Watching documentaries is a great way to become aware of social issues or grow passionate about something. Here are some of the best documentaries on Netflix right now. If you haven't watched them yet, give them a try!
1. Living on One Dollar
This sensational 2013 documentary was created by college students, Chris Temple, Zach Ingrasci, Ryan Christofferesen, and Sean Leonard. The four friends live in rural Guatemala with no accommodations whatsoever for 56 on $56 per person for their entire trip. They survive by learning to make a fire, to tend a plot of land, and even take out a loan.
Living on a Dollar reveals the harsh realities of rural life in Guatemala through a quite realistic simulation. The interviews of the indigenous Guatemalan neighbors are heart-wrenching and inspiring. One of the interviewees, Rosa, was featured in a short film in 2015. The film and Living on One Dollar, the foundation, can be found here: http://livingonone.org/Rosa/
2. Embrace
Remember the Before and After photo of a body builder that went viral on Facebook?
Taryn Brumfitt, a former body builder, a mother of 2, tells the story of her journey from slim to happy. Not only does it empower women and young girls to love their bodies as they are, but also encourages men to resist the notion of femininity solidified by mainstream culture.
The documentary was like a wake-up call for me, and I'm sure it will be for you if you haven't seen it yet! It's an entertaining film as well; the documentary follows Taryn as she meets and interviews the supporters of her movement.
3. I Am Jane Doe
I Am Jane Doe uncovers the dark side of the Internet and the Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act. The law sits on a controversy that has recently emerged, as it is accused of protecting many hazardous websites information from being removed or bearing any legal responsibility for the crimes that they mediate.
A primary example is Backpage.com, a seemingly benign buy-and-sell website that also happens to sell female hosts for sexual service. The documentary explores the victims of human trafficking through Backpage.com and their legal battle against the website.
Would amending Section 230 of the CDA really jeopardize our freedom of speech on the Internet? You decide, after watching this documentary.
4. Cowspiracy
Think you're an environmentalist? Think again! This intriguing documentary explores the environmental issues besides industrial and urban pollution. We all know that cow farts most likely contribute a great part in causing Global Warming. But commercial farming does much more damage to Mother Nature than just cause greenhouse gases.
The documentary also explores the inhumane practices of commercial farming in the meat industry. Though many vegans encourage Cowspiracy as a 'motivator' to go vegan, it is a worthwhile watch even if you don't plan on changing your lifestyle.
5. Forks Over Knives
Though it is "common" knowledge that meat gives us protein and milk give us calcium, this documentary begs to differ. This well-known documentary challenges almost every nutrition and food knowledge that we've known for almost a century.
Dr. T. Colin Campbell's The China Study is known to be one of the biggest comprehensive research on nutrition and the basis for the theory that a whole food, plant-based diet is the most healthful diet. It is an intrigiuing and informative documentary for anyone who cares about their health.
