Documentary

Film
Release Year
Runtime(s)
Synopsis
Kyoto Imperial Palace: Beauty Hidden for a Thousand Years
2015
52

Kyoto Imperial Palace contains several residences of the Imperial family as well as a number of vast gardens.  To promote the Imperial Palace both nationally and internationally as a symbol of Japan and an estate worthy of an imperial household, the residences feature the most luxurious furniture and the finest craftsmanship.  The Imperial Palace is part of a valuable cultural heritage that reveals an aristocratic culture dating back more than a thousand years.

Lichtmond
2012
113, 18

Award-winning Lichtmond animation “Universe of Light” in real 4K and overwhelming 5.1. and 7.1 surround sound enlarges the intense impressions and confirms Lichtmond as a multimedia artistic synthesis.  Breathtaking images and beautiful songs permit a unique trip into a stunning and wonderful journey into the realm of the senses.  The audience immerses into virtual landscapes consisting of sounds, images, and voices.  Enthralled by beauty, poetry, and purity.

Life on Fire
6 x 52 min

Narrated by Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Irons, the four wildlife episodes of Life on Fire paint survival stories around different volcanoes.  From the dark abyss to pristine snow-capped peaks, spectacular scenery provides the backdrop for the extraordinary animals and plants that have learned to juggle with fire.  Fragile and engaging, these creatures teach us lessons in survival in a world as fascinating as it is dangerous.  Two Scientific episodes show how we live and react to volcanoes.  “Volcano Doctors” portrays the current technological revolution driven by the extensive use of telemetry to monitor volcanoes.  It reveals the conflict between the scientists risking their lives to understand and predict the next eruption set against the pragmatism of people who live and work in the shadow of moody volcanoes.  “Icelandic Volcanoes: Who’s Next?” reveals that Eyjafjallajökull – though it caused havoc – was in geological history a relatively minor eruption and that several other volcanoes with the potential to create far greater catastrophe are simply biding their time …

Micro Monsters with David Attenborough
2013
3 x 50 min, 1 x 50 min Behind the Scenes

David Attenborough uses the latest 3D technology to bring to life the extreme and deadly unseen world of bugs.

Miracle Body: Russia’s Golden Mermaids
2016
49

Sports Science reveals how top athletes use their bodies and skills.

The world’s top synchronized swimmers Natalia Ishchenko and Svetlana Romashina have an impossible stunt called The Russian Roulette where the two move their legs at breakneck speed during a routine when oxygen levels drop dangerously.

A first-ever research by NHK has revealed that when underwater, they display abilities only aquatic mammals are known to have!  Be amazed at the supreme performances of the duo metamorphosing into real mermaids in beautiful 4K images.

Modern Dinosaurs: The Gharials of Chitwan National Park
2015
52

The glorious Chitwan National Park extends over the foothills of the Himalayas in Nepal.  A large river fed by melted snow and monsoon rains runs through this World Heritage site, attracting endangered species such as Indian rhinoceroses and Indian elephants.  Mingling among them are gharials, one of the world’s largest crocodiles.  At six meters in length, the main feature of this conspicuous creature is its long, thin jaws filled with razor-sharp teeth.  Gharials swish their jaws back and forth to catch fish with impeccable timing.  Males also make an explosive sound when courting females.  This episode, filmed over an extended period between the dry and rainy seasons, reveals the wisdom behind the secrets to their survival.

More Than Just Enemies
2014
1 x 90 min, 2 x 52 min

The 17th century: The super powers are the Habsburg Empire and the Ottoman Empire, being more than just enemies.  On September 11, 1697, the Ottoman army is annihilated in the battle of Zenta by the imperial army led by Prince Eugene of Savoy, thus ending the steady rise of the Ottoman Empire over the previous centuries.  The dominance of the Habsburgs is well documented, but the Ottoman Empire was a civilization that was no less developed and whose culture we know only little about.  Yet the Sultans ruled over Asia Minor, the Near East, the Balkans, North Africa, the Crimea and current-day Hungary for several centuries.  We follow Emetullah Rabia Gülnuş Sultan, first concubine in the harem and later, as a mother of two Sultans, Valide Sultan.  For more than 30 years the Greek woman, abducted from Crete at the age of four, had enormous influence over the political and cultural fortunes of the Ottoman Empire.  Our protagonist on the Habsburg side is Prince Eugene of Savoy, who, from an emotionally neglected childhood, rose to huge success as a feared army leader and the wealthiest man of his time.  Elaborate computer simulations and skillful re-enactments immerse viewers in the elegant, yet also brutal and merciless world of the Habsburg and the Ottoman Empire, showing not only their military encounters but also the mutual influences in the fields of culture, science and even food.

MTB Insights
2015
20 x 26 min

The MTB Insights Series offers a unique, Ultra HD view into mountain biking today.  Looking at each aspect of the sport, this series is for enthusiasts and experts alike.  Each episode takes an in-depth look at the culture, evolution, and champions of one of the fastest growing extreme sports in the world.  Season 1 broadcast internationally in over 20 countries and received outstanding feedback from VOD audiences.

After the success of Season 1, MTB Insights is back with a new 10 x 26mins season, fresh faces, and new places.  Filmed in brilliant 4K with legendary riders such as Cedric Gracia and Cam Zink.  Discover unique spots like Bear Mountain Resort and the legendary Coastal Gravity park, Canada, and many other international destinations.  This documentary driven series offers a true insight into mountain biking around the world.

Namibia – The Spirit of Wilderness
2016
52

With more than 300 days a year, the sun dominates this country so much that it’s even shining from their flag.

It’s a barren land, sometimes like from another planet but still familiar –a land of contrasts and colours with wide landscapes and fascinating deserts.  Influenced by various cultures during colonization and now reborn from the shadows of Apartheid in 1990, Namibia gives a beautiful collage of culture, language, art, music, and food.

Everyone who loves an adventure should travel to Namibia, the precious corner of our world full of incredible natural wonders.  The experience of endless landscapes and an unparalleled blaze of colour make Namibia unforgettable.

Namibia – The Spirit of Wilderness invites you on a trip whose fascination will never let you go: from the Namib Desert over the breath-taking Fish River Canyon to the spectacular Etosha National Park where you will see wild elephants, antelopes, giraffes, zebras, and lions.

NatureStyle: Hokkaido Japan
2016
47

Jump in the van and ride shotgun with this crew of snowboarders (and the token skier) as they explore Hokkaido’s resorts, backcountry, and culture.  Witness the neck-deep powder, wild nights, and other-worldly experiences that only Japan can provide.

Ninjaboys: Quest for the Cosmic Front
2016
4 x 25 min

Popular Japanese animation, Ninjaboy Rantaro, and authentic science program Cosmic Front team up to bring a science comedy adventure show for the whole family.

Three ninja friends, Rantaro, Kirimaru, and Shinbei from the manga show set off on a great adventure in space after a surprising turn of events.

Does extra-terrestrial life truly exist in the solar system?  What is the secret behind the birth of the moon?  Join the Ninjaboys as they embark on a spectacular adventure into space and find out about the cosmos!

This fun science show features spectacular space images recreated by 4KCG using the latest astronomical data!

Origins of Land — Nishinoshima Island
2015
29

An extraordinary phenomenon is taking place in the Pacific Ocean: The formation of a new island from an undersea volcanic eruption.

Located 1,000 km from Tokyo, Nishinoshima island suddenly emerged in 2013.  It is still expanding rapidly and has already become the biggest newly-born island in historic record.  Scientists are saying that this exceptional event could literally blow away previous understanding of volcanology, and solve the mystery of how continents are made.

But field investigation is nearly impossible, since the new island is strictly off limits due to the volcanic hazard.  To overcome these issues, NHK has launched a bold project to seize this very rare opportunity and help scientists solve the unknown facets of the island.  The mission involves filming this natural spectacle from the air, land and sea in stunning 4K resolution images using remote control machines, while collecting important scientific data.

Witness this once-in-a-lifetime experience of the “birth of land” in this grand science adventure documentary.

Passing the Pillars of Hercules
2015
52

This is a wildlife feast that feature the migratory animals of the Straits of Gibraltar or the Pillars of Hercules (as it was formerly known), the border between Africa and Europe.  From the dawn of history, battles have been waged in these seas.  Today, one of them is still on each season – the fishing of red tuna in their migratory route through these waters.  This entails an intense fight between two competitors – the Moroccan fishermen and the greatest predator in the oceans, the orca.  Each year in their flight, more than 300 million of birds challenge the strongest westerly and easterly winds to head here for their winter shelters.  Will they all be able to achieve this?  For the other animal species, their migration to this land was either coincidental or compulsory, as pets or as bargaining chip between trading Arabs of Phoenicians.  Whatever the reason, the result is that these chameleons, tortoises, mongooses, and genets are all part of a legacy.  Today, they have become typical species from the south of Spain, some of them being unique representatives of their species in Europe.

Planet Home
40 x 26 min

Pollution, climate change, while some predict the apocalypse, others are building the future.  They are the heroes of Planet Home, and they already have solutions for housing in the future.  In Planet Home, our adventures are grounded on the architecture and the exemplary nature of the sites we discover.  Beyond just buildings, these places house people who are just as inspiring in matters of sustainable development.  Our hosts tell us about their homes as well as their lifestyles.  We enter inside their daily life and home, and also meet those outside who share their philosophy.  Whether we are highlighting the technological excellence of a location, an architect’s crazy ideas, or a family’s new lifestyle, Planet Home is the only documentary series, which offers a map of ecological and sustainable habitats throughout the world.

Power of Color
2015
41

The yearly world cup of body painting, taking place in Austria, is a must see event for art community.  A very special part of this event is the  body painting with luminous colours.  This painting is only visible with infra light.  This will be demonstrated in a fantastic and entertaining show!

Proximity
2017
50

Proximity is a film that pairs surfing’s living legends with today’s most progressive young surfers.  The film is directed by award-winning filmmaker Taylor Steele, produced by Teton Gravity Research (TGR) in association with Garage Productions.  Proximity will explore the delicate relationship between people, time, and place, showcasing surfing icons from different generations in diverse locations around the world.

Reflections: Iceland
2016
40

Iceland, the land of fire and ice.  Follow fine art photographer and adventurer Jason Henthorne as he explores the majestic landscape while searching for the perfect intersection of ocean and earth.  Witness Iceland’s epic landscape through the unique eyes of Henthorne and his camera.

Ring of Civilizations — Rediscovering Ancient Asia
2015
4 x 29 min

Vast ruins in Asia continue to attract people while remaining shrouded in mystery.

However, recent research has discovered that cultures and civilizations beyond our imagination once existed in Asia.  One of the world’s largest cities created deep in the jungle; the foundation of an amazing ruling system that existed 2,000 years before Western civilization; a surprising society where wealth was distributed thoroughly.  The peoples of Asia had already established far more advanced cultures and civilizations than previously thought.

The Ring of Civilizations series introduces the allure of the massive ancient ruins found throughout Asia, and tells the story of the lives and insight of those who created them.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 4K
2013
65

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil! takes the viewer on a visual journey to one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in the world.  Experience the main stage of the Football Worldcup 2014 and the Summer Olympics in 2016 like you have never seen it before!

This is the first portrait of Rio filmed with 4K/Ulta HD cameras, featuring breathtaking Aerial, Timelapse, and Slow Motion effect shots.  The high class soundtrack mixes catchy songs with modern and Brazilian blends of Salsa, Samba, Hiphop, and House Music.  Rio de Janeiro, Brazil! with its innovative creation of elements opens up a new, unique genre for non-verbal art films!  As part of the fifth largest country in the world Brazil, Rio is the third largest metropolitan area of South America with 12 million inhabitants.  Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, mountains with large rainforests and constant influence of a tropic climate the city is one of the most exotic urban places on earth.  The film shows new, outstanding perspectives on the world famous beaches Copacabana and Ipanema, as well as the iconic landmarks Sugarloaf Mountain at Guanbara Bay and Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado mountain.  Spectacular impressions of the epic annual Carnival parades on public streets and at Sambodromo lead to fascinating insights on the Carioca’s second major passion: Football!

River Jaws
2015
49

Wells catfish!  Over the last fifty years, it has colonised most of Europe’s rivers – even the most polluted.  This intruder has become the largest freshwater animal in Europe, and even hunts on shore … 3 years of intense filming were necessary to capture this unique wildlife film.

After Arte’s premiere, the film will be seen worldwide on National Geographic Channels Wild under the title River Jaws.  Entirely shot in 4K, directed by Bertrand Loyer, this revelatory film takes the viewer in the intimacy of the giant.  It notably captures never before seen behavior, such as collective or even pigeon hunting with glossy slow-mo images.

Be prepared to meet the absolute monster of European rivers.

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