War Machine
Feb 12, 2026

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More than 60,000 of Ernest Cole’s 35mm film negatives were inexplicably discovered in a bank vault in Stockholm, Sweden. Most considered these forever lost, especially the thousands of pictures he shot in the U.S. Told through Cole’s own writings, the stories of those closest to him, and the lens of his uncompromising work, the film is a reintroduction of a pivotal Black artist to a new generation and will unravel the mystery of his missing negatives.
Independent reviews from the Compare TV editorial team.
Ernest Cole: Lost and Found is a profound exploration of the life and work of a remarkable photographer whose contributions have often been overlooked. Directed by Raoul Peck, the film is expertly crafted, weaving together Cole’s own writings with interviews from those who knew him. The emotional we ... Show more >>
Wow! Ernest Cole: Lost and Found is an absolute gem that pulls you into the world of a photographer whose voice is so powerful yet often unheard. Raoul Peck has done a fantastic job of bringing Cole’s narrative to life, and it’s a real eye-opener. The film flows beautifully, combining stunning visua ... Show more >>
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Yes, Ernest Cole: Lost and Found is definitely worth watching, especially for those interested in photography, history, and the narratives of underrepresented artists. The film not only showcases Cole's remarkable work but also delves into the significance of his contributions to visual storytelling.
Ernest Cole: Lost and Found explores the life and work of photographer Ernest Cole, whose 35mm negatives were discovered after being thought lost. The film combines Cole's writings, testimonies from those who knew him, and an investigation into the impact of his photography, making it a poignant tribute to his legacy.
Ernest Cole: Lost and Found is generally suitable for older children and teenagers, as it addresses themes of racism, identity, and historical context that may require a mature understanding. Parents may want to preview the film to determine its appropriateness for younger viewers.
Ernest Cole: Lost and Found is available for streaming on various platforms in Australia. Check local listings and streaming services such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video for availability.
Films similar to Ernest Cole: Lost and Found include documentaries that focus on artists, such as 'Finding Vivian Maier' and 'The Last Black Man in San Francisco.' These films also delve into themes of identity, artistry, and the rediscovery of lost works.
Yes, Ernest Cole: Lost and Found is based on the true story of the South African photographer Ernest Cole, whose work documented the struggles of Black South Africans during apartheid. The film chronicles his life and the rediscovery of his significant photographic collection.
As of now, there is no announced sequel to Ernest Cole: Lost and Found. The film serves as a standalone exploration of Cole's life and work, focusing on his significant contributions to photography and social commentary.
Ernest Cole: Lost and Found is not a horror film and does not contain traditional scary elements. However, it does deal with heavy themes such as racism and oppression, which may evoke strong emotional responses.