings have established him as one of the masters of colour and light.

The Armstrong Tapes

July 2019 •English

Never-before-heard audio tapes recorded with Neil Armstrong during the final years of his life reveal an intimate portrait of this iconic - and famously private - man. Illustrated through previously unseen personal photographs and archival footage, this documentary special takes viewers on an emotional journey into the thoughts and experiences of the first man on the Moon.

Pop Goes the Easel

March 1962 •English

Pop Goes the Easel was Ken Russell’s first full-length documentary for the BBC’s arts series Monitor. It focused on 4 British Pop Artists - Peter Blake, Peter Philips, Pauline Boty and Derek Boshier.

64 Day Hero

January 1986 •English

Documentary about the life and career of the 1940s and 1950s boxer Randy Turpin.

Michael Monroe -dokumenttielokuva

September 2023 •Finnish

The documentary tells the story how Matti Fagerholm became Michael Monroe. It all began in the late 1970s with Hanoi Rocks, and over 40 years later, Michael Monroe, who still performs solo around the world, is a well known rock icon. The film features not only Monroe but also many international rock superstars and Monroe's mother. The movie covers Monroe's entire career, from tragic turning points to shining moments. In the documentary, Monroe openly talks about his journey towards his dream, the challenges in his career, and the setbacks he has experienced. He has given his all to the genre, never giving up or succumbing to difficulties and misfortunes.

Kim Novak: Hollywood's Golden Age Rebel

March 2023 •French

Kim Novak never dreamed on being a star, but she became one. Most famous for her enigmatic performance in Hitchcock’s Vertigo (1958), the Chicago-born actress never quite fitted into the Hollywood mould and wanted to do things her own way.

Mylène Farmer : sur les pas d'une icône

December 2015 •French

When My Sorrow Died: The Story of Armen Ra and The Theremin

November 2015 •English

Glamorously eccentric and enigmatic Theremin master Armen Ra recounts his dynamic journey in this life-spanning documentary that mixes rare concert performances, candid interviews, and archive material with the magical power of music that can alchemize ancient sorrow into timeless beauty.

Take Every Wave: The Life of Laird Hamilton

September 2017 •English

This is the remarkable story of an American icon who changed the sport of big wave surfing forever. Transcending the surf genre, this in-depth portrait of a hard-charging athlete explores the fear, courage and ambition that push a man to greatness—and the cost that comes with it.

Crash and Burn

December 2016 •English

Crash and Burn chronicles the thrilling and turbulent career of Irish racing driver Tommy Byrne, who rose from a rough, working-class background to the cusp of Formula 1 in the 1980s. Directed by Seán Ó Cualáin, the film explores Byrne's undeniable talent and rebellious personality, which set him apart on the track but also clashed with the conservative and elite world of Formula 1. Byrne’s story is filled with highs and lows, from his dominance in lower racing categories to his brief, rocky stint in Formula 1 and subsequent struggles. The documentary combines interviews, archival footage, and personal insights to portray the complexities of Byrne’s character and his “what could have been” legacy in motorsport.

Larisa

October 1980 •Russian

Elem Klimov's documentary ode to his wife, director Larisa Shepitko, who was killed in an auto wreck.

A Brief History of Time

October 1991 •English

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. Hawking's friends, family, classmates, and peers are interviewed not only about his theories but the man himself.