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Video Librarian's best documentaries of the year shine a light on critical contemporary issues, historical moments, or human stories that we should pay attention to. Our selections this year study a broad range of subjects, from the early days of the LGBT rights movement and the ongoing fight for indigenous land rights, to the environmental challenges of desertification— and so much more. These documentaries invite us to reflect, learn, and act, and they deserve to be shared widely in classrooms, libraries, and public screenings in community venues.
At a time when empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives is more essential than ever, these films encourage viewers to understand experiences different from their own, see the humanity in others, and consider how they can contribute to a more just and equitable world.
For librarians, these documentaries provide invaluable additions to different subjects in your collections. These films give your patrons the chance to engage with the issues shaping today’s past and present and, more importantly, learn from the people and stories behind them.
For educators, these films offer real-world examples of topics such as human rights, global health, environmental sustainability, and social movements for your students. These films serve as engaging starting points for discussions these topics, making them perfect for use in syllabus development.
For community leaders, these films offer a fantastic opportunity to organize public screenings and host engaging events. Whether it's a special movie night fundraiser, a panel discussion, or a community film series, these documentaries can start meaningful conversations and bring people together through the shared power of cinema.
Take a look at our 2024 best documentary films to learn more about these impactful titles.
Caroline Madden Editor-in-Chief
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Altered Innocence "Gay USA: Snapshots of 1970s LGBT Resistance"
Altered Innocence | LGBTQ, History | English | 78 Minutes | 2024
GayUSA , a classic documentary directed by Arthur J. Bressan Jr., provides a compelling glimpse into the early days of the American gay rights movement. Through footage meticulously captured at various gay pride events across the United States in 1977, the film immerses viewers in a crucial moment when the movement encountered its first significant opposition, led by Anita Bryant. As she waged a campaign to repeal anti-discrimination protection in Dade County, the documentary captures the thoughts and activities of the LGBTQ+ community during a pivotal period.
Filmed on a single day by 25 different cameramen across the nation under Bressan's coordination, GayUSA serves as a historical artifact, documenting the vibrancy and activism of Gay Pride parades in the late '70s. Viewed nearly 40 years later, the documentary emerges as a radical and important record. GayUSA sheds light on the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community at a time when their rights were under obvious threat, making it a valuable contribution to the history of the gay rights movement and informing modern queer activism.
Read the full LGBTQ documentary here.
The Onondaga Nation is a resilient bastion of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, embodying the spirit of the Great Law of Peace. As an early exemplar of democracy, the Onondaga Nation's influence echoes through history, inspiring both the Founding Fathers and the women's suffrage movement. The film dances between past and present, capturing the Onondaga Nation's struggle for environmental justice and freedom throughout American history.
Fueled by ancient traditions and strong heritage, they wage a legal battle against the U.S., confronting the violation of a 1794 treaty with George Washington that protected ancestral lands now seized by New York State. TheGoodMind traces the Onondaga's tireless environmental advocacy, unveiling the heartbreaking degradation inflicted upon their sacred lands and waters by industrial exploitation and expanding suburbs. This poignant tale documents a quest for environmental stewardship, illuminating the Onondaga Nation's indomitable spirit against the backdrop of its historical legacy and contemporary challenges.
Read the full history documentary review here.
In ComingtoYou(너에게가는길) , director Byun Gyu-ri sheds light on the struggles faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families in South Korea, a country still grappling with entrenched prejudice despite the declassification of homosexuality as “harmful and obscene” in 2003. Through the stories of two working-class mothers, Nabi and Vivian, the documentary explores the transformative journey from initial reluctance to acceptance and activism.
Nabi, a veteran fire officer, confronts her child Hankyeol's revelation as trans and non-binary, joining the local chapter of PFLAG to better understand their challenges. Meanwhile, flight attendant Vivian grapples with her son Yejoon's coming out as gay, leading him to seek refuge in Canada for freedom from societal constraints. Byun's film paints an unflinchingly honest portrait of the pain, loneliness, and yearning for acceptance experienced by LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families in South Korea. Nabi and Vivian's journeys showcase the transformative power of allyship and the potential for change in societal attitudes.
Read the full LGBTQ documentary here.
Marshall Publishing "Aircraft Carrier: Disasters on the Deck"
Marshall Publishing | History, War | English | 50 Minutes | 2024
AircraftCarriers:DisastersontheDeck thrusts viewers into the perilous world of naval aviation, where every take-off and landing on an aircraft carrier teeters on the edge of disaster. This gripping documentary unveils some of the most dramatic accidents in naval aviation history, showcasing the inherent dangers pilots and ground crews face in the challenging environment of carrier operations. From heart-stopping ‘cold cats’ and engine failures to harrowing incidents like ramp strikes and jet-intake accidents, the film explores all the ways a routine flight can go catastrophically wrong.
Highlighting the catastrophic USS Forrestal fire–deemed the worst aircraft carrier disaster ever–the documentary delves into the haunting details of this unforgettable event. Aircraft
Carriers:DisastersontheDeck offers an immersive journey into the high-stakes world of naval aviation, providing a firsthand look at the relentless challenges faced by military personnel on aircraft carriers and the indelible impact of tragic accidents on these floating runways.
Read the full history documentary review here.
Collective Eye Films "White Nanny, Black Child"
Collective Eye Films | Social Issues, Race | English | 80 Minutes | 2024
Starting in 1955, more than 70,000 West African children were fostered by British citizens in the UK. Over 40 years, the practice (often referred to as ‘farming’) left many of the children traumatized and disconnected from their race and heritage by the culture of England.
9 of these children, now all adults from their 40s to 60s, come together in WhiteNanny,BlackChild to share their unique experiences with one of the lasting impacts of British colonialism. Each person is given center stage during this creative therapy retreat, and they use the space to tell their stories and process the grief, pain, and anger the ‘farming’ system left them unable to address until now.
Read the full race documentary review here.
Platform | Race, History, Political Issues | English | 120 Minutes | 2023
LakotaNationvs.UnitedStates , directed by Laura Tomaselli and Jesse Short Bull, is a unique documentary chronicling the Lakota Indians' struggle to reclaim the Black Hills, a sacred land stolen in violation of multiple treaty agreements. The film offers a detailed history from the Lakota perspective, challenging the one-sided narratives commonly taught in U.S. schools and media.
Beginning with the arrival of Europeans and focusing on the mid-1800s onward, the documentary explores over 400 treaties between the U.S. government and Native American tribes, highlighting how each agreement further eroded Indigenous lands. It opens with the Dakota 38 mass execution in 1862, progressing to the Lakota tribe's fight over the Black Hills as it begins its poetic dance between noteworthy events through time.
Read the full political documentary review here.
New Day Films | Art | English | 14 Minutes | 2023
Brian D. Cohen is an interesting figure. Inspired to pursue art by his aircraft designer father, Cohen began his career as a painter, but he eventually shifted to printmaking. After years of etching scenes into metal plates, he’s come to a crisis: following a bone marrow transfusion from his sister, his leukemia has reemerged as terminal. Artifactsofthe Present is a somber meditation on art, life, death, and the value of time. Brian has a lot of lessons for us, and the key among them is to value what you have.
We watch him finish and store his life’s work as a printmaker in the hopes that someday he will join the innumerable names and faces in the artbooks of the future. In this short documentary, we have an intimate view of the last months of an artist, his actions, thoughts, and motivations.
Read the full art documentary review here.
Docuseek | Gender, Political Issues, Religion, Popular Culture | Dari, English | 90 Minutes | 2023
The withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan is a memorable event to many. The conclusion of a 20-year conflict, this indicated an end of an era for the United States—but what of those in Afghanistan? What was this withdrawal like, and how did the turnover of the Afghan government into Taliban hands transform their lives? AndStillISing tells the stories of Aryana Sayeed, Sadiqa Madadgar, and Zahra Elham, three Afghani women involved in the reality competition TV show AfghanStar . The international documentary follows them from their humble beginnings to the conclusion of their stories, displaying the highlights and pitfalls of each contestant in AfghanStar along with the harrowing events that follow the conclusion of the season.
Notable in the documentary is the poignant use of historical context to add key background information without detracting from the stories of the three women. Afghanistan’s regime changed over time, moving from a more authoritarian government infringing on women’s rights to a less imposing control. By inserting footage and background testimony from the women about their stories and how they have fought for their rights, viewers can quickly discern the struggles each woman faced in Afghanistan without much additional context. Furthermore, the footage interspersed in the documentary provided the reality behind the fears each woman faced—rejection, death threats, and violence are all legitimate fears each woman grappled with.
Read the full political documentary review now.
Burning Torch Productions | War, Social Issues, History | English | 93 minutes | 2023
DearSirs follows filmmaker Mark Pedri's deeply personal journey to uncover the untold story of his grandfather, Silvio, who was a Prisoner of War during World War II. Despite spending years together, Mark was unaware of Silvio's wartime experiences until he stumbled upon his grandfather’s collection of photos, letters, and documents after Silvio's passing.
Moved by the discovery, Mark embarks on a profound quest across Europe, cycling over 500 miles along the original routes that POWs traveled from landing in Normandy to the various prison camps that held them. Through this physical and emotional journey, Mark seeks to piece together Silvio's narrative, hoping to gain a deeper understanding of the man who played a significant role in his life. DearSirs offers a contemporary perspective on the history of WWII, shedding light on the lasting impact of war across generations. The documentary emphasizes the importance of oral history and intergenerational connections in preserving and understanding personal wartime experiences.
Read the full war documentary review here.
Green Planet Films "Naples and the Amalfi Coast: La Dolce Vita?"
Green Planet Films | Travel, World Cinema | English | 52 Minutes | 2023
NaplesandtheAmalfiCoast-LaDolceVita? directed by Céline Missoffe, captures the timeless allure of the Amalfi Coast, an iconic destination synonymous with the Dolce Vita lifestyle since the 1950s. With its dramatic cliffs and cliffside villages, this picturesque region has been graced by celebrities like Jackie Kennedy and Sophia Loren, ensuring its enduring popularity.
Tourism fuels the economy of the Amalfi Coast, accounting for 90% of its revenue. Not everyone embraces the influx of tourists, however. Costanzo, a devout Christian, serves as the guardian of a secluded hilltop church in Capri, finding solace away from the bustling crowds.
While private beaches with stiff entry fees of twenty Euros or more dominate the coastline, a local collective seeks to reclaim some of these shores for public use. The documentary paints a vivid picture of the Amalfi Coast's dichotomy: its popularity as a tourist haven and the locals' struggle to preserve their tranquil way of life. With stunning visuals and insightful narratives, the film offers a nuanced exploration of this Italian paradise.
Read the full travel documentary review here.
Stove Up Productions | Race, Social Issues, Popular Culture | English | 117 Minutes | 2023
In 2019, Maine made history by becoming the first state to ban Native American mascots in public schools. FightingIndians centers on Skowhegan High School, the last holdout with its “Indian” mascot. The documentary explores a community's struggle with its identity, history, and relations with its indigenous neighbors, reflecting national divisions around mascot debates. Starting in 2015, Native representatives confronted the school board, but the debate evolved into a spectacle when they faced the public
The film delves into the historical abuses faced by indigenous populations and places the mascot debate in a broader national context. By capturing impassioned school board meetings and online clashes, it encapsulates contemporary political and cultural discourse. FightingIndians emphasizes the ongoing debate's power to reignite generational pain.
Read the full social issues documentary here.
Picture Palace "The Green Desert"
The ongoing threat of climate change has inspired both fictional films and real action in our society. Water sources have become almost sacred, and many are trying to divert to more environmentally friendly ways of working and living. The documentary TheGreenDesert details a stark message about the ways people can adapt to our volatile planet.
The documentary is effective because it shows the farmers hard at work harvesting various crops, including alfalfa, dates, and lettuce, which raises the stakes even higher. It’s bad enough that these farmers are facing overwhelming odds with climate change. Seeing their hard work and dedication, along with the startling fact that ninetypercent of the country’s winter vegetables are produced in this region, makes it really hit home for the viewer.
Read the full environmental documentary review here.
Video Project | History, Health & Wellness, Race, Environment, Political Issues | English | 88 Minutes | 2024
DemonMineral challenges the traditional Western narrative by centering on the Diné community and their struggle against the devastating legacy of uranium mining in Diné Bikeyah. With over 500 unremediated mines contaminating their sacred lands, the Diné faces profound challenges, from environmental degradation to a surge in cancer and other illnesses.
The film follows Dr. Tommy Rock, a Navajo scientist dedicated to uranium contamination cleanup, as he navigates the irradiated landscape of Monument Valley, wielding a Geiger counter to uncover the hidden traces of uranium.
Read the full history documentary review here.
EPF Media | History, Race, Environment, Political Issues | English | 88 Minutes | 2024
War has been a part of the filmmaking universe for decades. Both fictional and nonfictional films have used war as an effective backdrop. TheElephantsandtheGrass is a documentary about conflict ravaging South Sudan.
The film serves both as a history lesson and a story of individual perseverance. We see how the region, jointly ruled by Britain and Egypt decades ago in the ‘50s, has been subject to deceptive politics, civil disputes, and other conflicts. When the country became independent in 2011, these skirmishes persisted. Filmmakers Brandon Gulish and Beau Rosario present the conflict as a feud between rival tribes. President Salva Kiir, a Dinka, and Vice President Riek Machar, a Nuer, attempt to bring a “unity government” to the people. However, the said government is over twoyears from fruition.
Read the full history documentary review here.
Documentary Educational Resources | Environment, Social Issues, World Cinema | Burmese, English subtitles | 90 Minutes | 2024
AThousandFires dives into the gritty realities of husband and wife Thein Shwe and Htwe Tin, who toil tirelessly in one of Myanmar's unregulated oil fields in the Magway region. Directed by Palestinian-British filmmaker Saeed Taji Farouky, the audience is immersed in the daily struggles and aspirations of this family striving to break free from the shackles of poverty.
Amidst the clatter of sputtering machines used in oil drilling, Thein and Htwe navigate their arduous existence, producing a mere barrel of oil every few days with their bare hands. Yet, their dreams transcend the struggle as they pin their hopes on their youngest son, Zin Ko Aung, yearning for him to escape the relentless cycle of manual labor.
Read the full social issues documentary review here.
Dark Star Picture "Runaway Radio"
Dark Star Pictures | Music, Popular Culture, History | English | 83 minutes | 2023
RunawayRadio is an exciting journey through the history of Texas’s radio broadcast industry and a testament to the indelible mark left by Houston’s iconic rock radio station, KLOL-FM. Directed by Mike McGuff, this snappy music documentary takes viewers on the station’s dynamic evolution over its 34-year tenure.
From its pioneering Album Oriented Rock (AOR) format to its infamous on-air personalities and larger-than-life promotions, Runaway Radio explores the myriad of factors that contributed to KLOL’s enduring popularity. With candid interviews from former DJs like Dayna Steele and ‘Outlaw Dave,’ along with iconic artists like Dusty Hill and Sammy Hagar, the documentary captures the essence of KLOL’s impact on the Houston community and the broader music industry.
Read the full music documentary review here.
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Film Platform "Lakota Nation vs. United States"