This year we are delighted to host the 2023 FOCAL Awards at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms on June 15th, we hope you can join us. Congratulations to all the shortlisted nominees.
2023 shortlisted nominations
Janet Jackson
Director:
Benjamin Hirsch
Producer(s):
Kevin Macdonald, Rick Murray, Janet Jackson, Randy Jackson, Brie Miranda Bryant
Archive Researchers/ Producer:
Hoe Swindells, Catalina Curbishley, Archie Carlisle, Gordon King, Sam Dwyer, Paul Bell, Camilla Wheeler
Archival Sources:
JDJ Entertainment, CBS Media Ventures, BBC Motion Gallery / Getty Images, ABCNews Videosource, Universal Music Group
Production Company:
Workerbee Documentary Films, AEC
Country of Production:
United Kingdom, United States
Synopsis
This is the intimate, no-holds-barred story of Janet Jackson. With a career that spans five decades, she is one of the best-selling, highest-earning female artists in history. But as the youngest member of one of the most famous musical dynasties, Janet’s story is laced with tragedy, controversy and upset. Now at the age of 55, as she returns to the limelight after becoming a mother for the first time, she is looking for answers. From the Superbowl to her brother Michael, no stone will be left unturned as she speaks openly and honestly, about life as a Jackson.
God Said Give 'Em Drum Machines
Director:
Kristian R. Hill
Producer(s):
Jennifer Washington
Archive Researcher/ Producer:
Nyeri Adolphus, Masha Mikhailova
Archival Sources:
Retro Video, Inc. and Nathaniel Morris, Detroit Historical Society, Kinolibrary, Norman "Normski" Anderson, Bell Media
Production Company:
Washington Hill Pictures, XTR
Country of Production:
United States
Synopsis
'God Said Give 'Em Drum Machines' is the story behind one of Detroit’s great contributions to world culture: Techno, the electronic music phenomenon created by Black artists in the 1980s that transformed dance music internationally and blossomed into the multi-billion dollar industry of EDM today.
Meet Me In The Bathroom
Director:
Will Lovelace, Dylan Southern
Producer(s):
Sam Bridger, Vivienne Perry, Marisa Clifford, Thomas Benski, Danny Gabai, Suroosh Alvi, Will Lovelace, Dylan Southern
Archive Researcher/ Producer:
Wyatt Stone, James McDonald
Archival Sources:
Nanci Sarrouf, Piper Ferguson, Andrew Einhorn, Joly Macfie, Patrick Daughters
Production Company:
Pulse Films, XTR, Vice, Utopia, Universal
Country of Production:
United States, United Kingdom
Synopsis
An immersive archival journey through the explosive New York music scene of the early 2000s. Meet Me in the Bathroom, tells the story of the last great romantic age of Rock’n’Roll through the prism of a handful of era defining bands; THE STROKES, LCD SOUNDSYSTEM, YEAH YEAH YEAHs, INTERPOL.
Nothing Compares
Director:
Kathryn Ferguson
Footage Archive Producer:
Jo Stones
Executive Producer:
John Reynolds, Charlotte Cook, Lesley McKimm, Lucy Pullin, Lisa Marie Russo
Produced by:
Eleanor Emptage, Michael Mallie
Archival Sources:
RTE Archive, BBC Motion Gallery and NBC News archives (via Getty), Blue Raincoat, INA/Rapido, AP Archives
Production Company:
SHOWTIME Documentary Films Presents, Tara Films and Ard Mhacha Productions Co-Production
Country of Production:
United States, Ireland
Synopsis
An exploration of Sinead O'Connor's rise and fall and her enduring cultural impact. By the age of 20, O'Connor was one of Ireland's brightest rising stars but her decision to use her fame as a platform to speak out on a number of controversial issues shifted her narrative from global stardom to worldwide condemnation. In a new interview, O'Connor reveals the abusive upbringing that left her feeling betrayed by both church and community and ultimately led her to find the therapeutic power of music.
Moonage Daydream
Director:
Brett Morgen
Producer(s):
Brett Morgen
Footage Archive Producer:
Jessica Berman-Bogdan
Archival Sources:
The Bowie Estate, BBC, Canal +, Reelin in the Years, Getty Images
Production Company:
Public Road Productions Inc.
Country of Production:
United States
Synopsis
Moonage Daydream illuminates the life and genius of David Bowie, one of the most prolific and influential artists of our time.
Told through sublime, kaleidoscopic, never-before-seen footage, performances and music, Brett Morgen’s (The Kid Stays in the Picture, Cobain: Montage of Heck, Jane) feature length experiential cinematic odyssey explores David Bowie’s creative, musical and spiritual journey. The film is guided by David Bowie’s own narration and is the first officially sanctioned film on the artist.
