Documentary films are great ways to learn about the past and/or make social commentary. You may have even thought of making your own documentary to explore issues important to you. There are so many things to learn about the world, and documentaries make learning so much easier and fun.
The 13th – Directed by Ava DuVernay
The 13th is a documentary film that explores systemic racism within the United States Justice system. The film is an excellent look at how racism, though abolished on paper, is still very present in today’s society. Anyone who is looking to be an ally to the Black Community and learn about the injustices faced by Black people in North America should give this a watch.
Tiger King – Directed by Eric Goode; Rebecca Chaiklin
This documentary is a combination of absolutely ridiculous and weirdly sinister. We follow Tiger King, Joe Exotic, into the world of big cats, cool kittens, and the private zoo world of America. We’ll meet Joe’s arch-nemesis Carol Baskin and the sinister secrets that lie in her past.
Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich – Directed by Lisa Bryant
This documentary goes into the dark world of Jeffrey Epstein and how he used his power and money to abuse young girls. We also meet Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey’s girlfriend and partner in crime. Ghislaine was recently brought into custody by the FBI for her crimes.
Cheer – Created by Greg Whiteley
Cheer is an excellent documentary that follows the lives of cheerleaders on the Navarro College Bulldogs cheer team. Monica Aldama, the cheer team’s coach, built the team from the year 2000 and has made it one of the best teams in the United States. Cheer gives you a behind the scenes look at the drive and skill it takes to be a Navarro Cheerleader.
Blackfish – Directed By Gabriela Cowperthwaite
Blackfish is a documentary that follows the life of Tillikum, the Orca. Tillikum was held captive by Seaworld, where due to the stress faced in captivity he attacked one of his handlers. The film will change the way you look at performance whales.
Fyre: The Greatest Party that Never Happened – Directed by Chris Smith
This one will have you confused and in shock. Fyre Festival was promised to be a fantastic festival experience comparable (if not bigger than) Coachella. Celebrities and influencers like Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid promoted this luxury festival. The festival had next to nothing ready the day before the festival and left many people almost stranded on an island.
Super Size Me – Directed by Morgan Spurlock
Supersize me follows Morgan Spurlock’s journey of only eating McDonald’s meals every single day. Other guidelines include that’s now allowed to consume outside food and beverages (including water), and must keep his walking distance to 5000 standardized steps a day.
Don’t F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer – Directed by Mark Lewis
Don’t F**K with Cats follows a group of amateur online investigators who try to find the individual who posted a video entitled “1 Boy 2 Kittens” to the internet. These groups of amateurs form a group to display evidence and clues and eventually aid in the search for a murderer.
Jesus Camp – Directed by Heidi Ewing, Rachel Grady
Jesus camp takes us inside a Christian summer camp. The children attending this camp have been told they have “prophetic gifts” and have to “take back America for Christ.” This documentary takes you inside the lives of these children.
The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez – Directed by Brian Knappenberger
Gabriel Fernandez was an 8-year-old buy who eventually passed away due to the brutal abuse he faced by his caretakers. This documentary explores how the child care system failed this young boy and how the community came together to get him justice.
Good Hair – Directed by Jeff Stilson
Good Hair is a documentary that explores how Black Women have styled and perceived their hair. The film is a great way to learn the importance of hair in the Black community, and how the world sees it.
Making a Murderer – Directed by Laura Ricciardi, Moira Demos
Making a Murder is a true crime, docu-series that talks about Stephen Avery, a man who was wrongfully convicted of sexual assault and attempted murder, who served 18 years in prison. The series explains this long and complicated story and how the authorities set out to make this man into the murderer they were looking for.
When They See Us – Directed by Ava DuVernay
When They See Us is a documentary series that is based on the story of the Central Park jogger case. Five young boys were wrongly accused of assaulting the jogger. The boys were all under the age of 18 and served years in prison; they couldn’t get back. This documentary shares their stories.
There are so many more documentaries to talk about that are worth to add to this list. What are your favourite documentaries and have you watched any of the above? Key West Video wants to hear from you in the comments!
