The Dissident

The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia

October 2019 •English

One year after the murder of columnist Jamal Khashoggi, a two-hour FRONTLINE documentary investigates the rise and rule of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia (MBS). Correspondent Martin Smith, who has covered the Middle East for FRONTLINE for 20 years, examines the crown prince’s vision for the future, his handling of dissent, his relationship with the United States — and his ties to Khashoggi’s killing. This Episode can be watched Online at (last Update 18th Oct 24): https://www.pbs.org/video/crown-prince-saudi-arabia-1jt2ey

MBS, the Arabia of the future

January 2025 •English

For almost a decade, Mohammed bin Salman, known as MBS, the crown prince and de facto leader of Saudi Arabia, has been shaking up all the pillars of this extraordinary kingdom. The cradle of Islam and the world's leading exporter of crude oil, this Gulf giant has embarked on an unprecedented transformation to meet the existential challenge of the post-oil era. Dreaming of becoming the leader of a stable and prosperous Arab world, MBS is undertaking to transform the austere and rigorous Saudi Arabia into a futuristic utopia. But the rise of tourism, entertainment and the excesses of construction sites are still struggling to make us forget authoritarianism and the repression of opponents. As for the silencing of the religious police, it has not put an end to the oppression of women.

Kingdom of Silence

October 2020 •English

A political thriller examining the complex relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia, and how the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi amplified entanglements between the two countries.

The Reddiest 2006

December 2024 •Arabic

Hold on Tight

July 2011 •English

A short documentary exploring the ways LGBT couples show affection, and how small interactions like holding hands in public can carry, not only huge personal significance, but also the power to create social change.

Un volto tra la folla

January 2008 •Italian

My Name's Ben Folds – I Play Piano

October 2023 •English

A symphonic concert spectacle featuring rock maestro Ben Folds with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, combining the power of orchestral grandeur with the intimacy of close contact with the musicians. Audience participation peaks as Folds achieves the extraordinary feat of inducing the crowd to sing a choral refrain in three-part harmony. Interwoven with Folds’ personal narratives of the inspirations for his songs, the film transforms enthralling live performance into a unique portal revealing the creativity of the song writing process.

Queen of New York

October 2023 •English

Welcome to a different kind of drag race! As NYC emerges from the chaos of 2020, Marti Cummings (they/them), an audacious and big-hearted drag queen, goes all out in a historic bid to become a City Councilperson. It’s one of the most hotly contested Council races in years, and Marti’s strongest competitor is Shaun Abreu, a tenants’ lawyer with deep roots in the district’s Latinx community. As these first-timers race to do the most good for their Upper Manhattan neighbors, they offer very different visions for Democratic politics – one in a suit and tie, the other in combat boots and floral print. As this immersive documentary reveals, Marti’s passion inspires queer activists and allies to change the political system. Their campaign becomes a community of its own, especially for Marti’s non-binary peers who have never before seen themselves represented.

Franz Jagerstätter: A Man of Conscience

April 2009 •English

Knowing that he faced execution, Franz Jagerstatter refused to fight in Hitler’s army, saying no to war and working for peace.

La combattante

September 2022 •French

Mary-Jo receives daily visitors in her living room. An ethnologist specialized in Darfur, her guests aren't coming to have tea only. They need crucial help that only this 90-year-old woman can give.

Sid Waddell's Wacky World of Darts

September 2004 •English

Over the 21 years Sid Waddell has been commentating on this terrific sport, he has seen all the greatest matches, met the most amazing characters, and witnessed some unbelievable scenes. This movie is his ultimate collection of these hugely enjoyable moments, and makes for great family entertaiment.

Men Counting Their Beads

Invalid date •Turkish

An experimental documentary based on photographs of the director's grandfathers whom he never had the chance to meet, his grandmothers, and the stories they told.

Massimo Troisi: Somebody Down There Likes Me

February 2023 •Italian

The life of a dying young man at the short age of only forty-one after playing the lead in Il postino. He was a brilliant stage actor before becoming an astonishing film director.

Special Report – The Voice of Darts

December 2012 •English

Generations of sports fans loved listening to the lyricism and wit of the legendary Sid Waddell and on Christmas Day, Sky Sports News HD looked back at his extraordinary life in Special Report – The Voice of Darts.

A Little Bit of Fry and Waddell

May 2014 •English

Stephen Fry pays tribute to legendary darts commentator Sid Waddell. He discusses the time they spent together in the commentary box and also talks to Phil Taylor and Sid's son Dan.

Sweeney Todd: Scenes from the Making of a Musical

July 1980 •English

Opening with the first day of rehearsals of the London production of "Sweeney Todd", this ninety-minute documentary focuses on the rehearsal process with the musical's director, composer and actors.

Horror with a Twist

March 2020 •English

Fred Waltonspeaks about his upbringing, getting into filmmaking, shooting both The Sitter and When a Stranger Calls, his relationship with Frank Mancuso, Jr., and working with the April Fool’s Day cast and crew.

Mauritz Stiller

January 1987 •Swedish

Portrait of director Mauritz Stiller, with scenes from some of his best known movies.

Connecting the Dots: The Story of Feeling Through

June 2019 •English

'Connecting the Dots' follows the journey of making the groundbreaking film 'Feeling Through'.

Amelia: A Tale of Two Sisters

June 2017 •English

Eight decades after her disappearance, Amelia Earhart's incredible accomplishmenys are still celebrated, thanks in large part to her sister Muriel.