The first episode in the series focuses on Chang-an, which in modern-day China is called Xi-an. It was formerly the capital of China and the source of the Silk Road which ran from there to Rome. In ancient times it was the largest city in the world.
Introduction to The Silk Road Series
Tomorrow I start posting the 12-part Silk Road series. I found this series about 2 years ago, and have watched it all the way through three times by now, and individual episodes at other times.
Iraq in Fragments
Nearly all the films about Iraq focus on the American forces, whether they are for or against them. But hardly ever do we see what it is like to live under the occupying forces and the internal violence that has sprung up in the country.
102 Minutes that Changed America
This is the most powerful documentary I have seen about the events of 9/11. It has no narrative and is basically compiled from mainly amateur footage shot as the events were unfolding in live-time.
Prasad Bhandarkar: Bansuri Raga Shivranjani
Here are 10 minutes of magic on the Bansuri (Indian Bamboo Flute) from Prasad Bhandarkar, one of the leading disciples of Hari Prasad Chaurasia, accompanied by some friends on the Mood India series.
Avalokiteshvara with a Thousand Arms Dance
This is a wonderful evocation of the spirit of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshwara! The performers are from the China Disabled Peoples Performance Art Troupe in Hubei, and all of the dancers are deaf and mute.
The Miracle of Bali 3: Recital Of Music
This episode is about music and dancing in the Balinese village of Peliatan, the separate items linked by an appropriately illustrative detail from Balinese paintings.
The Miracle of Bali 2: Night
The second episode in this documentary series from 1969 covers the animistic rituals and festivals of Bali, officially Hindu, but with origins in ancient ceremonials practised long before Hinduism came to the island.
The Miracle of Bali 1: The Midday Sun
This is the first in a 3-part series about Bali made by David Attenborough in 1969. This episode is a general introduction to Bali, its people and their varied arts.
