Second Run are committed to presenting the work of important contemporary UK documentary filmmakers. Following our release of two films by Kim Longinotto, we are very happy to now present a special edition DVD of three films by Marc Isaacs.

Marc Isaacs worked as an assistant to acclaimed filmmaker Pawel Pawlikowski, who encouraged Isaacs to make his own film. The result was Lift, and from that debut onwards Isaacs has revealed a great capacity to empathise with the protagonists of his films. Never judging by appearances, Isaacs’ skill at getting to know the characters becomes part of the narrative of the film, and their (and our) prejudices and preconceptions are challenged by the reality he finds.

Strong human characters are at the heart of all of Isaacs’ films and “he has quietly built a body of work that puts him amongst the most empathetic documentary observers we have of lives often overlooked” (Time Out). In these three films Isaacs creates a succession of deeply moving portraits, piecing together a unique vision of modern Britain.

The DVD will also contain a newly filmed interview with Marc Isaacs and booklet essays by Nick Fraser (Producer and Series Editor, BBC Storyville) and Graeme Hobbs.