In-Flight Enlightenment: Ideas That Travel Well

After Ideas Roadshow was featured in The Economist, we received numerous requests from major airlines to bring our seriously-entertaining programmes on board. Since then our content has been flying with many airlines, including Air France, Air New Zealand, Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta, Emirates, Garuda Indonesia, Qatar Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia and WestJet.

ART FILMS


An illuminating examination of Sofonisba Anguissola’s iconic masterpiece as a window into the artist’s full oeuvre while painting a detailed picture of Sofonisba’s journey and the world she lived in to become one of the most accomplished female artists of her time.
Runtime: 66′
Trailer: HERE
An absorbing analysis which shines because of its exceptional subject: the pioneering female Renaissance artist Sofonisba Anguissola and her psychologically luminous portraiture. “- The Guardian


RAPHAEL’S SCHOOL OF ATHENS (2025)
A captivating film examining one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring monuments to the magnificence of the Italian Renaissance. By unveiling its rich symbolism layer by layer and exploring the elegantly subtle levels of meaning, we get a profound sense of the elaborately constructed beauty and harmony of this extraordinary masterwork by Raphael.
Runtime: 81′
🎬 Trailer: HERE
A rewarding and very clear study of Raphael’s fresco, arguably the high point of the artist’s prodigious output.” – The Guardian
A beautiful, fascinating, thought-provoking film.David Essex, curator NGA


Botticelli’S PRIMAVERA (2025)
A visually-stunning film taking a fresh look at the different mysteries and often conflicting interpretations surrounding Botticelli’s Primavera, its rich mythology and allegories, the sumptuous event it was created for, the impact of humanism, classical poetry, Rome, the Medici family and more. Astonishing close-up details make this film an inspiring experience.
Runtime: 60′
🎬 Trailer: HERE
A lucid, thoughtful and well-reasoned study of a Renaissance masterpiece.” – The Guardian
“A film that melds art history with detective work:” – The Reviews Hub 
This is a very good film, in particular the visuals” – Art historian Martin Kemp


RAPHAEL: A PORTRAIT (2024)
A fascinating film providing a detailed, unprecedented exploration of the extraordinary life, achievements and legacy of Raphael (1483-1520), one of the most prolific and influential artists of the Italian Renaissance.

This engaging film offers a compelling narrative with an abundance of breathtakingly beautiful art and intriguing contextual details.
Runtime: 148′
🎬 Trailer: HERE
Impressive and illuminating – The Guardian
A captivating film filled with stunning visuals and rich historical context..” – Ross King, best-selling author
Meticulously researched..much to enjoy for even the dilettante.” – National Post
Beautifully shot & illuminating– Art historian Jane Stevenson

THROUGH THE MIRROR OF CHESS: A CULTURAL EXPLORATION

2023: A detailed investigation into the story of chess and its remarkable impact on culture, art, science, sport, social and personal empowerment, AI, education and more across the centuries up to the present day.

The film offers an experience of cinematic storytelling at its best with an engaging narrative and exciting visuals.

A fascinating stroll through the history of the game, pausing to examine its many cultural connections to the world at large.” – National Post

Versions: 4 x 60′ / 1 x 60′

CONVERSATIONS WORTH WATCHING (MP3 & MP4 FORMAT)

The Science of Siren Songs: Stradivari Unveiled – Master violinmaker Joseph Curtin in conversation with Howard Burton

🎧 🎬 Available in MP4 and MP3 format.

We’ve produced a large number of wide-ranging conversations with top experts exploring frontline research while revealing the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research.

Exercise That Brain: Often academics, they seem to enjoy the talks as much as Howard Burton: indeed both sides evince an enthusiasm for the subject under discussion that the watcher can’t help but warm to.” 

Below are some of the many fascinating topics that are covered – contact us for the full catalogue:

  • Art
  • Architecture
  • Astronomy
  • Bioluminescence
  • Bridge & other games
  • Business
  • Extraterrestrial life
  • Genius
  • History
  • Intelligence
  • Music
  • Neuroscience
  • Sign language
  • Sleep science
  • Sustainability
  • Wellness
  • Positive emotions
  • Psychology

SHORT DOCS

Ideas Roadshow offers an extensive collection of original short docs about a wide range of captivating subjects. Below are some samples.

MEDIA REVIEWS

Ideas Roadshow was featured in the September/October 2023 edition of Inflight Magazine (HERE, start p.55)

Ideas Roadshow Branches into Podcasts, Creates Documentary Tackling COVID-19 (July 2021)
“… prioritize content that informs and engages

Why Documentary Content Is In Demand Right Now (Februray 2021)
“… experience first-hand the passion, dedication and joy of those making a wide range of intriguing discoveries.

Inflight Enlightenment: Airlines Bring Enriching Entertainment On Board (2016)
“… reviving “the art of conversation,” keeping interviews natural and informal, avoiding hyped promotional speak or difficult to grasp jargonputting some food for thought on the IFE menu could prove the perfect complement.”

Flight Chic: From Popcorn to Brain Food, Airlines Enrich In-Flight Entertainment (2016)
“… adding some intellectual nutrition to the IFE menu is a smart idea.


Ideas Roadshow, digEcor take inflight conversation to new heights (2016)
… intimate, one-on-one filmed conversations between host Howard Burton and some of the most well-informed people on the planet.” 

Alternative Infotainment Makes Inflight Play for Airlines, Passengers (2015)
“… Ideas Roadshow’s unique, ideas-based content is definitely stretching the boundaries of what IFE can be in the digital age.”