Documentaries That Tackle Social Issues

Description: This documentary examines the failures of the American public education system, focusing on the lottery system for charter schools and the impact on students' futures.

Fact: The film's title refers to the hope that a 'superman' will come to save the education system, but it argues that real change must come from within.

Description: Focusing on sexual assault in the U.S. military, this documentary sheds light on the institutional cover-ups and the struggle for justice faced by survivors.

Fact: The film led to significant policy changes within the military regarding the handling of sexual assault cases.

Description: Economist Robert Reich explains the widening income gap in America, making complex economic concepts accessible and urging viewers to consider the societal implications of economic inequality.

Fact: The film uses animated infographics to illustrate economic disparities, making it both educational and engaging.

Description: This chilling documentary confronts the perpetrators of the Indonesian mass killings of 1965-66, asking them to reenact their crimes in the style of their favorite films, revealing the psychological impact of their actions.

Fact: The film was banned in Indonesia but has won numerous international awards for its innovative approach to documenting historical atrocities.

Description: This film investigates the treatment of orcas in captivity, particularly at SeaWorld, and the consequences of their confinement, sparking a global conversation about animal rights.

Fact: Following the film's release, SeaWorld announced it would end its orca breeding program.

Description: This film delves into the dark side of the fashion industry, exposing the exploitation of workers, environmental damage, and the human cost of our clothing choices. It's a wake-up call for consumers and a plea for ethical fashion.

Fact: The film was produced by Livia Firth, an advocate for sustainable fashion, and features interviews with industry insiders and activists.

Description: A real-time thriller that captures Edward Snowden's revelations about global surveillance, this documentary is a testament to the power of whistleblowers and the importance of privacy in the digital age.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, and its title refers to the alias Snowden used when contacting filmmaker Laura Poitras.

Description: This eye-opening documentary exposes the corporate control of the food industry, revealing how our food is produced, the health implications, and the environmental impact of industrial agriculture.

Fact: The film has influenced public perception and policy regarding food production, leading to increased interest in organic and local farming.

Description: Tackling the epidemic of sexual assault on college campuses, this film exposes the systemic failures in addressing these crimes and the courage of survivors who fight for justice.

Fact: The film has sparked widespread discussion and led to policy changes at several universities.

Description: Ava DuVernay's 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 inequality.

Fact: The film's title refers to the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery but with a loophole for punishment of crime.