First Cut

From 2008, the remains of more than 90 individuals have been recovered from the canals, rivers, lakes and ponds of Greater Manchester - most of them young men. News of the discoveries has sparked theories that a serial killer may be operating in the area, and the story has now caught fire on social media. In this unflinching First Cut documentary, made by first-time director Darren Lovell, former murder detective Tony Blockley reviews the cases of three young men who drowned in the city's canals. Two of them went missing only to turn up dead later, while the third was seen leaving a nightclub with a mystery man who has never been identified. Is the so-called 'Pusher' real or a 21st-century urban legend? (BriteSpark Films)

Filmmaker Leonardo Machado charts the story of a man fighting to rebuild his life after a devastating infection took his limbs, parts of his face and his independence. Father Alex Lewis came down with a common cold in late 2013 which quickly developed into septicaemia and toxic shock syndrome. With less than a 3% chance of survival, doctors fought to save Alex. From arriving back to his family home and readjusting his relationships, to taking his first steps, this film delves into some of the raw moments that shape his days. Starting just days after he lost his last limb, Machado follows Alex's incredible journey as he seeks his purpose in life, rebuilds his relationships and reinvents himself. (credited as a First Cut Film)

A documentary exploring the ageing population through the eyes of some of Britain's oldest muscle men, as they work towards the competitive World Bodybuilding Finals in Miami. The programme takes an alternative look at what it is like to be old in today's rapidly changing world, and meets contestants including 79-year-old Eric Dowie, who is the oldest man in the competition and hopes to retain his 2014 title of Over-70s World Champion. Cameras also follow Jimmy, who is desperate to reclaim the title from Eric, and 76-year-old Roger, who is determined to succeed with the help of his right-hand lady Joan. (Prod/Dir:Rachel Millar; Exec Prods: Rory Wheeler, Colin Moxon; Prod Co: Popkorn TV) (credited as a First Cut Film)

This First Cut documentary follows three spirited pensioner couples who are set to tie the knot and prove that you're never too old for love. In 2015 the number of grooms in their late sixties increased by 25%, while the number of brides in the same age group went up by 21%. The programme captures their excitement as well as their fears as they tackle the challenges of getting down the aisle and face the realities of what the future might hold for them. Widow Georgina, who's 94, is marrying 86-year-old retired chef Raymond, who has terminal cancer. Defiant in the face of this knowledge, they hope to have at least a couple of years together. Margaret, who's 81 and has 11 great grandchildren, has turned to the internet to find love. She met Victor, who's 77, fell for him instantly and, ignored her granddaughter's warning not to take him home on the first date.

In the world of competitive ballroom there's a serious shortage of young male dancers, with hundreds of girls lining up for every boy. This First Cut documentary from first-time director Carla Wright follows four of these rare boys, from south Wales's Valleys, as they head towards the biggest competition of their dancing lives so far: the UK Championships in Bournemouth. The ballroom boys train six days a week and compete most Sundays. They're serious about winning, and so are their mums. But as they gear up to compete against the best in Britain, these boys don't just have the pressure of the competition to contend with. In an area where rugby is an obsession, it isn't easy to go against the grain. Even more so when dance competitions require the boys to wear make-up and fake tan, which doesn't wash off before school. The boys face disapproval from peers, friends and even fathers. When the competition is over, will any of them decide that the pressure isn't worth it?