Looking Glass Documentaries

Lemonade Stories by award-winning filmmaker Mary Mazzio, explores the powerful impact mothers have had on igniting entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking. Featuring successful entrepreneurs including Richard Branson (Virgin) - whose sense of risk-taking emerged from the life and example of his mother Eve, a pilot and WWII veteran. Billy Starr, founder of the Pan-Mass Challenge, who was motivated by his mother's untimely death from cancer to raise more than $100 million for cancer research. Russell Simmons (Def Jam Records), whilst nursing a few failed business attempts, accepted his mother's gift of $250 and turned it into a multi-million dollar company. Arthur Blank's vision for The Home Depot (the world's largest home improvement retailer) was inspired by the example of his mother, a widow with no business experience who took over and ran a family business with enormous success. What do all these entrepreneurs have in common? We explore the lessons each have learned from their mother and the unique bond they share. Through intimate interviews with each entrepreneur and their mother and exclusive access to their family albums, Lemonade Stories will take you into a world rarely seen by anyone outside of each entrepreneur's inner circle. This is a salute to all mothers out there!

The human condition in all of its glory and fragility, reveals itself in the most unlikely places. On the Bag is a documentary film about Irish-Australian Dennis Hayes, an aging divorcee golf caddy who works for Kanna Takanashi, the only Japanese woman on the Ladies European Golf Tour. We follow the couple by bus, plane and train to Ireland, Italy and Portugal, observing firsthand the painful yet sometimes comic deterioration of the pair's professional relationship. The good hearted yet volatile Dennis, who leads a hand-to-mouth existence and lacks sleep, money and tact, makes more than a few crucial errors both on and off the course. This ultimately leads to a decision which will dramatically change both their lives.

Balloon twister Addi Somekh sees colours and shapes coming out of your head, and brings his visions to life in the form of elaborate sculptural balloon hats. By chance, he meets a photographer, Charlie Eckert, who shares his weariness at the barrage of violent images driving the global media. When Charlie offhandedly suggests bringing the balloon hats to random people around the world, Addi agrees, and the two of them set out on a journey to create a photo art book drawn from their adventures. As BALLOONHAT travels through different countries, it reveals not only the travails of a grassroots art project but also America's changing status on the world stage. Each new culture's embrace of their balloon art - from Rio's beaches to the rubble or Sarajevo - stands in stark contrast to the narrowed world view Addi and Charlie find upon their return as they seek an outlet to spread the beauty of their project, and instead are forced to confront the realities of a post-millennial America.

Filmed over a period of 18 months, Bedroom Radio is a story of Pirate radio broadcasting, Love, Life, and Death on a different Scottish frequency. Gary (DJ Allusion) and Yvonne (DJ Miss-Chief) are a young couple who live on a tough Paisley housing estate in Scotland. Most nights they broadcast from their one bedroom flat on Gary’s pirate radio station: Allusion FM. In a world where the drug dealer and money lender rule, and where alcoholism and violence are an everyday reality, it is ironic that the only positive thing that this young couple can do for themselves is illegal. Bedroom Radio is an intimate and compassionate insight into life on the wrong side of the M8’s hard shoulder. It captures the highs, lows, dreams and tragedy of scheme life, yet remains a positive film about aspirations, hopes and dreams in a notoriously deprived area of Scotland. Bedroom Radio is conviction filmmaking at its best - high energy, risky, rough, tragic and 100% human…Filmed and directed by Doug Aubrey.

In the Annapurna region of the Himalayas, a group of young Tibetan refugees dream of one day, playing as a nation in the World Cup. With the help of two Scottish football coaches and strips from Scottish football teams, Celtic and Patrick Thistle a re-enactment of the 1971 Scottish League Final is arranged to be played between two Tibetan camps high in the mountains of Nepal. This is the true and inspiring story of how this all came together, and how a promise made by filmmaker Jak Milroy, four years ago, was kept to give these young refugees hope and a dream of freedom.

While the tragic fate of Armenians in the World War I era has received a substantial amount of attention in news and documentary programming, the story of the Armenian Revolt -- the struggle against the Ottoman Empire to create a new Armenian nation -- has been almost completely overlooked. The Armenian Revolt: 1894-1920, tells the story of the Armenian revolutionary movement, and how it waged a civil war against the Ottoman Empire for 26 years. This program documents the historical facts of the Armenian Revolt, based on archival sources and commentary by Turkish, European and U.S. experts (including one Armenian scholar). The documentary will reveal how the Great Powers -- France, Britain and Russia -- bear a large historical responsibility in generating strife between Armenians and Muslims. These powers supplied money, arms and encouragement to the Armenian rebels in their struggle against the Ottoman Empire. However, the Great Powers "sold out" the Armenian nationalists at the Paris Peace Conference, and withdrew their support for a new Armenian homeland.This is compelling viewing on a subject that is still not resolved today. This documentary will shed light to reveal a balanced story in the challenge to find out the truth about this buried part of western history.

Three men who were forced to spend years and years on Robben Island Tat Elias, Vusumzi Mcongo, Tat Sindile Mngqibisa - imprisoned by the apartheid regime. After their release they are free to turn their back on the island, but these three men return to Robben Island every day - still living and now working on the island which changed their lives as well as the life within South Africa. What is it that makes them come back? Is it the freedom they now have, the choice to come and go? How have their lives been under the New South Africa? Back Home follows the paths of these three extraordinary men as we relive their time as victims of the apartheid system, their memories reflecting the shocking experiences on the prison island. Starting from the construction of the prison and ending with Nelson Mandela's release, for the first time, this program will reveal the stories of the men who have never left their island prison. The attitudes and motives will surprise you.

Born out of the warrior tradition of Japan, sumo wrestling has been a spiritual and cultural phenomenon for hundred of years. Until this day, it has remained a mystery to the outside world. Journey into the private life of Kyokushuzan, one of the world's top sumo wrestlers and ex-patriot son of Mongolia. He sees himself as an eagle, swift and merciless in his pursuit of the dream: fame, fortune and the promise of his passage to Bushido, The Way of the Warrior? Kyokushuzan is known as a rebel in the sumo community, he's a foreigner, a stranger in a strange land. His story unfolds as we follow him into places that the established Sumo Association would sometimes rather outsiders not go. Through witty banter, fast cuts and exciting sporting action, The Mongolian Eagle becomes more than just a cultural documentary, it is a provocative glimpse into a shrouded world and a thrilling guest for glory in the ring. Inter-cut with stunning visuals of the Mongolian landscape and the rush of Japan, we experience firsthand the difficult transitions that these ancient cultures are going through on their way to modernity. Join us for passage into a world you have yet to experience but will never forget - and cheer along a man whose passion for his sport pushes him to overcome the greatest odds.

A chemical generation war story. A film that’s more Plane-spotting than Train spotting: A rockumentary portrait of the lives of a generation who have grown up, fought, resisted and simply survived a decade of war in the Balkans. A generation who fully embraced the punk and DIY ethos and who refused to be bullied either by an oppressive regime, or by the bombs of NATO. Humans against killing sounds like junkies against dope: See You in the Next War is an-all digital documentary feature that tells a story about the war in Yugoslavia from the perspective of the staff, friends and listeners of the rebel radio station, Belgrade radio B92. Filmed and directed by Doug Aubrey.

The children can't afford to buy shoes or lunch. Teachers are forced to teach without textbooks. The school has no money for buses. The children must walk to school through one of the most gang-infested areas of Los Angeles County. Sound like a nightmare scenario from the early 1980's? This is 2005 and this is Compton.Teaching and Learning in Compton is an all-access pass to the inner-city high school experience in Los Angeles. From riots and gangs to laughter and hope, this documentary presents the uncut story of the losers and winners in the battle to educate America's youth in one of its most crime-ridden and poverty stricken cities.

VVictim of Geography walks on the wired, weird and wild sides of Europe. Based on a road-trip from the centre of a vortex (war-torn Sarajevo) to the edge of an abyss (Cape Wrath at Scotland’s most northerly tip), Victim of Geography redefined the creative documentary form/road movie genre for a pre-millennium/techno-tuned in and turned on audience. Visually rich and multi-textured, Victim of Geography is a documentary `postcard from the edge’ that shoots from the hip and crosses the political geography, time and territory of Europe, in the company of the sad, mad, lost, rebellious and dangerous to know.

People conjure up all sorts of images when it comes to Australia: the Sydney Harbor Bridge and Sydney Opera House, Melbourne's exciting Australian Open tennis tournament, that strange beast that is Australian rules football. But, for me, when I think about Australia, I think about wine-great wine. That's what this show is all about-fantastic wine. Our hosts are the McWilliam's family as we visit two of their estates-Lovedale in the heart of the historic Hunter Valley north of Sydney, and Lillydale in the Yarra Valley outside Melbourne. From Semillion to Shiraz, and everything in between, learn what makes these regions, and these wines, so wonderful!

A pearl on the Pacific Ocean, Mazatlan is waiting to be discovered. This is real" Mexico

Ever eaten eight dozen oysters in three days? I have, and I'm not just here to tell you about it, I'm here to show it to you. Apalachacola Bay oysters are some of the tastiest I've ever eaten, and they're just one of the taste treats you'll find along Florida's Northwest Coast. There's also shrimp, Tupelo Honey, smoked mullet, and in general, more fresh seafood than you could ever tire of. From the beautiful Watercolor Inn and its outstanding Fish Out of Water Restaurant, to the incredible oyster and other seafood delicacies in Apalachacola, this is a seafood lover's dream.

I've wanted to travel to South Africa for as long as I can remember. I've known for a long time how good their wines were, and in recent tastings, I've seen them get even better. But, this trip wasn't about wine-it was about a discovery-the discovery of a magical elixir called Amarula Cream Liquor. Created from the indigenous Marula fruit, and harvested by native tribesmen, Amarula Cream Liquor is like no other spirit I've ever tasted. See the elephants who eat the Marula and spread the seeds, meet the natives who gather and sell the precious fruit, and see the process that turns the fruit into something I can only describe as "otherworldly". From the sophistication of Capetown to the unforgettable experience of a real African safari, this show has a little something for everyone.

Everyone knows of Ontario's Niagara on the Lake region: its wines, its rustic charm, its excellent cuisine. But, here, I'm going to introduce you to the new kid on the block-the emerging wine and tourism region known as Prince Edward County. Right on the lake, Prince Edward County has it all: great wine, great scenery, and, of course, excellent cuisine. It's another reason to head north of the border, and one more chance for me to get back to one of my favorite destinations the world over-Ontario, Canada!

It's not exactly a name that rolls off your tongue, but the Turks and Caicos is a true Caribbean gem.I'll take you inside this island paradise, starting with two wonderful upscale resorts-The Grace Bay Club and the Turks and Caicos club. Both offer outstanding amenities, pristine white sand beaches, and excellent cuisine! Come along as I dive into some island classics!

Travel to the beautiful and bucolic region of Beaujolais, France. It's harvest time, and the Gamay grapes are ripe and ready. This show gives you a first-hand look at the vines, wines, history, passion, and personality of Beaujolais, before bringing it all home for some great ideas for Beaujolais and Barbecue. Guests include the Barbecue Queens, Karen Adler and Judith Fertig, and wine guru Doug Frost, one of only two holders of the titles, "Master of Wine" and "Master Sommelier." If you love wine and food, this show's for you, and if you don't, what they heck are you doing on my website?

One of the great things about a trip to Napa or Sonoma is all of the great places to stay and play. Of course, the wines are great, and we'll sample those too at Sonoma standout Benziger, but we've also got a couple of terrific resorts for you to check out. In Napa, it's the Silverado Resort-a haven for golfers and diners alike. On the Sonoma side is the classic Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa. Whether you're just in for a visit, in search of some spa pampering, or on the prowl for a world-class meal, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa has it all. And, should you choose to venture out in search of sustenance, and I encourage you to do so, one of your best choices in the Wolf House-a relatively new venture offering really excellent cuisine just up the road from the Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa in the tiny town of Glen Ellen. If you love to wine, dine, and recline, this is the program for you!

I love great hotels! When the service, amenities, and cuisine come together in a special environment, a hotel stay can be magical. These are two of the finest hotels on the planet, and they both happen to be in my hometown, Chicago. At The Fairmont Chicago, the main eatery is Aria, and it carries quite a tune. Located just a stone's throw from Lake Michigan and just a block off the famed Magnificent Mile, The Fairmont has it all, and I'm going to show you all that I can. Two of Chi-town's finest indeed! At the Peninsula Chicago, the experience is no less world-class. Built atop and existing development, the Peninsula Chicago reaches rarified air. It's dining options, meantime, from The Shanghai Terrace to Avenues, are some of the best in the city. Two great hotels, one great show, now that's worth tuning in for!

I can't think of many places I enjoy visiting more than Tuscany. With incredible wines, fantastic cuisine, and a history so rich you can cut it with a knife, Tuscany is the perfect place for a show like mine. Come along as I explore the great Tuscan wines of DaVinci. Produced by a collection of growers featuring their finest vineyards and grapes, DaVinci's wines are efforts with real Tuscan soul. I'll pair them with cuisine, show you where they come from and how they're made, and of course, do my share of tasting. Whether you've been to Tuscany or not, this show will make you feel as though you have.

From the rutted football pitches and lethal minefields of Kosovo, comes the compelling story of a football dream amid the on-going Balkan nightmare. Filmmaker Doug Aubrey follows football coach Scotty Lee on a near heart-of-darkness type journey through a country scarred by inter-ethnic hatred and littered with the lethal debris of NATO's war. A Different Pitch is a unique and at times shocking grass-roots insight into the effects of war on a generation. It is a timely reminder that Football, the people's game, is not just a way of life, but can actually help save lives.