Documentaries That Illuminate the Fight Against Discrimination

Description: This film exposes the epidemic of rape within the U.S. military, detailing the stories of survivors and the systemic issues that allow such crimes to continue unchecked.

Fact: It won the Audience Award at Sundance Film Festival and was instrumental in pushing for legislative changes regarding military sexual assault.

Description: This documentary captures the Egyptian revolution from the perspective of activists, showing the fight for democracy and the discrimination faced by protesters.

Fact: It won the Audience Award at Sundance and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Description: Based on James Baldwin's unfinished manuscript, this film explores the history of racism in America through Baldwin's reflections on the lives and assassinations of civil rights leaders.

Fact: It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and features Samuel L. Jackson narrating Baldwin's words.

Description: This film provides an in-depth look at the Black Panther Party, exploring its origins, its fight against racial discrimination, and its impact on American politics and culture.

Fact: It was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Historical Documentary and has been praised for its comprehensive portrayal of the movement.

Description: A companion piece to "The Act of Killing," this documentary focuses on an optometrist confronting the men who killed his brother during the Indonesian genocide, highlighting the ongoing effects of political violence.

Fact: It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and has been critically acclaimed for its emotional depth.

Description: Focused on the epidemic of sexual assault on American college campuses, this documentary uncovers the institutional cover-ups and the fight for justice by survivors.

Fact: It was screened at the White House and led to significant policy changes in how universities handle sexual assault cases.

Description: A tribute to Marsha P. Johnson, a transgender activist, this documentary investigates her mysterious death while celebrating her life and legacy in the fight for LGBT rights.

Fact: The film was directed by David France, who also directed "How to Survive a Plague," another acclaimed documentary on the AIDS crisis.

Description: This documentary explores the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States, highlighting how the 13th Amendment has been used to perpetuate racial discrimination.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and has been praised for its powerful narrative and compelling interviews.

Description: This documentary traces the story of a summer camp for teens with disabilities that sparked a groundbreaking movement for disability rights in the United States.

Fact: It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and has been lauded for its uplifting and inspiring portrayal of disability activism.

Description: Examining economic inequality in the UK, this film looks at how the gap between the rich and the poor has widened, exploring the consequences of this divide on society.

Fact: It was produced by the same team behind "The Spirit Level," a book that also discusses economic inequality.