Get curated editors’ picks, peeks behind the scenes, film recommendations and more.
Covering some 50 miles and more than 10,000 feet of elevation gain, the R2R2R2 (rim-to-rim-to-rim) challenge – running from the south of the Grand Canyon to the north, and back again – is demanding, even in the world of endurance athletes. In The Middle of the World, the US artist and endurance runner Aaron Garcia explains why the considerable pain and black toenails are worth it, for moments of pure elation and even transcendence on the trail. Following his friend Garcia on his run, the US filmmaker Andrew Q Holzschuh directs a sparse, stylish meditation on the mental rewards of pushing your body to its limits.
Via Beyond the Short
Directors: Andrew Q Holzschuh, Aaron Garcia
Website: Atmospheric
video
Engineering
A close-up look at electronic paper reveals its exquisite patterns – and limitations
9 minutes
video
Architecture
West Africa was once an architectural laboratory. Is it time for a revival?
12 minutes
video
Work
A Swedish expat in the Philippines wonders: what’s up with people sleeping at work?
14 minutes
video
Biography and memoir
The unique life philosophy of Abdi, born in Somalia, living in the Netherlands
29 minutes
video
Cognition and intelligence
What’s this buzz about bees having culture? Inside a groundbreaking experiment
8 minutes
video
Earth science and climate
The only man permitted in Bhutan’s sacred mountains chronicles humanity’s impact
22 minutes
video
Art
‘If you’re creative, why can’t you create a solution?’ One artist’s imaginative activism
17 minutes
video
The ancient world
An ancient Roman’s hilarious (and perhaps relatable) response to a social snub
2 minutes
video
Death
A hunter’s lyrical reflection on the humbling business of being mortal
6 minutes