{"id":4980,"date":"2025-12-08T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-08T20:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.library.american.edu\/mediaservices\/?p=4980"},"modified":"2025-12-09T17:08:47","modified_gmt":"2025-12-09T22:08:47","slug":"100-documentaries-challenge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.library.american.edu\/mediaservices\/2025\/12\/08\/100-documentaries-challenge\/","title":{"rendered":"100 Documentaries Challenge"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Become a documentary boss! Watch all 100 of these classic documentaries, and you can have your name immortalized at Media Services. Bring a signed streaming documentary log to the Makerspace to get added to the winner’s list and collect a prize. All these titles are available to current AU students, faculty and staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3 Rooms of Melancholia<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by:<\/strong> Pirjo Honkasalo<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Chronicles the impact the Second Chechan War had upon young children through a series of events taking place at a military academy, the city of Grozny, and an orphanage located in an autonomous region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Act of Killing<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by:<\/strong> Joshua Oppenheimer<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Director Joshua Oppenheimer invites former Indonesian gangsters to re-enact mass killings they comitted during the era of the New Order regime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Affluenza<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>John de Graaf<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Examines the culture of materialism and overconsumption rampant in the US, as well as the social and environment costs of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Afrique, Je Te Plumerai<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Jean-Marie Teno<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Connects current African countries’ struggles of violence and corruption to the history of colonialism that has worn the continent, and reflecting on African independence movements of the 1960s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Anthropocene<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Two
Directed by: <\/strong>Baichwal, Burtynsky, de Pencier<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Explores the concept of the Anthropocene, a theorized geological epoch defined by the impact of humans on our planet, as part of a larger project spanning several mediums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Baboon Tales<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Gillian Darling-Kovanic<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Focuses on a troop of Olive Baboons in Kenya and their relationships with each other, informed by the extensive fieldwork by anthropologist Dr. Shirley Strum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Battle of Chile, Part 1<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Patricio Guzm\u00e1n<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The violent overthrowing of Salvador Allende’s democratically-elected Chilean government and the political tension that led up to the counter-revolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Patricio Guzm\u00e1n<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Battle of Chile, Part 2<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Director Patricio Guzm\u00e1n analyzes the aftermath of the coup and the lead up to Augusto Pinochet’s seizure of power in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Berlin 1885<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Jo\u00ebl Calmettes<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Combines reenactments and archival material of the Berlin Conference – the conference in which several Western countries established rules regarding the colonization and exploitation of Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Better This World<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Two
Directed by: <\/strong>Kelly Duane and Katie Galloway<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Follows the childhood and months leading up to the protest of the 2008 Republican Convention by activists Bradley Crowder and David McKay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Paris is Burning<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Jennie Livingston<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Documents the “Golden Age” of the New York City Ballroom Scene, with a focus on the struggles many of its members endured and the complexities and performance of race, gender, and social class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Blood in the Mobile<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Frank Piasecki Poulsen<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Exposes the illegal mining of cassiterite in the Democratic Republic of Congo that fuels the phone industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Blue Vinyl<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Daniel B. Gold and Judith Helfand<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Filmmaker Judith Helfand investigates the harmful effects of the production and use of PVC while attempting to find environmentally-friendly siding for her parents’ home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Body Beautiful<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Ngozi Onwurah<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Explores themes of identity, race, and sexuality through the relationship between a white mother and her black daughter, an autobiographical story based on director Ngozi Onwurah’s own life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Central Park Five<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, David McMahon<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The story of the wrongful arrest and conviction of five Black and Latino teenagers from Harlem in the 1989 Central Park Jogger case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Chain of Love<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Marije Meerman<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Sheds light on the overlooked Philippian women who work abroad as caregivers, and the effects on their families at home and the ones the work for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Chasing Ice<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Jeff Orlowski-Yang<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Photograph James Balog deploys time-lapse cameras around the Arctic in order to capture record of the melting glaciers to prove evidence of climate change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

China Blue<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by:<\/strong> Micha X. Peled<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Reveals the harsh labor conditions of a southern Chinese jean sweatshop and how consumerism affects their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Civil War<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Ken Burns<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

A nine-part documentary series offering a historical account of the US Civil War and its impact on the nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Class Dismissed<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Loretta Alper<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

A critique of the stereotypes of the working class that have been created through portrayals in US television, and how they affect cultural attitudes and public policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Classic Studies in Psychology<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Covers five of the most important research studies in the history of psychology, along with commentary from researchers who worked on those studies, such as Philip Zimbardo of the Stanford Prison Experiment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Complaints of a Dutiful Daughter<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"An
Directed by: <\/strong>Deborah Hoffmann<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Director Deborah Hoffmann records the stages of her mother’s Alzheimer’s disease and the toll it takes on their relationship. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Detropia<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The effects that the decline of the auto industry has had on the economy and infrastructure of Detroit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ethnic Notions<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Two
Directed by: <\/strong>Marlon Riggs<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Examines the dehumanizing caricatures fueled by anti-black prejudice that were prevalent in American pop culture through the 1960s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

I Am Not Your Negro<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Author
Directed by: <\/strong>Raoul Peck<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

An exploration of what would have been James Baldwin’s final book – his personal observations of the struggle for racial justice and various civil rights leaders of the time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Faces of the Enemy<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Bill Jersey and Jeffrey Friedman<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Social psychologist Sam Keen uses archival news footage, PSAs, and cartoons to uncover the ways society dehumanizes its enemies to justify war.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Family Album<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

An experimental documentary passing through the stages of life from childhood to adulthood, using real families home movie from the 1920s through the 1950s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Family Business<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Tom Cohen<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

A man attempts to gain additional financing for his struggling pizza restaurant, which employs his whole family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Frank Lloyd Wright<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Architect
Directed by: <\/strong>Ken Burns and Lynn Novick<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Tells the story of one of America’s greatest architects, and the philosophy of organic architecture that made his style so special.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Frantz Fanon: Black Skin, White Mask<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by: Issac Julien<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Examines the theories of identity and race authored by philosopher Frantz Fanon, and his impact on global decolonialization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Summer of Soul<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Musician
Directed by: <\/strong>Questlove<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

An account of the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, which celebrated Black history and culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Goin’ to Chicago<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>George King<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Tells the personal stories of Chicagoans who took part in the Great Migration of African-Americans from the rural South to cities in the North and West after WWII.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Gringo Trails<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Pegi Vail<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Documents the positive and negative impacts that mass tourism has on communities around the world, and how they adapt to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Hip Hop: Beyond Beats And Rhymes<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Byron Hurt<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Critiques hip-hop culture’s issues with homophobia, violence, masculinity, and sexism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Huey Long<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Politician
Directed by: <\/strong>Ken Burns<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The life and career of the complex politician Huey P. Long, featuring interviews with his political contemporaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

If a Tree Falls<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Marshall Curry<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Follows environmental activist Daniel McGowan and the Earth Liberation Front, raising questions about eco-activism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

In Search of the Edge<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Scott Barie<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

A mockumentary presenting the flat earth theory as if it were true, revealing the flawed logic of individuals who believe in this theory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Intolerable Burden<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Two
Directed by: <\/strong>Chea Prince<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Documents how one African-American family endured intimidation and isolation after enrolling their children in recently desegregated schools in 1965.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Jaguar<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Jean Rouch<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Three Nigerien men embark on a journey to seek their fortunes on the Gold Coast of Ghana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Jazz: A film<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Musician
Directed by: <\/strong>Ken Burns<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

A documentary series telling the story of jazz, with over 75 interviews and 500 pieces of jazz music across all episodes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Jimi Plays Monterey<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Musician
Directed by: <\/strong>D. A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Documents Jimi Hendrix’s monumental performance at the Monterey Pop Festival on June 18, 1967, additionally having several interviews with rock stars at the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Killing Us Softly 4<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: Sut Jhally<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Discusses advertising’s objective, sexualized portrayal of women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

King Corn<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Two
Directed by: <\/strong>Aaron Woolf<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Two friends investigate the role that corn plays in the American food industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Jane<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Anthropologist
Directed by: <\/strong>Brett Morgen<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Tells the story of Jane Goodall’s research on chimpanzees in Tanzania, using previously unseen footage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Life and Debt<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Stephanie Black<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Explores how Jamaica’s people have been undermined by global trade pressures and policies from the International Monetary Fund.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Life and Times of Sara Baartman<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Four
Directed by: <\/strong>Zola Maseko<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The tragic story of the South African woman Sara Baartman, who was taken from her home and exhibited as a freak show attraction in Britain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Loving Story<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Nancy Buirski<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple who married despite their state’s anti-miscegenation laws, take their case to the U.S. Supreme Court, leading to a landmark ruling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Lumumba: La Mort Du Prophete<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Raoul Peck<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The political life of Patrice Lumumba, a previous Prime Minister of Zaire, who was eventually assassinated in 1961 at the age of just 35 years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Maitres Fous<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Jean Rouch<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

A short film that is widely believed to have been the first in the subgenre ethnofiction, documenting the Hauka movement in French colonial Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Malls R Us<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Helene Klodawsky<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

An investigation, blending archival footage and contemporary interviews with social critics, into a centerpiece of American culture: The mall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Man With the Movie Camera<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Dziga Vertov<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Depicts scenes of ordinary daily life in the 1920s Soviet Union, conveying city life without titles or narration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Eyes of Gaza<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Three
Directed by: <\/strong>Mahmoud Atassi<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Follows three Palestinian journalists in Gaza who feel they have to continue to put their lives at risk in order to report the atrocities they witness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Maquilapolis<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Vicky Funari, Sergio de la Torre<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Focuses on the stories of two women who live in Tijuana and work in the factories on the U.S.-Mexican border, highlighting the poor working conditions they’ve endured and the environmental impact of their work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Mobutu, King of Zaire<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Thierry Michel<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The rise and fall of Joseph D\u00e9sir\u00e9 Mobutu, president of Zaire for over 30 years, and key figure in Africa’s post-colonial history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Monterey Pop<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Janis
Directed by: <\/strong>D. A. Pennebaker<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Features performances from legendary artists who performed at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, including the Mamas and the Papas, Simon & Garfunkel, the Who, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Civil Rights: Thurgood Marshall at the Supreme Court<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Mick Caouette<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Civil rights attorney Thurgood Marshall’s role in the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision resulting in the desegregation of America’s public schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Mythology of Star Wars<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Director
Directed by: <\/strong>Pamela Mason Wagner<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Star Wars creator George Lucas discusses how concepts from mythology shaped the Star Wars saga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Nanook of the North<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Robert J. Flaherty<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

A silent film, taking place in the Canadian Arctic, that follows the struggles of a 1920s Inuk family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The National Parks: America’s Best Idea<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Ken Burns<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

A miniseries tracing the history of the United States’ National Park system, narrated by Peter Coyote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Night Watchman<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Natalia Almada<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Martin is a guard who watches over a cemetery used by some of Mexico’s most notorious drug lords.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

No Logo<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Natalia Almada<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Based on the book by Naomi Klein, No Logo critiques the practice of corporations advertising products as lifestyle symbols while using unfair labor practices to create said products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Not for Ourselves Alone<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Two
Directed by: <\/strong>Ken Burns<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Focuses on the right for women’s suffrage, led by activists Elizabeth Cady Stanton & Susan B. Anthony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Harlan County, USA<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Barbara Kopple<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

A group of coal miners in rural Kentucky strike after the owners of their mine refuse their labor contract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Our Daily Bread<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Nikolaus Geyrhalter<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Provides a realistic view of the inner workings of modern food production companies, showing the actual working conditions and the harsh processes required to feed the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Union<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Stephen Maing, Brett Story<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

A group of Amazon workers unionize their warehouse in Staten Island, New York.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Rebel Dykes<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Harri Shanahan, Si\u00e2n A. Williams<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The story of a gang of London Lesbians during the 1980s, and how those women later went on to become artists, performers, and activists. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Plastic Paradise<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Angela Sun<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Midway Atoll is at the center of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a mystery that journalist Angela Sun seeks to uncover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Price of Aid<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Jihan el-Tahri<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

A case study of famine relief in Zambia, examining the consequences of international food aid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Prohibition<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Two
Directed by:<\/strong> Ken Burns and Lynn Novick<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

A miniseries describing the effects of alcohol consumption in the US, and its connection to different cultural and social issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Rachel Carson<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Rachel
Directed by: <\/strong>Michelle Ferrari<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Illuminates the life of Rachel Carson, a woman who warned the world about the dangers of pesticides, through her own writings and letters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Reel Bad Arabs<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Sut Jhally<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Analyzes how the American film industry portrays and manipulates the image of Arabs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

A Road to Mecca<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Georg Misch<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Traces the spiritual journey of Muhammad Asad, one of the most important Muslims of the 20th century, blending archival footage and contemporary interviews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Selling Sickness<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Catherine Scott<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Explores the deadly consequences behind aggressive drug marketing, through the stories of British psychiatrist, Dr David Healy’s patients and their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Semper Fi<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Tony Hardmon and Rachel Libert<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Follows the story of Sgt. Jerry Ensminger, a once devoted Marine, and his mission to expose the US army for one of the largest water contamination incidents in US history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Seventeen<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Joel DeMott and Jeff Kreines<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Covers the lives of a group of high school seniors in Indiana, and their coming of age in working class America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Sociology is a Martial Art<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Pierre Carles<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

A French documentary showing the day in the life of sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, created to familiarize audiences with sociology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Street Fight<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Marshall Curry<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Documents the 2002 mayoral race in Newark, New Jersey, between longtime mayor Sharpe James and newcomer attorney Cory Booker, in which Booker discovers shady practices by James’ campaign and staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Style Wars<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Tony Silver<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Captures hip-hop culture’s early history in 1970s and 1980s New York City, with an emphasis on graffiti art, breakdancing, and rapping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Tapped<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Stephanie Soechtig<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

An evaluation of the bottled water industry, especially focusing on the ecological effects caused by toxic byproducts released during the manufacturing process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Miss Representation<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
Directed by: <\/strong>Jennifer Siebel Newsom<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Stories from everyday women and girls and interviews with prominent women in US history discuss sexism in American society and media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

This Is Nollywood<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Franco Sacchi<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Details the flourishing Nigerian film industry, following Nigerian director Bond Emeruwa and his process of making a feature-length action movie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

To Tell the Truth, A History of Documentary Film<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Calvin Skaggs and David Van Taylor<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The evolution of the documentary genre between 1929 and 1945, with the first part focusing on social movements in the US and UK, and the second on propaganda films during WWII.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

All About My Sisters<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Qiong Wang<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Director Qiong Wang investigates her family’s history, and the trauma they endured during China’s one-child policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Tough Guise<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Sut Jhally<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Looks at the relationship between pop culture and the construction of masculine identities in the 20th and 21st centuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Town Bloody Hall<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Chris Hegedus and D. A. Pennebaker<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

A debate between four feminist activists for the women’s liberation movement and Norman Mailer, a critic of the feminist movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Trinkets and Beads<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Christopher Walker<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The story of how a Texas oil company sought to manipulate the native Huaorani in the amazon to allow drilling on their land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Unfinished Spaces<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Alysa Nahmias and Benjamin Murray<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Three architects return to Cuba to finish the construction of the National Art Schools, which was abandoned after its revolutionary design fell into disfavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Unforgivable Blackness<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Two
Directed by: <\/strong>Ken Burns<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The story of how Jack Johnson became the boxing heavyweight champion in 1908, the first African American to achieve this title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

He Named Me Malala<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Activist
Directed by: <\/strong>Davis Guggenheim<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The events leading up to and aftermath of the Taliban’s attack on Malala Yousafzai, an advocate for women’s education and children’s rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Vietnam War<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Ken Burns and Lynn Novick<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The history of the Vietnam War told through a ten-part television documentary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Waiting Room<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Peter Nicks<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The emotional events and stories that take place in a busy emergency waiting room at Highland Hospital in Oakland, California.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Free Solo<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Professional rock climber Alex Honnold’s attempt of the first free solo climb of the El Capitan formation at Yosemite National Park, a landmark destination for rock climbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Gimme Shelter<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Musician
Directed by: <\/strong>Charlotte Zwerin and Albert Maysles, David Maysles<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The disastrous last weeks of the Rolling Stones’ 1969 US tour, in which a fan was tragically killed at the Altamont Free Concert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The West<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Stephen Ives<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

A miniseries covering the turbulent history of the Wild West, from European explorers’ conquering of Native American land to mining towns’ transformation into industrial cities in the late 19th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Which Way Home<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Rebecca Cammisa<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

A group of young children from Central America struggle to make their way through Mexico in order to start a new life in the US.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Who Killed Vincent Chin?<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Christine Choy and Renee Tajima-Pe\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The outrage by civil rights advocates following the violent assault of Vincent Chin, a successful Detroit engineer, in 1982. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Winter Soldier<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Rusty Sachs and Micha\u00ebl Weill<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

A 1971 meeting where over 100 Vietnam veterans testified about inhumanity and atrocities they committed or saw during the war.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Worlds Apart<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"A
Directed by: <\/strong>Maren Grainger-Monsen, M.D. and Julia Haslett<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Follows the stories of patients and families, faced with critical medical decisions, and their navigation of the healthcare system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Yes Men Fix The World<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Two
Directed by: <\/strong>Jacques Servin, Igor Vamos, and Kurt Engfehr<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Artist-activists the Yes Men expose corporate greed, including during Hurricane Katrina and the Bhopal disaster in this documentary that was sued by sued by the United States Chamber of Commerce. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Become a documentary boss! Watch all 100 of these classic documentaries, and you can have your name immortalized at Media Services. Bring a signed streaming documentary log to the Makerspace to get added to the winner’s list and collect a prize. All these titles are available to current AU students, faculty and staff. 3 Rooms […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":99,"featured_media":5073,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[424,418],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-4980","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"hentry","7":"category-documentaries","8":"category-top-picks","10":"post-with-thumbnail","11":"post-with-thumbnail-large"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.library.american.edu\/mediaservices\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4980","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.library.american.edu\/mediaservices\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.library.american.edu\/mediaservices\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.library.american.edu\/mediaservices\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/99"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.library.american.edu\/mediaservices\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4980"}],"version-history":[{"count":29,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.library.american.edu\/mediaservices\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4980\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5342,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.library.american.edu\/mediaservices\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4980\/revisions\/5342"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.library.american.edu\/mediaservices\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5073"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.library.american.edu\/mediaservices\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4980"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.library.american.edu\/mediaservices\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4980"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.library.american.edu\/mediaservices\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4980"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}