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The Psychedelic Drug Trial

   2021    Medicine
A ground-breaking new trial at Imperial College London sees, for the first time ever under controlled conditions, a psychedelic drug tested head-to-head against a standard antidepressant as a treatment for depression. The film follows a pioneering team of scientists and psychotherapists as they compare the effects of psilocybin (the active ingredient of magic mushrooms) with an antidepressant on a small group of participants with clinical depression.
This is scientific research at its most cutting edge. With over seven million people being prescribed antidepressants each year in England alone, this drug trial is an important milestone in understanding a completely different treatment for depression. How do psychedelic drugs measure up against the industry-standard antidepressants that have been popular since the 1990s? The empirical results of the trial are explored alongside the participants’ powerful lived experience.

Curse of the Piltdown Man

   2021    History
The archaeological world is fooled for nearly half a century when an ape-like skull that's claimed as solid evidence for Darwin's theory of human evolution is proven fake. Using new research, experts investigate and uncover the identity of the forger.
Locked away in a store room at London Science Museum is a genuine 19th century miracle machine, a 180-year-old mechanical engine that solves complex mathematical equations, more than 100 years before the first electronic computer.
Series: Strangest Things

Memories of a Murderer: The Nilsen Tapes

   2021    Culture
Serial killer Dennis Nilsen narrates his life and horrific crimes via a series of chilling audiotapes recorded from his jail cell. Set against the backdrop of 1980s Britain, when mass unemployment drew young men to London in search of their fortunes, only to find themselves destitute and easy prey, and weaving together interviews from police, journalists, survivors, bereaved families, and - for the first time the killer's own voice, this feature length documentary explores how Nilsen was able to get away with multiple murders and attacks, unchallenged, for five years.

The Real Charlie Chaplin

   2021    History
The definitive story of cinema’s most iconic figure, from an impoverished childhood in London through a spectacular rise to fame, until his scandalous fall from grace and a self-imposed exile. His stage persona and incendiary media portrayal defined how he was perceived, but his private life has always been shrouded in mystery - until now. Never-before-heard recordings, intimate home movies and newly restored classic films reveal a side to Chaplin that the world never got to see.
Filmmakers Spinney and Middleton shed light on Chaplin’s family life, his contentious relation to the political commotions of the 20th century, and artistic genius.

The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart

   2020    Art
This documentary chronicles the triumphs and hurdles of brothers Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb, otherwise known as the Bee Gees. The iconic trio, who found early fame in the 1960s, went on to write over 1,000 songs, including twenty #1 hits throughout their storied career.
The film follows the Bee Gee’s meteoric rise as they rode the highs of fame and fortune, negotiated the vagaries of the ever-shifting music business and navigated the complexities of working so intimately alongside family. The story takes us from their childhood in 1950s Australia to the artistic crucible of 1960s London and to the sundrenched coast of Miami, Florida. The band created a distinct sound with their three-part harmonizing, their melodic voices forming a new kind of instrument.

Queen: The Band that Rocked the World

   2020    Art
Queen, the world's reigning rock champions, have captivated audiences for over five decades with their groundbreaking music and electrifying performances. From their humble beginnings in the suburbs of West London to their rise as rock legends, Queen has crafted some of the most iconic moments in rock history. Their hits, including the revolutionary ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ continue to resonate with fans worldwide. This documentary takes you on a thrilling journey through Queen's greatest moments, highlighting their indelible mark on music and culture.
Join us as we delve into the band's phenomenal story, exploring their meteoric rise, their unparalleled showmanship, and the profound impact of their legendary frontman, Freddie Mercury. Witness Queen's remarkable journey from their formation to their unforgettable Live Aid performance, and experience the magic of their music that has stood the test of time. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to their music, this documentary offers an intimate look at the band's legacy, their innovative sound, and the unforgettable moments that cemented their place in rock and roll immortality.