I've been trying to get projects and loose ends tied up, get my Christmas shopping done and wrapped and posted and just sit down with a mince pie or two to enjoy some Christmas movies, but there's always that one person, isn't there that you don't know what to buy for because they've already got everything or they don't want anything or because they're just generally difficult. And it occurred to me recently while watching a friend's documentary that they make really good Christmas presents for those awkward people, especially the lesser known ones with their specific focus which can be so right for those not obvious presents you love to surprise people with.
So here I thought I'd make some recommends that you may not have come across or even if you have, may not have considered their Christmassy potential for main gifts, stocking stuffers or a treat for yourself there's plenty to choose from to break up the monotony of the Christmas TV specials with!
My top 3 picks for 2011 are:
THE SILVER FOOTPRINT
A fantastic documentary DVD set about the art of Robin Bell, master printer. Robin's photographic prints are highly sought after by the worlds top photographers and he is one of the few who still specialise in hand processing black and white prints to exceptional standards. Even if you don't know their names the work of Don McCullin, Ken Griffiths, Bill Brandt, Ernst Haas, Martyn Colbeck, Ida Kar and Norman Parkinson, amongst others including director Richard Dunkley's own stunning images are iconic recognisable works of art.
The documentary's delve into the work of this master printer, with insights into his processes and interviews with him and the photographers he prints for covers a half century of incredible photographic work, and with a 40 minutes 'extras' package where Robin shows advanced printing and darkroom techniques it's a great gift for any photographer friends or indeed anyone who just loves image and photographic art.
BEYOND BIBA
Barbara Hulanicki changed the face of British fashion in the 60's with her fashion line BIBA and created the off the shelf high street fashion shop model that is still familiar to the way we dress today. Beyond Biba is therefore a fantastic gift for all the fashionistas you may know, but not know what to buy for. But beyond that the film goes on to tell how Barbara's career developed and she found herself a key ingredient in the regeneration of Miami in the late 80's and 90's and where she still works as one of the most respected interior designers in the world.
The film is not all about fashion and design though, it takes us through Barbara's personal history and her incredible life and background, her relationships and personal spirit and how she refuses to be coloured by the shadows of her past. Anyone who loves a bit of gumption will appreciate this.
You can purchase Beyond Biba on Amazon or watch it yourself on demand.
SWEETGRASS
A charming documentary about the modern-day American 'cowboys' (should this not be shepherds?) who lead their flocks of sheep up the Absaroka-Beartooth Montana mountains of Montana to summer pasture. The almost medatitive pace and lush panorama coupled with the gritty herders and their horses dogs and working class grit is epic in it's observational splendour. It's experiential, funny, charming and a little bit different to anything you've seen before. Give it to your quirky friends or those who just need to relax and kick back a while because it's definitely one to relax with.
Sweetgrass is avilable to buy from Dogwoof on Amazon.
And remember folks. Documentaries are for life, not just for Christmas! Happy Chrimble everyone!
And as a little gift from me here's a link to Documentary Heaven where you can watch some fantastic docs yourself for free. ;)
