BBC four

For the wildlife and people who live amongst the epic scenery of the Lake District, life is one of continuous change. Cutting-edge camera techniques give a new and unique perspective on a turbulent year in the life of England's largest national park. Time-lapse photography shows months and weeks passing in seconds – snow and ice giving way to sunshine or the frequent rain showers – whilst the anim

Capturing the beauty of the English Lake District, a documentary which traces the life of writer and artist Alfred Wainwright, the eccentric Lancastrian who created a series of iconic fell-walking books which he hand-wrote, illustrated and published himself in the 1950s. Celebrating the centenary of his birth, the film captures his passionate love affair with the Lakeland landscape and explores ho

Ludwig II of Bavaria, more commonly known by his nicknames the Swan King or the Dream King, is a legendary figure – the handsome boy-king, loved by his people, betrayed by his cabinet and found dead in tragic and mysterious circumstances. He spent his life in pursuit of the ideal of beauty, which found expression in three of the most extraordinary, ornate architectural schemes imaginable – the cas

Marking the thirtieth birthday, in 2019, of Bangarra Dance Theatre – an Indigenous Australian and Torres Strait Islander organisation, and one of Australia's leading performing arts companies – Firestarter takes audiences on a tour of Bangarra's birth and spectacular growth. It presents its founders and tells the story of how three young Indigenous Australian brothers – Stephen, David and Russell

Documentary featuring pioneering images that capture China's most beautiful landscapes and their inhabitants. The fairytale hills of Guilin and the cormorant fishermen of the Li River form the heart of this exploration of the colourful rice-growing cultures and strange creatures of southern China – a land of endless hills, mysterious caverns, spectacular rock pinnacles and traditional cultures wit

Since the revolution brought Ayatollah Khomeini to power in Iran in 1979, the country has been synonymous with radical Islam. Western documentary makers are rarely granted access, but journalist Samira Ahmed has been given an exceptional opportunity to discover the country's multifaceted culture and extraordinary history. In this episode, she travels to places that reveal how the Persian Empire ca

Who are you, Martin Parr? Since the 1970s, Martin Parr has fearlessly held out his unique photographic mirror and given us some of the most extraordinary and unique visual clichés of modern times. We follow this tireless adventurer on a road trip, his camera trigger finger always at the ready to capture the smallest details of everyday life. Sometimes serious, often absurd but always playful, his

Ludwig II of Bavaria, more commonly known by his nicknames the Swan King or the Dream King, is a legendary figure – the handsome boy-king, loved by his people, betrayed by his cabinet and found dead in tragic and mysterious circumstances. He spent his life in pursuit of the ideal of beauty, which found expression in three of the most extraordinary, ornate architectural schemes imaginable – the cas

Who are you, Martin Parr? Since the 1970s, Martin Parr has fearlessly held out his unique photographic mirror and given us some of the most extraordinary and unique visual clichés of modern times. We follow this tireless adventurer on a road trip, his camera trigger finger always at the ready to capture the smallest details of everyday life. Sometimes serious, often absurd but always playful, his

Since the revolution brought Ayatollah Khomeini to power in Iran in 1979, the country has been synonymous with radical Islam. Western documentary makers are rarely granted access, but journalist Samira Ahmed has been given an exceptional opportunity to discover the country's multifaceted culture and extraordinary history. In this episode, she travels to places that reveal how the Persian Empire ca

Michael Portillo strikes out to explore the Britain of his youth. He's a 'boomer', born in the decade after the end of the Second World War, and he recalls the optimism and excitement of rebuilding a nation exhausted by conflict. He relives the agony and the ecstasy of British Rail and marvels at the new society and culture that emerged in post war Britain. At Preston's Fulwood Barracks in Lancash

Julia Bradbury presents a series of classic walks and climbs in the Lake District. Armed with Wainwright's famous Pictorial Guides, Julia is setting out on some of the biggest and most popular fell walks in the country. Through sunshine and rain, Julia explores the stunning landscape that inspired the late Alfred Wainwright to produce his beautifully crafted guide books. Nobody can call themselves

With Paul Eddington, Nigel Hawthorne, Derek Fowlds, Anthony Carrick, Dennis Lill, Jeffry Wickham. Sitcom about the premiership of Jim Hacker, one-time government minister now elevated to Number 10. When Hacker's predecessor decides to publish his memoirs, Jim tries to suppress a chapter in which he appears in an unfavourable light. The chapter is then leaked to the press, along with the informatio

Elevated to the highest governmental office in unusual circumstances, the Rt Hon James Hacker MP sets about implementing his dream of reshaping Britain, introducing a host of exciting reforms, reinvigorating the economy and cementing his place in political history as a bold public benefactor and inspiring leader. Nothing less than a root and branch upheaval of the stuffy Whitehall machinery will d