The Documentary Work

Documentaries & Travel Films

90+ documentary and educational films spanning five decades, all seven continents, and the full breadth of human civilization. A few of Darrah's films are listed below.

12-Part TV Series2012

Around the World with Marlin Darrah

A sweeping twelve-part television series following Marlin Darrah across the globe — from the temples of Southeast Asia to the markets of Morocco, the fjords of Norway to the ruins of Machu Picchu. Each episode immerses viewers in a different corner of the world through Darrah's signature cinematic eye. The series can be viewed at ... https://tubitv.com/series/300005580/around-the-world-with-marlin-darrah

Filmed in:Worldwide

Available on:TUBI-TV And on request from the filmmaker, Marlin Darrah.

Documentary feature2010★ Best Documentary

Marco Polo & The Great Silk Road

Retracing the legendary 13th-century journey of Marco Polo along the ancient Silk Road, from Venice through Central Asia to the court of Kublai Khan. A visually stunning exploration of the intriguing and vital trade routes that shaped the modern world.

Filmed in:Italy, Turkey, Iran, Uzbekistan, China

Available on:Amazon Prime, and on request from Marlin Darrah.

Documentary2011

Cuba Today

An intimate portrait of Cuba at a crossroads — its people, its music, its crumbling colonial grandeur, and the quiet tensions of a society on the edge of change. Filmed with rare access across Havana and the Cuban countryside.

Filmed in:Cuba

Available on:Amazon Prime and on request from Marlin Darrah.

Documentary2014★ Best Documentary — Paris Film Festival

Dalí's Greatest Secret

An investigation into the hidden dimensions of Salvador Dalí's life and art — exploring the surrealist master's obsessions, his relationship with Gala, and the mysteries that still surround his most enigmatic works. This documentary in particular tracks the origins and reappearance of a magnificent but nearly forgotten Dali painting called "Vision of Hell." Produced and directed by N.Y. Times bestselling author Paul Perry. Director of Photography / Associate Producer, Marlin Darrah.

Filmed in:Spain, France

Available on:Amazon Prime and on request from Paul Perry Productions.

Documentary2016★ Best Film — Istanbul Film Festival

Relic Kingdoms

.The One, the Only Holy Grail is the first program for the limited series entitled Relic Kingdoms, about Holy Relics of Jesus and what relevance they have in the 21st Century. Produced, directed by and starring N.Y. Times bestselling author Paul Perry, and Vatican relic expert Carlos Evaristo, this program explores the power, glory, mystery and respect surrounding the relics of the crucifixion and resurrection - beginning with the Holy Grail. Traveling throughout Spain, and finally focusing on Valencia, the filmmakers examine the evidence and interview experts in the field regarding the claim that this particular Holy Grail - in safe keeping at the Valencia Cathedral - is the true and authentic Holy Grail. Marlin Darrah is the Director of Photography and Associate Producer.

Filmed in:Spain, France, Portugal. Available on various streaming platforms, and on request from Paul Perry Productions.

Documentary2017

Secrets and Mysteries of Columbus

A revisionist look at Christopher Columbus — separating myth from history, exploring the contested legacy of his origins and his voyages, and uncovering new evidence in Portugal about the man who changed the world forever. Directed by Paul Perry. Cinematography by Marlin Darrah.

Filmed in:Portugal, Spain, Caribbean

Available on:Amazon Prime, Tubi, Hoopla, Plex,, Pluto-TV

Documentary2005★ Best Documentary Nomination

Jesus in Egypt

Following the biblical account of the Holy Family's flight into Egypt, this documentary explores the ancient Coptic Christian sites, monasteries, and traditions that mark their journey through the Nile Valley. Based on the book by Paul Perry. Directors Marlin Darrah and Paul Perry trace the route into Egypt believed by Egyptian Copts to have been the one followed by Jesus and his parents when they fled from King Herod. This feature-length documentary reveals what many believe to be the secret childhood of Jesus, making this the greatest story never told. Premiered at the Cairo Opera House.

Filmed in:Egypt

Available on:Amazon Prime and on request from Paul Perry Productions

Documentary2004

In the Shadow of Bin Laden

Filmed in the aftermath of 9/11, this documentary ventures into Afghanistan and Pakistan to examine the world that produced Osama bin Laden — the tribal landscapes, the madrassas, and the communities caught between extremism and modernity. This award-winning documentary features Ishtiaq Khan, a Pashtun hereditary warlord doing his best to keep the peace in two of the villages he presides over.

Filmed in:Afghanistan, Pakistan

Available on:Amazon Prime and on request from Marlin Darrah

Documentary2001★ Best Documentary

Lost Tribes of New Guinea

Deep in the highlands and jungles of New Guinea, Darrah documents the Dani, Korowai and Asmat peoples — their ancient rituals, their warrior traditions, and the encroachment of the modern world on one of the last truly isolated cultures on Earth. This film is a timecapsule from 2001, showing a time and peoples that are rapidly changing.

Filmed in:New Guinea

Available on:Amazon Prime and on request from Marlin Darrah

Licensing & Distribution

Interested in Licensing or Broadcast Rights?

Marlin's library of international motion shots is represented by National Geographic. For broadcast rights and licensing inquiries, get in touch.

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