Inspired by the Jesuit maxim, “Give me a child at seven and I will show you the man,” British director Michael Apted undertook one of the great social experiments in the history of cinema: to follow a group of seven-year old children throughout their lives. The result is the unprecedented UP series, which began in 1964 with 7 UP and has continued every seven years since. Apted’s latest is 56 UP, following his subjects into middle age. Featuring footage and stories from all of the UP films, 56 UP is the latest chapter in Apted’s powerful document of human experience.

Michael Apted is an English director, producer, writer and actor. He is one of the most prolific British film directors of his generation but is best known for his work on the UP series of documentaries and the James Bond film THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH. His other feature film credits include COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER, CONTINENTAL DIVIDE, GORKY PARK, GORILLAS IN THE MIST, NELL, ENIGMA, and THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER. He was appointed Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in the 2008 Birthday Honours.

Michael Apted is an English director, producer, writer and actor. He is one of the most prolific British film directors of his generation but is best known for his work on the UP series of documentaries and the James Bond film THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH. His other feature film credits include COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER, CONTINENTAL DIVIDE, GORKY PARK, GORILLAS IN THE MIST, NELL, ENIGMA, and THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER. He was appointed Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in the 2008 Birthday Honours.