National Geographic documentaries on Into Film+ Premium

13 Dec 2023 in Into Film+

7 mins
Into the Okavango © NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Into the Okavango © NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

We are delighted to announce that the Into Film+ Premium catalogue now includes nine new titles produced and released by National Geographic, long known for its commitment to furthering knowledge and understanding of our world through awe-inspiring visual storytelling. 

These documentaries are suitable for secondary school audiences and are relevant for subjects including Science, Geography and Design & Technology, in addition to exploring themes such as politics, filmmaking, the environment, community and health. These adventurous and thought-provoking films dive into the inspiring work of scientists and documentary makers, sharing extraordinary accounts of climate change and forces of nature and celebrating the ingenuity of the next generation of explorers and engineers.

Scientists on film

From fiery mountain tops to the tenebrous depths of the ocean, one of the most impactful ways for researchers to share their remarkable discoveries is by capturing them on film, thus turning these scientists into accomplished camerapeople. Fire of Love pays tribute to the incredible careers of husband-and-wife team Maurice and Katia Krafft, whose passion for studying volcanoes took them within inches of boiling rivers of lava all over the world, resulting in a remarkable archive of footage, weaved together in this poetic documentary. Similarly, Becoming Cousteau looks back at the work of Jacques Cousteau, a deep-sea diver who pioneered the technology that allowed him to film the wonders of the underwater world, in a bid to help people understand the importance of protecting the environment.

Landscapes under threat

Powerful images can convey the changing reality of the world and galvanise young people into action. As part of the newly added titles, Into the Okavango is an eye-opening documentary about a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Africa that is in urgent need of conservation. The Okavango River and its delta were once a pristine wilderness with a unique ecosystem, but human activity means these are now under siege. The stunning and revealing images captured in this documentary bring this message home. On the other side of the world, the full impact of the most destructive fire in California's history is also understood through the lens of many cameras, as a community bears witness the devastating effect of climate change in Rebuilding Paradise, while also highlighting the resilience of the human spirit.

Heroes beyond the headlines

Dramatic events are often portrayed through superficially striking depictions in the media, but documentary film can help young people engage with the human stories at the heart of them and appreciate the relevance of context. The Rescue documents the incredible efforts made to save a youth football team who in 2018 made international headlines after becoming trapped in a cave in Thailand. Meanwhile, the documentary The Cave shines a light on a very different kind of confinement, as an inspiring young doctor manages an underground hospital in Syria under bombardment, navigating sexism on top of the vast effects of war on the lives of regular citizens. Investigating the personal drive and complications around doing good deeds, We Feed People takes a look at another practical hero, a cook who responds to humanitarian emergencies with the basic provision of food.

The next generation

Following the theme of inspirational people making a difference, these next documentaries spotlight the incredible journeys of teenagers discovering their own potential to create a positive impact through STEM pathways. Own the Room features five young entrepreneurs from very different backgrounds, whose brilliant ideas and inventions promise to be not only life-changing, but world-changing. Science Fair also centres around a world-class competition for young people. But as the passionate students discover, it's not all about winning. Touching on themes such as inequality, confidence, and motivation, the documentary highlights the infinite ways this generation can contribute and relate to society.

How Do I Get Started?

To access Into Film+, all you'll need is an Into Film Account - it's completely free, and only takes a moment to set up. Into Film+ is free to use for all UK state schools that hold a valid Public Video Screening (PVS) Licence from Filmbankmedia.

Filmbankmedia PVS Licences are paid for on behalf of schools by all local authorities in England and by some local authorities in both Wales and Scotland. Into Film NI cover the license cost for some schools in Northern Ireland. For further information on licensing in your locality please see our FAQs.

If you don't have a PVS Licence, or aren't already covered, then a licence can easily be obtained from Filmbankmedia.

* Screenings for an entertainment or extra-curricular purpose require a PVS (Public Video Screening) Licence from Filmbankmedia. State-funded schools in England are covered by the PVS Licence.

Into Film and the Into Film+ streaming service is supported by the UK film industry through Cinema First and the BFI through National Lottery Funding, thanks to National Lottery players. Since the very first National Lottery draw in 1994, public support - raised directly through National Lottery ticket sales - has funded more than 670,000 projects, raising more than £46 billion for good causes.

This Article is part of: Into Film+

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