Documentaries Celebrating Great Women

Description: While focusing on Harvey Milk, this documentary also highlights the contributions of women like Anne Kronenberg, his campaign manager, in the fight for gay rights.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and was instrumental in raising awareness about Milk's legacy and the broader struggle for equality.

Description: Jane Goodall's groundbreaking work with chimpanzees in Tanzania is the focus of this documentary, which captures her passion for wildlife conservation and her impact on primatology.

Fact: The film uses newly discovered footage from the 1960s, offering a rare glimpse into Goodall's early research, and it was produced by National Geographic.

Description: This documentary explores the life of Jane Jacobs, an urban activist whose ideas on city planning revolutionized urban development, emphasizing the importance of community and diversity in urban spaces.

Fact: The film features archival footage and interviews with urbanists inspired by Jacobs, highlighting her lasting influence on city planning.

Description: While not exclusively about women, this documentary features the significant contributions of women like Linda Zangwill in the Voyager missions, showcasing their role in one of humanity's greatest scientific endeavors.

Fact: The film includes interviews with scientists involved in the project, and it was nominated for a Grierson Award for Best Science Documentary.

Description: This documentary delves into the life and career of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a trailblazing Supreme Court Justice known for her fierce advocacy for gender equality. It's a compelling look at how one woman's determination can change the course of history.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, and it includes interviews with Ginsburg herself, providing an intimate look at her personal and professional life.

Description: A vibrant chronicle of the women's liberation movement from 1966 to 1971, this documentary captures the energy, humor, and determination of the women who fought for equality.

Fact: The film includes interviews with key figures like Gloria Steinem and includes rare footage from the era, giving viewers a firsthand look at the movement.

Description: This documentary focuses on Kathleen Hanna, the lead singer of Bikini Kill and Le Tigre, exploring her role in the riot grrrl movement and her impact on feminism and punk rock.

Fact: Hanna's battle with Lyme disease is also covered, providing a personal insight into her life beyond music.

Description: This film follows Jackie Siegel, a former beauty queen, as she and her billionaire husband attempt to build the largest private home in America, offering a critique on wealth, excess, and the American Dream.

Fact: The documentary was initially intended to be a light-hearted look at opulence but evolved into a poignant story of economic downturn and personal tragedy.

Description: This film investigates the mysterious death of Marsha P. Johnson, a transgender activist and pioneer of the gay rights movement, while celebrating her life and legacy.

Fact: The documentary was directed by David France, who also made "How to Survive a Plague," another influential documentary on AIDS activism.

Description: This film revisits the 1991 Senate hearings where Anita Hill accused Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment, exploring the impact on her life and the broader implications for women's rights.

Fact: The documentary includes interviews with Hill and key figures from the hearings, providing a comprehensive look at the event and its aftermath.