Top 10 Human Rights Documentaries You Must Watch

Description: While primarily focused on dolphin slaughter, this documentary touches on broader themes of environmental rights and the right to information, showcasing the lengths activists go to expose hidden truths.

Fact: It won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Description: This documentary sheds light on the epidemic of rape within the U.S. military, revealing the institutional cover-ups and the fight for justice by survivors. It's a call to action for systemic change in how sexual assault is handled.

Fact: The film influenced changes in military policy regarding sexual assault.

Description: This chilling documentary explores the Indonesian genocide of 1965-66 through the eyes of the perpetrators, who reenact their crimes in surreal, cinematic ways. It's a stark reminder of how history can be manipulated and the importance of truth in human rights narratives.

Fact: The film was banned in Indonesia, and its director, Joshua Oppenheimer, had to use aliases for his crew's safety.

Description: This film documents the Egyptian revolution of 2011, focusing on the ongoing struggle for democracy and freedom. It's an intimate look at the power of collective action and the human spirit's resilience against oppression.

Fact: It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Description: A real-time documentary that captures Edward Snowden's revelations about NSA surveillance. It's a must-watch for anyone concerned about privacy and government overreach, highlighting the personal sacrifices made for the sake of human rights.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in

Description: This film follows a group of video journalists in Myanmar (Burma) who risk their lives to report on the Saffron Revolution. It's a testament to the power of journalism in exposing human rights abuses.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Description: This satirical documentary follows activists who impersonate corporate and government officials to expose corporate greed and human rights abuses. It's a unique approach to activism, using humor to highlight serious issues.

Fact: The film includes a scene where the activists announce a fake plan to clean up the Bhopal disaster, drawing attention to the real issue.

Description: A companion piece to "The Act of Killing," this film focuses on an optometrist whose brother was killed in the Indonesian genocide, confronting the killers. It's a poignant exploration of memory, forgiveness, and the quest for truth.

Fact: It was also banned in Indonesia, like its predecessor.

Description: Focusing on sexual assault on college campuses, this documentary exposes the widespread issue and the often inadequate response from educational institutions. It's a powerful narrative on the fight for accountability and change.

Fact: It led to the creation of the "It's On Us" campaign to combat campus sexual assault.

Description: Ava DuVernay's documentary explores the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States, connecting the dots from the abolition of slavery to modern-day systemic racism.

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