This fascinating film tells the story of the greatest rescue in cultural history: how in 1623, two former colleagues of William Shakespeare took on the task of saving The Bard’s work for posterity by collecting his plays into one incredible book.

"First Folio" preserved 18 plays that had never been printed before, including "Macbeth,'""Twelfth Night," and "The Tempest." It was the first book to divide Shakespeare’s plays by genre: comedies, histories, and tragedies. Plus, its engraved portrait is thought to be one of the most authentic likenesses of the playwright in existence.

Shakespearean scholar Emma Smith presents and reveals John Heminges and Henry Condell feared that when their friend died, his words might fade with him. Featuring performances from Mark Rylance, Stephen Fry, Roger Allam, and more.

The extraordinary story of how two of William Shakespeare's friends saved some of his greatest plays from being lost and forgotten.

Will's Book: Shakespeare's First Folio

Discover the fascinating story behind one of literature's most famous families, the Brontës. 

Charlotte gave us "Jane Eyre," Emily "Wuthering Heights," Anne "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall," and Branwell, the only portrait of the three. Few families had as prolific an impact on English literature as the Brontës. 

This two-part dramatized documentary series reveals the layers of myth surrounding the gifted yet ill-fated Brontë family, offering a deeper insight into their lives and works. By challenging long-standing misconceptions, "Searching for the Brontës" sets the record straight, unveiling the complexities of these literary icons' lives 150 years after their untimely deaths, offering a compelling exploration of family bonds, artistic ambition, and the enduring legacy of three extraordinary sisters whose works continue to captivate readers worldwide.

Discover the fascinating story behind one of literature's most famous families, the Brontës. 

In Search of the Brontes

This critically acclaimed docudrama depicts a monumental night in Gothic history that gave birth to two iconic figures of modern horror: Mary Shelley’s ''Frankenstein'' and John Polidori’s ''Vampyre.''

In 1816, at Villa Diodati on Lake Geneva, the notorious poet Lord Byron—a rock star of his era—sought refuge from scandal. He was joined by the equally infamous Percy Shelley and his teenage lover, Mary. Rumors of free love, drunken revelry, and drug use circulated about their stay at the villa—some of which were true.

On a dark and stormy night, the group challenged one another to write the best ghost story. The literary legends would later recount their life-changing stay at the villa in letters, journals, and diaries, forming the basis of this film. Contemporary authors Margaret Atwood, Neil Gaiman, and Charlaine Harris explore why this night had such a profound impact on our culture.

A scandalous villa stay sparks the creation of Mary Shelley’s ''Frankenstein'' and John Polidori’s ''The Vampyre.''

Frankenstein and the Vampyre: A Dark and Stormy Night

This uplifting feature documentary follows two friends on a global road trip to meet eight knights and a dame while immersing themselves in the world of William Shakespeare. 

Dan and Giles, former Shakespeare skeptics who became enthusiasts after being captivated by Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes in "Romeo and Juliet," journey to London to pursue acting careers and cultivate a profound appreciation for the Bard. 

Over the course of four years, they encounter a host of Shakespearean luminaries, including Ian McKellen, Judi Dench, and Baz Luhrmann. This heartfelt and entertaining film aims to demystify and illuminate Shakespeare’s work for everyone. Think he’s no great Shakes? Think again!

Two young actors embark on a road trip to get to the heart of the world’s greatest storyteller, William Shakespeare. 

Muse of Fire

This documentary is a fascinating window into the incredible creative process behind Cloud Gate Dance Theatre's moving piece, ''Secrets of the Bamboo Grove.''

Choreographer Lin Hwai-min is a visionary of the dance world.  Follow along as he creates a new piece for Taiwan's Cloud Gate Dance Theatre. Follow along behind the scenes of the rehearsal process and see how the dancers implement strict regimens of tai chi and martial arts to help shape their bodies and movements. 

A fascinating documentary that reveals the incredible creative process behind Cloud Gate Dance Theatre's ''Secrets of the Bamboo Grove.'' 

Secrets of the Bamboo Grove

Join Maestro Leonard Bernstein for his 1971 performance of Mahler's Ninth Symphony with the Vienna Philharmonic. 

In a way only he can, Bernstein takes us through the entire symphony sharing insight, listening guides, and a peek into the rehearsal process for such a monumental piece. Filmed in 1971, just five years before his landmark performance with the London Symphony Orchestra in Ely Cathedral, this concert documentary is a rare glimpse of Bernstein in his prime. 

Join Maestro Leonard Bernstein for his 1971 performance and discussion of Mahler's Ninth Symphony with the Vienna Philharmonic. 

Leonard Bernstein: Four Ways To Say Farewell

Follow along with Paris Opera's fascinating creative program where young apprentices from various professions come together to learn about the world within the opera house.

What can an ordinary person gain from the world of opera and dance? The answer might surprise you. In this fascinating artistic experiment young apprentices, including pastry chefs, mechanics, sales professionals, and jewelers, come together at the illustrious Paris Opera to learn about the many jobs and skills found within the opera house. 

Through a series of exercises including musical training, dance classes, and set design courses, these young professionals unveil the unique synergy between artistry and craftsmanship that transforms their outlook and skill set. Along the way, director Cyril Leuthy highlights the individual experience of each student revealing the importance of this unique cultural education program. 

Follow along with Paris Opera's fascinating creative program where young apprentices from various professions come together to learn about the world within the opera house.

OpérApprentis

This documentary reveals the fascinating life, mind, and work of John Cage, one of the 20th century's most influential composers and thinkers.

Renowned for his groundbreaking work, including his controversial 1952 composition 4'33'', Cage was not only an artistic pioneer but a deep and philosophical thinker. When filmmaker Frank Scheffer first met Cage, their short conversation says Scheffer, ''changed my life as an artist.'' Over a decade, Scheffer collaborated closely with the composer, collecting a treasure trove of historical audio-visual material. This unique archive, comprised of interviews, musical performances, and evocative 16mm footage from Cage’s life comes together to capture the essence of this influential artist who had such a profound impact on the filmmaker. 

An essential watch for creatives, expect to learn some of Cage's creative techniques and guiding philosophies like the old Chinese methods based on the I Ching, and dive into the world of boundary-changing creativity. 

This intimate documentary reveals the fascinating life, mind, and work of John Cage, one of the 20th century's most influential composers and thinkers. 

How To Get Out Of The Cage - A Year With John Cage

This documentary takes you inside the creative world of Australia's visionary choreographer, Meryl Tankard as she crafts a new work - Aurora.  

As the Artistic Director of the Australian Dance Theatre, Meryl Tankard became known for her out-of-the-box, innovative, and humorous works. This biographical film reveals Tankard's boundless creativity and satirical flair through extracts from her seminal works like ''Two Feet,'' ''Furioso,'' ''Songs With Mara,'' and ''Chants de Marriage 2.''  From rehearsals to the stage, watch her creative process unfold as choreographs her new take on the classic ballet Sleeping Beauty, Aurora, and join Tankard as she reunites with her former mentor, the legendary Pina Bausch.  

This documentary takes you inside the creative world of Australia's visionary choreographer, Meryl Tankard as she crafts a new work - Aurora.  

The Black Swan: Meryl Tankard - Choreographer

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18 months in the making, this Omnibus documentary follows Pulitzer-winning author Annie Proulx across the American West as she researches and writes her next book, ''That Old Ace in the Hole.''

Best known for ''The Shipping News'' and ''Brokeback Mountain,'' which accumulated three Academy Awards, the Connecticut-born former journalist heads out from New York on a personal assignment to capture the essence of life "western-style'' which sees her interview a knife maker, a food forager, and a fiddler en route.

A major literary novel's writing process from start to finish has never been documented on film before. Omnibus offers a unique insight.

Join award-winning author Annie Proulx as she journeys through the American West researching her next novel.

Omnibus: Annie Proulx - Way Out West

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