The Codes of Gender

Arguing that advertising not only sells things, but also ideas about the world, media scholar Sut Jhally offers a blistering analysis of commercial culture's inability to let go of reactionary gender representations. Jhally's starting point is the breakthrough work of the late sociologist Erving Goffman, whose 1959 book The Presentation of the Self in Everyday Life prefigured the growing field of performance studies. Jhally applies Goffman's analysis of the body in print advertising to hundreds of print ads today, uncovering an astonishing pattern of regressive and destructive gender codes. By looking beyond advertising as a medium that simply sells products, and beyond analyses of gender that tend to focus on either biology or objectification, The Codes of Gender offers important insights into the social construction of masculinity and femininity, the relationship between gender and power, and the everyday performance of cultural norms.

2010-10-13 | en

How the Snowman Came Back to Life

Raymond Briggs gives a rare glimpse into his world as we visit the animation studios where a small army of people are working to produce the new film, The Snowman and The Snowdog.

2012-12-30 | en

Akira Kurosawa: My Life in Cinema

Nagisa Oshima interviews Akira Kurosawa, leading him to share his thoughts about filmmaking, his life and works, and numerous anecdotes relating to his films and his various film activities.

1993-01-01 | ja

The Simón's Jigsaw: A Trip to the Universe of Juan Piquer Simón

A journey through the work of Spanish filmmaker Juan Piquer Simón (1935-2011).

2015-10-17 | es

Fanalysis

Actor/cult icon Bruce Campbell examines the world of fan conventions and what makes a fan into a fanatic.

2002-03-05 | en

The Rocky Horror Treatment

A 1981 documentary looking at the Cult following of the Rocky Horror show and introducing the sequel "Shock Treatment".

1981-02-04 | en

In Search of Tomorrow

A nostalgic journey through ’80s Sci-Fi-films, exploring their impact and relevance today, told by the artists who made them and by those who were inspired to turn their visions into reality.

2022-02-19 | en

Die Zeit meines Lebens - Dirty Dancing in Ost und West

In 1987, a small film distributor from Frankfurt/Main brings the film "Dirty Dancing" to West German cinemas against all negative odds. The film becomes the hit of the year, in complete contrast to France, where foreign films have a hard time against the local film landscape.

2022-07-10 | de

Penélope Cruz: Diva in the Mirror

An account of the life and work of Spanish actress Penélope Cruz: a long journey that began in the working-class neighborhoods of Madrid and ended in the hills of Hollywood.

2022-07-17 | fr

Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Join visionary director James Gunn and superstars such as Chris Pratt and Zoe Saldaña as they recount how “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” was conceived, shaped, and delivered to the world. And stand alongside the cast and crew in the emotional final moments of the shoot as they bid farewell to each other, and close this chapter in the saga of Peter Quill and his loveable band of misfit-warriors.

2023-09-12 | en

Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Secret Invasion

Through in-depth interviews with cast and crew, and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, Assembled uncovers how Marvel Studios’ “Secret Invasion” was born. Witness what it took to conjure the world of the show, and spend time with Samuel L. Jackson as he dons the patch once again to engage in the most baffling battle of Nick Fury’s career.

2023-09-19 | en

The Making of Oblivion

Each year, hundreds of video game companies bring their latest game to E3...the biggest gaming convention in the world. Bethesda Softworks decided to unveil at this event their most ambitious game ever - Oblivion. This is the story behind the game.

2006-05-02 | en

A Life for Movies: Lotte Eisner

Born in Berlin in 1896, Lotte Eisner became famous for her passionate involvement in the world of both German and French cinema. In 1936, together with Henri Langlois, she founded the Cinémathèque Française with the goal of saving from destruction films, costumes, sets, posters, and other treasures of the 7th Art. A Jew exiled in Paris, she became a pillar of the capital's cultural scene, where she promoted German cinema.

2021-02-24 | de

Auge in Auge - Eine deutsche Filmgeschichte

This is not merely another film about cinema history; it is a film about the love of cinema, a journey of discovery through over a century of German film history. Ten people working in film today remember their favourite films of yesteryear.

2008-07-03 | de

Sidney Poitier: One Bright Light

Actor/director Sidney Poitier discusses his life and career. He tells of his upbringing in Jamaica; the difficulties he encountered in New York City at the start of his career; his involvement in the US civil-rights movement; and efforts to end apartheid in South Africa. Friends and acquaintances, as well as other performers, give their insights about what makes him so special.

2000-02-02 | en

Katy Perry: Making of the Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show

A behind-the-scenes documentary pieced together from over 100 hours of footage showing not just the preparation that went into Katy Perry's Super Bowl performance but the nerve it took to pull off such a massive, career-defining performance.

2015-12-09 | en

Sam & Mattie Make a Zombie Movie

Documentary about the making of ’Spring Break Zombie Massacre.’

2021-04-06 | en

The Making of Sweeney Todd at the San Francisco Symphony

2002-05-01 | en

It Conquered Hollywood! The Story of American International Pictures

A 60-minute salute to American International Pictures. Entertainment lawyer Samuel Z. Arkoff founded AIP (then called American Releasing Corporation) on a $3000 loan in 1954 with his partner, James H. Nicholson, a former West Coast exhibitor and distributor. The company made its mark by targeting teenagers with quickly produced films that exploited subjects mainstream films were reluctant to tackle.

2001-05-01 | en

Marcel Duchamp: The Art of the Possible

A remarkable walk through the life and work of the French artist Marcel Duchamp (1887-1968), one of the most important creators of the 20th century, revolutionary of arts, aesthetics and pop culture.

2020-10-23 | en