The Optimists

Pumping Iron

January 1977 •English

Amateur and professional bodybuilders prepare for the 1975 Mr. Olympia and Mr. Universe contests as five-time champion Arnold Schwarzenegger defends his Mr. Olympia title against Serge Nubret and the shy young Lou Ferrigno.

A Measure of the Man

January 1977 •English

A professionally commissioned documentary about the training of Rhodesian Regular Army Officer Cadets. It follows the fortunes of Inf 25/19 - a group of young men commissioned into the Rhodeisan Army in 1977.

Bodyline - The Ultimate Test

November 2013 •English

This is the story of one of the most well known but perhaps least understood moments of conflict and controversy in the history of sport: the infamous Bodyline test cricket series of 1932 and 1933. Self-confessed cricket tragic and comedian Adam Zwar will try to discover what happened at the crease and chart the wider social and cultural implications of the controversy by enlisting historians, sports scientists, and cricket stars to simulate the actual events. Is there more to the legend of Bodyline than we think? Adam is going back in time to live out a childhood fantasy or two. He is going to use machines, fancy cameras, and the latest in computer graphics. Modern day players will help him prepare. Adam will witness the real damage a high speed cricket ball can do. In the end, Adam will be on his own - with no helmet, no modern padding, and just a bat for protection. How will he handle this ultimate test?

I against ME

July 2010 •German

Of Ice and Fame

February 2018 •Russian

This film presents a unique behind-the-scenes look into the lives and training of two of the world’s top figure skaters, Evgenia Medvedeva and Alina Zagitova. In the spotlight, they soar and spin through the air while beaming radiant smiles. But their real lives include more discipline, devastating falls, and harsh criticism than perfect landings and effusive praise.

Reconnaissance Pilot

January 1943 •English

Documentary/training film depicting the duties of a pilot in the Pacific Theatre of the Second World War as he flies reconnaissance missions over enemy-held islands.

Dance for All

September 2007 •English

Es geht um Alles

May 2008 •German

(Im)mortals

January 2022 •German

What happens after death? Lila Ribi's 100-year-old grandmother Greti always has the same answer: There is nothing after death. The filmmaker sees things differently.

Masterclass Part 2: Skills and Tactics for Sport and Trad

November 2005 •English

Are you tired of burning out on steep routes and unsure whether it’s due to lack of strength or poor technique? Do you still feel nervous about pushing above bolts or trusting your feet on slabs? If you’re fed-up with making the same old mistakes then why not settle the score using this two-part instructional video series, hosted by Britain’s leading climbing coach Neil Gresham. Whether you climb F5 or F7c, these films are packed with tips to help you improve every aspect of your climbing performance. Part 1 shows you how to develop your technique and how to train more productively and Part 2 shows you how to put it all together and get the most from yourself on the cliffs. There are right and wrong examples to help you identify your weaknesses and case studies from some of Britain’s best climbers. Those dream routes may be closer than you think and watching these films might be all you need to turn them into a reality.

Joe Louis: America's Hero Betrayed

February 2008 •English

An American story. Traces the career of Joe Louis (1914-1981) within the context of American racial consciousness: his difficulty getting big fights early in his career, the pride of African-Americans in his prowess, the shift of White sentiment toward Louis as Hitler came to power, Louis's patriotism during World War II, and the hounding of Louis by the IRS for the following 15 years. In his last years, he's a casino greeter, a drug user, and the occasional object of scorn for young Turks like Muhammad Ali. Appreciative comment comes from boxing scholars, Louis's son Joe Jr., friends, and icons like Maya Angelou, Dick Gregory, and Bill Cosby.

The Witches of the Orient

July 2021 •French

The Japanese volleyball players called the “Oriental Witches” are now in their 70s. From the formation of the team at the factory until their victory at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964, memories and legends rise to the surface and blend inextricably.

The Ground Truth

September 2006 •English

Sometimes the greatest act of courage is to tell the truth. Hear and witness our soldiers in this penetrating film. The shocking Iraq War ground conflict is only a prelude to the even more challenging battles these reluctant heroes face upon their return home.

Day at St Christopher's College and School

May 1920 •English

Behind the scenes at a Chennai teachers training college.

Education Week

January 1925 •

Young scholars get busy for Newcastle-on-Tyne's 'Education Week' in the tour of Tyneside classrooms.

Honds

September 2020 •Dutch

Dog whisperer Ron assists people who have problems with their dogs. The dogs refuse to listen, show fearful behavior, or are aggressive and bite. Yet it often turns out not to be the dogs, but the owners who need to be trained. Because of the unlimited love for their animal, people forget to give them boundaries. The solution is that owners learn to behave like dogs.

Le Grand Combat du XV de France

September 2007 •French

Over the Limit

October 2018 •Polish

Margarita Mamun, an elite Russian rhythmic gymnast, is struggling to become an Olympic champion. It is the most important year of her career and her last chance to achieve the ultimate goal, the gold Olympic medal. The film creates a captivating portrait of a young woman who is desperately trying to handle her own ambitions and meet the expectations of the official Russian training system.

The Fire of the Match Factory

June 1913 •Polish

Report from a fire in a match factory on June 16, 1913.

Inside Wrestling School

August 2000 •English

A look at one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the United States, professional wrestling.