Empire of Time

This is the story of China’s enduring search for oder through the mastery of time. Modern day astronomers, science historians, and time scientists draw on fascinating parallels between past and present: from modern time-keeping labs to 4,000 year old Neolithic observatories. An epic tale of science, imperial history and intrigue.

Egypt’s Sun King: The Mystery Tombs

In 2011 a team from the University of Basel made two astonishing discoveries in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings. By chance they came across a new tomb that was the first to contain a body since the discovery of Tutankhamun. Then they discovered that the tomb beside it, which had never been excavated before, held the bodies of around 50 people. But who were all the people in these two linked tombs?

This film follows the archaeological detective story to uncover the answer. It pursues the trail that leads to one of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs, Amenhotep III – and to the women he was close to. And the film also reveals the astonishing project behind the re-emergence nearby of the largest temple ever built in ancient Egypt – the lost mortuary temple of the same pharaoh, Amenhotep III.

Dancing in the Sky

Dancing In The Sky pays tribute to the extraordinary life of William Rhodes-Moorhouse the first airman ever to be awarded the Victoria Cross. Capturing the life of a mischievous young boy we follow Will’s childhood growing up in the upper class circles of Northampton.

From his family connections to some of New Zealand’s fore- most pioneers, to the intriguing story of his Maori heritage, all will be revealed. In 1906-1907 he spent some months in New Zealand where he was hailed as a Maori Chief. This mystified him. The family at home had never discussed or admitted to such a sensitive matter. Back in England he became heavy involved in aviation and teamed up with James Radley and together they built the Radley-Moorhouse monoplane. He became a regular contestant at the newly popular air-shows and races that were springing up across Europe and in the United States.

Upon the outbreak of war he immediately joined the RFC as a 2nd Lt at the age of 27 and joined No 2 Squadron RFC at Merville. A large portion of documentary concentrates on his skill as a pilot following his missions that are well documented. In particular the last 24 hours of his life receives special attention, what were his intentions on that April afternoon. Before leaving he wrote letters to his wife and his son talking of the impossible odds of him returning from this mission. William Rhodes-Moorhouse paid the ultimate price for an act of valour.

Brother No. 2

In just 3 years, 8 months and 20 days, the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia killed some 2 million people – men, women and children. Even after they were ousted from power, these perpetrators of genocide were never brought to trial. And the international community remained silent.

Born to Fly

The unforgettable story of one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary war heroes. Flying Officer, Porokoru Patapu (John) Pohe, became the first Maori pilot of the NZRAF and leader of air crews in the skies over Europe during the Second World War. He served 22 missions in his first tour of duty when the average life expectancy was just six; flew bombers through the equivalent of hell without receiving a scratch; landed wounded aircraft without wheels; and could navigate by the stars.

His feats earned him the nickname “Lucky Johnny” and the confidence of RAF Bomber Command who assigned him to train allied airmen from around the world. On 22 September 1943, John Pohe flew a fateful mission that led to his German capture and contribution to one of the most famous events of the Second World War, The Great Escape. On 31March 1944, John Pohe’s extraordinary life came to a tragic and dramatic end. He was placed in front of a German firing squad. Pohe removed his blindfold and faced his executioners in the eye.

Boob Tube: Sex TV and Ugly George

From Marylyn Monroe to Madonna, American culture has been obsessed by the public exploitation of large breasts. The practice is condemned but then widely watched. In the late 1970’s, one man—a character if there ever was one– pioneered a new kind of TV programming–a show that encouraged women to show what they had. It was an outrageous forerunner to today’s soft-core and often sexually explicit reality fare. He called himself “Ugly George” and turned a poorly produced public access show into an overnight sensation even out-rating big stars on the networks.

Bela Lugosi – The Fallen Vampire

A biography of actor Bela Lugosi from his birth and early childhood in a small Transylvania town to the years of glory after playing Dracula.