BBC News Special: The Presidential Address

On the oldest Roman road in the capital, filmmaker Marc Isaacs weaves together numerous poignant stories of loss and the search for belonging into a tapestry of the human experience. Young Irishwoman Keelta leaves home to build a new life for herself on the road where old Irish labourer Billy is struggling to find meaning to his life. Peggy, a 95-year-old Jewish refugee from Vienna, and Brigitte, a German-born former air hostess, have both suffered bad husbands; Iqbal, an unassuming Indian hotel concierge, awaits the arrival of his wife from Kashmir. This film forces us to recognise the struggles and preoccupations of its characters as our own.

Shirley Tan came from the Philippines decades ago, and built a life with her partner Jay, giving birth to twin boys and becoming a full-time mom. But Shirley faced the biggest challenge of her life as she fought to stay on in the United States, crippled by laws that do not allow gay and lesbian couples to sponsor their partners.

The New Year's Day tradition continues as marching bands and beautifully crafted floats stroll down Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, California.