19 Essential Documentary Films

A fisheries expert is asked by a consultant to help a sheik establish fly-fishing in the desert. He takes on the challenge, traveling upstream on a journey of belief and angling, to demonstrate that something considered impossible can be achieved.

This film offers an intimate look inside the world of René Redzepi, the chef and co-owner of Noma, a restaurant that has been named the world's best four times. It’s a creative exploration of his distinctive approach to food.

This film documents a group establishing a camp and hunting seals in the challenging environment of late winter on the Arctic sea ice.

Nicola Costantino is a highly debated and respected artist from Latin America. This documentary chronicles the career of the visual artist, starting with the beginnings of her work and continuing through her participation in the 2013 Venice Biennale.

Barbecue is more than just cooking food; it's a deeply held tradition practiced globally. For many, it represents a spiritual connection and national identity. The stories shared while gathered around the grill foster a sense of community and global unity.

This DVD features films shot over two years while traveling the world to film fly fishing in unique locations. The films share a common thread: exploring places our crew considered unusual. We intentionally focused on lesser-known waters, hatches, and fishing…

GOING CLEAR closely examines the experiences of eight former members of the Church of Scientology, revealing the methods used to draw people in and the actions taken in the name of their faith.

Matthew McConaughey introduces a detailed exploration of Christopher Nolan's science fiction film, 'Interstellar'. The film's scientific basis is examined, including the contributions of theoretical physicist Kip Thorne, core thematic ideas, and the science behind finding habitable planets. Topics covered include…

This film aims to spark a similar conversation about breastfeeding in America as 'Food, Inc.' Did about the food industry. It encourages viewers to reconsider motherhood and the support mothers receive. The film intends to empower women to trust their…

Filmmaker Agnès Varda and artist JR travel across the French countryside and develop an unexpected bond.

Eleven prominent filmmakers from Europe, America, and Asia discuss Akira Kurosawa and reveal unexpected influences on their filmmaking.

This documentary chronicles Stanley Kubrick's making of *A Clockwork Orange*, a film that remains deeply controversial even three decades later. The film sparked intense debate upon its release. Through interviews with those who worked with him – filmmakers, screenwriters, and…

Set in Scotland's remote northern highlands, this film explores the life and significant impact of Megan Boyd, a master fly-maker. Boyd, a self-taught artisan, rose to international fame, becoming a supplier to notable figures like Prince Charles. Eric Steel’s poetic…

This documentary film chronicles the largest global corruption scandal ever exposed, focusing on the hundreds of journalists who put themselves in danger to reveal the truth.

In the rice paddies of Morelos, Mexico, humans and birds wage a daily battle for food. The human scarecrow is a unique profession, employing humor, shouts, and whips to deter crows. This film transports us to an old-fashioned, almost dreamlike…

While often misunderstood, a generation embraced a distinctive style: leather jackets, spiked hair, and tattoos. Unbeknownst to many, a small club in Costa Mesa, California became the unlikely birthplace of a multi-billion dollar youth culture that continues to this day.…

With a growing global population, society faces challenges in feeding everyone safely and sustainably, leading to conflict between scientists and consumers fueled by fear and distrust. Narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson, *Food Evolution* examines the contentious debate surrounding genetically modified…

This documentary offers a detailed look at the creation of Ridley Scott's "Prometheus," including interviews with the cast and crew, plus outtakes and behind-the-scenes footage. Available on the 4-disc Collector's Edition Blu-ray.

In a near-future Britain, a young man named Alexander DeLarge and his friends find pleasure in violence and sexual assault. He is also deeply moved by Beethoven's music. To address rising juvenile crime, the government offers DeLarge an option: a…