S2.E5 ∙ Episode #2.5

Touchdown Israel, a feature length documentary presents the broad religious and cultural diversity that is Israel, and illustrates how sports can be both metaphor and unifier for the world around it. American football has set down real roots in the holy land. The playing levels vary widely, but the cast of characters is utterly compelling, Israeli Jews, Arabs and Christians as well as Americans living in Israel, and religious settlers. Interview subjects include league sponsor and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. Touchdown Israel brings light to Israels complex, multifaceted society, offering a view of the human aspect of Israeli life, including the values of teamwork, unity, sacrifice and excellence.

Kiera, a determined young woman and quadruple amputee since childhood, fights against stereotype and physical expectations as she fulfills her desire to dance and choreograph. All the while, her younger sister Uriah, who has long been both muse and best friend, struggles with the need to fulfill her own independent life and identity. Filmmaker Susan Hess Logeais is drawn into their journey, documenting the strain on their relationship as they pursue their separate paths and grow apart. In the end, their shared love of dance draws the sisters back together, healing their deep bond.

The story of a gay American Peace Corp volunteer who moved to Iran in 1968 and fell in love with an Iranian man. Ten years on and just prior to the revolution igniting, the American was forced to leave Iran, and his partner. The couple was reunited after 35 years in May of 2012 in Turkey. Their reuniting takes an unexpected turn in Istanbul, now they face their biggest challenge.

Big Elk and Che-wee-na, both of the Great Bear tribe, are engaged to be married. White Wolf, the son of the chief of another tribe, offers to buy Che-wee-na; when her father refuses, Little Wolf challenges Big Elk to a physical contest that Big Elk wins. Embittered, Little Wolf provokes a war between the tribes, abducting Che-wee-na while Big Elk and the other Great Bear warriors are away from their camp. Che-wee-na feigns insanity among Little Wolf's people, who think that she is in communication with the great spirits. She wins the gratitude of the tribe when she nurses a sick child to health, but in so doing incurs the jealousy of the tribe's medicine man, who accuses her of poisoning the tribe's water supply. Che-wee-na is about to be burned at the stake when Big Elk and his warriors rescue her. The lovers are united among their people.

Dramatised documentary commemorating the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway by George Stephenson, enabled by the foresight and financial backing of Edward Pease, a Quaker from Darlington. Shown in the 150th anniversary of the railway's opening.