The Blind Detective Movies

He began as the internet version of a campfire ghost story; a homicidal creature called ‘Slender Man’, an unnaturally tall and thin man with a featureless white face, dressed in a black suit. So long as he remained fictional, he was harmless. However, for two 12-year-old girls, ‘Slender Man’ became a very real obsession. One day they lured a young friend into the woods and stabbed her 19 times. Miraculously she survived, and the police caught her would-be killers. This gripping film documents this fascinating case and trial. With exclusive interviews from the police, lawyers, and psychologists, it asks some uncomfortable questions. The girls believed they were killing for ‘Slender Man’, but what really drove them to attempt murder? Should children be tried as adults? Can society punish someone for being mentally ill? And is ‘Slender Man’ becoming more than just fiction? FACTUAL / CRIME & INVESTIGATION

Produced by Dorsey Pictures for Reelz (US)

‘Motive to Murder’ takes a fascinating, fast-paced and forensic look into some of the real-life murder cases that have made headlines around the world: from crimes of passion and opportunistic slayings, to motiveless murders and acts of terrorism. The deadly widow behind five murdered husbands. A religious cult’s mass suicide deep in the South American jungle. The prominent political family implicated in the mysterious murder of a British businessman in China. Each episode profiles a compelling True Crime story, viewing it from every possible angle, from motive to murder to the criminal investigation.

FACTUAL / CRIME & INVESTIGATION

Produced by Bellum Entertainment for Escape (US)

‘The Greatest Crimes of All Time’ shines a fascinating spotlight on the murders, heists, kidnappings and extortions that have thrilled the world. Each episode explores four of history’s most heinous, twisted and unusual criminal cases and their perpetrators, from the cleverest bank robbers to legendary mob bosses, infamous female killers and notorious serial killers. Who was the deadly drug dealer who became one of the world’s richest men? Which dramatic bank heist played out live on TV? How did a serial killer slay 13 victims in only one year? All these questions and more are answered with the aid of high-profile expert interviews and eye-witness testimonies from those who were directly involved in the cases.

FACTUAL / CRIME & INVESTIGATION

Produced by Maximus Film GmbH for kabel eins (Germany)

On 16 October, 1984, the body of four-year-old Grégory Villemin was dragged from the Vologne River, his wrists and ankles bound as though for a barbaric, pagan sacrifice. The next day, an anonymous poison-pen letter sent to the boy’s parents claimed responsibility for the murder. The writer of that letter would become known as ‘The Crow’. This is the beginning of the most infamous cold case in French history. Over the next 35 years, ‘L’Affaire Grégory’ would do more than simply grab the public’s attention; it would become an obsession for many involved. As the investigation continued to twist and turn with startling revelations, the Vologne curse would not just claim the life of young Grégory Villemin, but three more people. This absorbing documentary is about an evil that cannot be found; a remote community riven with resentment; and a family torn apart by grief, suspicion and hatred. FACTUAL / CRIME & INVESTIGATION

Directed by Pierre Hurel (‘Macron, la Stratégie du Météore’) Produced by Elephant Group for France 3 (France)

Eight of the ten most successful movies of all time are based on the genre of fantasy. With ‘Game of Thrones’ broadcast in 173 countries simultaneously, and over 400 million ‘Harry Potter’ books sold, there’s no denying the world loves fantasy! Over two episodes ‘The History of Fantasy’ explores the origins of this hugely popular genre, and reveals how its immersive storylines and legendary heroes have evolved over time to reflect the world’s changing political and social landscapes. The series guides us on a journey from the extraordinary ‘Lord of the Rings’ film locations in New Zealand, to the passionate community of fans who keep the genre alive. Along the way we meet some of fantasy’s greatest visionaries – such as ‘Star Wars’ producer Gary Kurtz, and novelist George R. R. Martin – for an unparalleled insight into how these mythical worlds are born. FACTUAL / HISTORY

Produced by K22 Film for ZDF (Germany) and arte (France)

When we think of factories, we think of vast assembly lines manufacturing our cars or packaging our goods and technologies – but there is so much more to them than this. Factories have not only shaped our history, they have built our modern world, giving us the power to create, build, destroy and consume as never before. This five-part documentary series explores how the factory has grown from humble beginnings, continuously reinventing itself to remain at the cutting edge of science and design. Each episode looks at a different industry or innovation, from the evolution of car manufacturing to the role of factories in the rise of mass consumption. They have launched us into space, and they have powered us through wars; where will the factories of the future take us next? FACTUAL / HISTORY

Produced by Wildbear Entertainment for NTV (Germany)

Since their invention, trains have changed the way we live. This captivating series takes us on a journey through the history of these marvelous machines: a voyage of discovery through every continent, each with its own unique stories to tell about ‘The Iron Horse’. In Africa, we hear about the Cape-to-Cairo railway, an ambitious yet unfinished project started by the British Empire to establish control over the continent. In America, there were extraordinary feats of engineering and endurance to drive a railway over – and through – the Rocky Mountains. And in India, the colonial railway building program formed the basis of what is now the fourth largest railway network and eighth largest employer in the world. Charting the history of mankind itself, from revolution and war to extraordinary technological and scientific advances, this compelling series reveals the story of how trains have helped define our world. FACTUAL / HISTORY

Produced by Wildbear Entertainment for Quest (UK)

The concept of democracy was developed by the Ancient Greeks; everything we know about Space began with the Babylonians, and the roots of the binary system that drives today’s computers can be found in Ancient Egypt. The legacies left behind by the civilizations which developed around the Mediterranean as long as 5000 years ago, have become the foundations of much of what we take for granted today. By investigating a range of objects and concepts as diverse as irrigation, roads, political systems, and even the alphabet, this captivating series reveals how the footprints of ancient civilizations are everywhere. Each episode focuses on a different theme, such as the arts, science and technology, society, architecture, communication and agriculture, and demonstrates how ancient technological, social and philosophical ideas can change the course of history. FACTUAL / HISTORY

Produced by Big Media for Polsat (Poland)

‘Man’s First Friend’ is an epic, primetime documentary that combines natural history, science and anthropology filmmaking with state-of-the-art visual effects and dramatic reconstructions to explore the centuries-old relationship between humankind and dogs. Where did dogs come from, how did they take such a prominent position in our lives, and how did we learn to harness their unique talents? Viewers are taken on an extraordinary journey through some of the most remote locations in the world to answer these questions and understand how we evolved together. Along the way, we see the pariah dog in India who protects her owner’s banana plantations from daily attacks by black-headed monkeys, and the Kenyan bloodhounds trained to track ivory poachers. This stunning documentary, shot in 4K, is a compelling and definitive look at man’s enduring relationship with dogs. FACTUAL / HISTORY

Directed by Fred Fougea Produced by Boreales in co-production with Winds and NHK for France Télévision (France)