Knowing that I am passionate about film, a colleague who wants to someday make a documentary, asked me to recommend a book for him to read. Rather than just recommend a book, I put together a list of documentaries and other resources that I thought might be helpful.
Here is the list. It only includes movies that I have seen; I am sure there are many other wonderful examples not listed. Unfortunately, until very recently, it has been almost impossible for anyone who was not in film school or lived in Los Angeles or New York, to see many documentaries. Most of the films I have listed should be available through Netflix or other video outlets.
My Recommended Must-See Documentary Films
These films reflect a variety of styles, techniques and subject matter.
Night and Fog (1955)
Harlan County, USA (1976)
Hoop Dreams (1994)
The Gleaners and I (2000)
The Fog of War (2003)
My Architect: A Son's Journey (2003)
Born Into Brothels (2004)
Control Room (2004)
The Corporation (2004)
The Boys of Baraka (2005)
Unfolding Florence: The Many Lives of Florence Broadhurst (2005)
The Up Series
It might be tempting to jump to the end of this wonderful made-for-British-TV series, but if you start from the beginning you will not regret it
7 Up and 7 Plus Seven (1964)
21 Up (1977)
28 Up (1985)
35 Up (1991)
42 Up (1998)
49 Up (2005)
Also be sure and watch the supporting material related to the making-of the series. The interviews with Director Michael Apted are very educational.
Documentaries about Film Making
Visions of Light (1993)
Lost in La Mancha (2002)
Surf Documentaries
I have included Surf Documentaries if for no other reason than their sheer beauty.
The Endless Summer (1966)
The Endless Summer II (1994)
Step Into Liquid (2003)
Riding Giants (2004)
Narrative and Experimental Films that are worth comparing to Documentaries
The Bicycle Thief (1948)
The Battle of Algiers (1965)
La Jetee (1963)
City of God (2002)
Other Resources (Atlanta-centric)
Image (Independent Media Artists of Georgia, Etc.) is a great group for filmmakers in the Southeast, particularly those in Atlanta
Georgia Film Office
As this list is not exhaustive, I look forward to hearing recommendations and resources that others' have found helpful.
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Comments: 10
"Night and Fog" was pretty disturbing. "The Corporation" was kinda long.
Other suggestion: "Who Killed the Electric Car?"
I didn't include Nanook and Electric Car because I have been very bad and not seen them myself. Yes, The Corporation is long, but I found it very powerful.
Thanks for sharing this. I would also add that readers might like to check out documentaries from Frontline PBS. Just do a search for "Frontline PBS watch online".