This administration has wasted no time delivering on some of its most heinous campaign promises. As the world watches in horror, we sometimes feel hopeless, exhausted in the continuous fight to help the planet, ourselves, and those in need. Let us not forget that there is always a battle to be fought with the hopes of doing even a little bit of good; in the most trying times, we mustn't forget how either.
1. Before the Flood
One of the more well known ones on this list. The National Geographic documentary featuring Leonardo DiCaprio highlights the terrifying urgency of climate change, and shows us ways to combat it, something this administration has made abundantly clear we'll need to take charge of ourselves.
Where to watch it: beforetheflood.com, YouTube, Amazon Video, iTunes
2. Trapped
Filmmaker Dawn Porter examines how abortion laws affect doctors, patients and clinics in different states. This documentary showcases the burden of TRAP laws designed to restrict women's access to safe, legal abortion providers. It's week three and women's healthcare is already under heavy attack, this heartwrenching piece reminds us why we need to stand up and fight back.
Where to watch it: YouTube, iTunes, Amazon Video
3. 13th
Filmmaker Ava DuVernay explores the history of racial inequality in the United States, focusing on the fact that the nation's prisons are disproportionately filled with African-Americans. In the terrifying wake of rampant white supremacy in the Trump administration, it is crucial to remember that they do not speak for all Americans and certainly do not reflect our beliefs. We are first and foremost humans and allies that will not stay silent in the face of gross injustice.
Where to watch it: Netflix
4. Salam Neighbor
Two Americans live among refugees along Syria's border, pulling back the curtain on a major humanitarian crisis. Now more than ever we must stand in solidarity with refugees as they are affected by President Trump's recent ban.
Where to watch it: Netflix, Amazon Video
5. She's Beautiful When She's Angry
Filmmaker Mary Dore chronicles the events of the feminist movement and those who brought them about from 1966 to 1971. Post-Women's March, ladies around the globe need to get in formation to defend our rights from an institution in which we are grossly underrepresented.
Where to watch it: Netflix, Amazon Video, YouTube
6. Death Row Stories
Among many other things President Trump's SCOTUS nominee will weigh in on is the death penalty. Regardless of personal stance on the issue, it's a fascinating watch that provides intimate revelations on our nation's highest form of punishment that can only be told firsthand.
Where to watch: Netflix, CNN
7. (Dis)Honesty: The Truth About Lies
This one is mostly just me being shady, nonetheless, a fascinating watch.
Where to watch it: Netflix
8. The True Cost
While President Trump tweets promises of bringing jobs back to America, let us not forget where his line of suits are actually made. This documentary reveals the dark truths behind the industry of fast fashion and might make us think twice about buying that graphic tee from Wet Seal.
Where to watch it: Netflix
9. The Hunting Ground
I cannot recommend this film enough. This documentary focuses on the plague of sexual assault on college campuses, the backlash of victim blaming, and highlights the difficulty for survivors to get justice. Now that Biden is gone, we need another vocal ally in the White House.
Where to watch it: Netflix
10. Don't Call Me Crazy
This documentary will reignite the fight within us to advocate for proper mental health care and treatment. Don't Call Me Crazy follows teens as they recover and cope with mental health issues such as suicidal depression, eating disorders, and other mental health issues.
Where to watch it: Netflix, Amazon
11. The White Helmets
Watch these heroic volunteer rescue workers put their lives on the line to save civilians amidst the turmoil and violence in Syria and Turkey. The White Helmets aided tremendously in rescuing citizens in Aleppo. Not only will this documentary move entire audiences to tears, it will make them ask themselves: is this who Trump wanted to keep out with his ban?
Where to watch it: Netflix
13. Miss Representation
Miss Representation, released in 2011, is documentary film written, directed, and produced by Jennifer Siebel Newsom about the lack of female representation in the media. It's no surprise to anyone that we've rolled back the clock of gender-equality with the outcome of this election, post-Women's March it's up to us to keep up the fight and never stop until the day comes where a group of seven men in a room can no longer dictate what we can do with our bodies.
Where to watch it: Netflix, Google Play, Amazon video
14. Terra
A documentary that explores the diversity and fragility of life. A 90 minute piece by Yann Arthus-Bertrand & Michael Pitiot, that serves as a tribute to the human race, clearly showing that we are still capable of changing our future. Similar to Before the Flood, it aims to project a similar message: climate change is real, Trump's tan is not.
Where to watch it: Netflix
Don't have time for a documentary? That's okay! Just donate directly to the ACLU instead.
