documentary

White People Will Learn, Black People Will Relish: Hulu’s ‘Black Twitter: A People’s History’ Moves Beyond the Screen

Roberto Soto

The upcoming Hulu series is an essential piece of American historiography from the perspective of Black people.…

March 9, 2024

7 Films to Hit at SXSW 2024

Roberto Soto

Black Twitter, DCOM-inspired horror, gay beaches and Ayo Edebiri. SXSW 2024 has the film for you!…

March 6, 2024

An illustration of one of the dishes featured on the Netflix documentary, "High on The Hog."

The Journey of Soul Food from Africa to America

Erica George, Louisiana State University, Shreveport

The Netflix documentary, "High on The Hog" explores the history of the celebrated cuisine.…

May 11, 2023

An image from Harry & Meghan showing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle seated on a couch

‘Harry & Meghan:’ A Love Story (Or Beautiful Propaganda?)

Megan Miller, Arizona State University

The recent Netflix documentary shows the couple's struggles and reasons for exiting the British Royal Family, albeit for an unsubtle purpose.…

February 23, 2023

An illustration of Selena Gomez seated behind a behind a clapperboard

‘Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me’ Tells Some But Not All of Her Story

Ally Najera, California State University, Northridge

The actress/singer speaks her truth to fans in the new documentary.…

November 28, 2022

Who is Carlos Ghosn and Why Does Netflix Think We Care?

Megan Miller, Arizona State University

The streaming giant's new documentary covers the billionaire's rise and fall prior to his escape from Japan.…

November 8, 2022

an illustration of george carlin and the drama masks

‘George Carlin’s American Dream’ and the Science of Comedy

Niall Calvert, Wesleyan University

Comedian George Carlin spent 50 years making audiences laugh. A new documentary looks at how he made them think.…

September 15, 2022

Woman sitting on couch with a small panda eating popcorn and a sloth outside in nature.

5 Shows for Animal and Nature Lovers To Stream

Julie Morse, Pomona College

To celebrate Earth Month, spend time exploring the planet with these delightful documentaries from the comfort of your home.…

April 24, 2022

One of the Turpin sisters in an article about 'Escape from a House of Horror.'

The Turpin Sisters Reveal All in ‘Escape from a House of Horror’

Asiya Robinson, Rowan University

An ABC News 20/20 special event discloses the extent of the abuse these children experienced throughout their entire lives.…

December 30, 2021

Photo of David Farrier from his documentary Dark Tourism

David Farrier Has Taken Oddity-Inspired Storytelling Global

Megan Heenan, Nevada State College

The journalist’s broad spectrum of work includes a documentary, a Netflix series and a recurring role on a popular podcast.…

December 7, 2021

‘In the Same Breath’ Takes an Important Look at the Nefarious Politics of the Pandemic

Niall Calvert, Wesleyan University

Nanfu Wang’s unrelentingly terrifying documentary about China’s handling of the COVID-19 outbreak teaches the most pertinent lessons about grief, honesty and human nature.…

September 28, 2021

In an article about documentary Roadrunner, Anthony Bourdain stares into a wine glass against a dark background.

‘Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain’ Contrasts Romance and Reality

Anna Hupp, University of Wyoming

While the documentary possesses some glaring flaws, both ethically and thematically, it is nonetheless a worthwhile and authentic exploration of the troubled idealist's life and death.…

August 9, 2021

Illustration of Billie Eilish in the documentary "The World's a Little Blurry"

‘The World’s a Little Blurry’ Is a Look Into How Billie Eilish Got Here

Sarah Esquivel, University of Texas at San Antonio

The new AppleTV documentary follows the pop star through her rapid ascent to stardom as she prepares her debut album.…

May 18, 2021

‘Operation Varsity Blues’ Exposes Systemic Flaws in Education

Sarah Esquivel, University of Texas at San Antonio

The recent Netflix documentary reveals problems in the U.S. school system that go beyond the infamous 2019 admission scandal.…

April 16, 2021

A photo of Taylor Swift playing the piano in the Miss Americana documentary. (Image via Google Images)

What Does ‘Miss Americana’ Tell Us About Passion and Life?

Benjamin Chen, Columbia University

The 2020 Taylor Swift documentary expertly highlights the impact that stardom has had on the singer, while also showing the value of the little moments.…

March 4, 2021

Photo of Britney Spears from her Instagram

‘Framing Britney Spears’ Reveals the Dark Side of Stardom

Sarah Esquivel, University of Texas at San Antonio

The New York Times documentary boldly exposes the dark underbelly of Hollywood stardom, showing how tabloid culture exploited, harassed and vilified a young popstar — and how the people around her failed to protect her.…

February 24, 2021

Illustration of cheerleaders in an article about the Cheer documentary on Netflix. (Illustration by Eri Iguchi, Minneapolis College of Art and Design)

Even Beyond Cheerleading, ‘Cheer’ Tells a Story of Value and Purpose

Benjamin Chen, Columbia University

This inspiring Netflix documentary highlights Navarro Community College coach Monica Aldama and her dedication to giving her students the drive and opportunity to succeed.…

January 21, 2021

Illustration of Greta Thunberg by Marcus Escobar for an article on I Am Greta

‘I Am Greta’ Reveals the Beauty and Horror Behind Climate Activism

Haven Worley, University of Rochester

The Hulu documentary follows the teenage global climate activist as she becomes one of the most known leaders today.…

November 26, 2020

David Attenborough in A Life on Our Photo

‘A Life on Our Planet’ Illuminates the Dire Conditions of the Environment

Emily Davies, Solent University

Legendary natural historian David Attenborough captures humanity’s devastating impact on the Earth in this pressing new nature documentary.…

October 29, 2020

‘The Times of Bill Cunningham’ Reveals the Man Behind the Camera

Alice Murphy, University of Maryland, College Park

The award-winning documentary shows the famed photographer at his most uncomfortable — in the spotlight.…

October 17, 2020

In an article about Netflix's 'The Social Dilemma,' an illustration showing a person on their phone. Illustration by Adam Lee.

5 Takeaways From Netflix’s ‘The Social Dilemma’

Danielle Kuzel, Florida State University

The new documentary-drama will make you put down your phone as it dives into what makes social media so addicting and the consequences attached to it.…

October 11, 2020

‘Feels Good Man’ Explores the Strange History of an Iconic Meme

Luke Gair, Sewanee: The University of the South

The documentary follows an artist as he works to reclaim his character, Pepe the Frog, who has been purloined by 4chan, the Republican Party and everything in between.…

October 9, 2020

illustration by Daisy Daniels of a water slide in Class Action Park

‘Class Action Park’ Highlights the Human Cost of Unbridled Fun

Starr Shapiro, Columbia University

Ever wondered what would happen if a theme park had no rules? This documentary is your chance to find out — from a safe distance.…

September 18, 2020

The Docudrama ‘Bad Education’ Tells a Story of School and Scandal

Emilia Chavez, Rice University

The film finds its school administrator protagonists making small moral compromises until it explodes in a big way.…

September 18, 2020

Artistic colorful depiction of popular '90s hip hop fashion.

‘The Remix’ Examines The Legacy of Hip-Hop Culture and Fashion

Eva Halvax, University of Arizona

This documentary explores the globalization of hip-hop and the history that is integral to the genre's aesthetics.…

September 1, 2020

Image of a woman and a government agent in the docuseries Immigration Nation

The Docuseries ‘Immigration Nation’ Is Stirring Up Controversy

Madelyn Haasken, Bemidji State University

The Netflix docuseries takes a brutally honest look at the nation's immigration policies, with first-hand accounts from migrants, refugees and even ICE agents.…

August 15, 2020

An illustration of Zac Efron helping to save the planet from the documentary titled 'Down to Earth'

In ‘Down to Earth,’ Zac Efron Encourages Us To Save the World

Kaitlyn Nuebel, University of Pittsburgh

Netflix's new documentary series reaffirms the notion that change for the better can be possible by taking even the smallest of steps.…

August 6, 2020

Illustration of people experiencing psychedelic drugs

New Voices Say Psychedelic Drugs Could Make the World a Better Place

Kaitlyn Nuebel, University of Pittsburgh

Documentaries like Netflix’s ‘Have a Good Trip’ and ’Neurons to Nirvana’ show that at a time when the world is dangerously divided, the use of hallucinogens could help fill the void between us.…

July 16, 2020

‘Circus of Books’ Explores the Legacy Behind a Family’s Adult Bookstore

Luke Gair, Sewanee: The University of the South

The Mason family left an imprint on the West Hollywood queer scene with their shop. Years later, members of the community talk of its unwavering relevance. …

June 24, 2020

‘Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich’ Gives a Voice to Survivors of Sexual Abuse

Katherine Brand, University of Michigan

The new Netflix documentary sheds light on the women who accused Epstein and the failures of the justice system that delayed his prosecution.…

June 16, 2020

Screenshot from Les Blank documentary Burden of Dreams

The Films of Les Blank Offer Unscripted Insight Into Unique People

Brian Anderson Gil, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

The director's films invite us into the raw everyday lives of unusual individuals.…

May 2, 2020

Screenshot from true-crime documentary 'Audrie and Daisy.'

5 True-Crime Documentaries That Will Help You Move on From ‘Tiger King’

Lisa Lilianstrom, Northern Illinois University

If you're craving more real life drama, look no further than these gripping films and TV series.…

April 23, 2020

Catherine McCord in a scene from her documentary 'You're Gonna Be Okay'

Catherine McCord Wins NFFTY Award for Documentary at 18 Years Old

Desiree Jaime, Hofstra University

I had the chance to speak with the young filmmaker about her inspirations, obstacles and her raw, personal award-winning documentary 'You're Gonna Be Okay.'…

April 3, 2020

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