Documentaries can take viewers on a journey to worlds they have never imagined, and teach them things they never thought were possible. I’m a firm believer in documentaries: here are some films that are definitely worth your time.
1. Food, Inc.
A highly controversial documentary by filmmaker Robert Kenner, Food Inc. explores the current state of factory and industrial farming in the United States. The film examines not only meat and vegetable production in the U.S. but economic and social issues surrounding food manufacturing, such as the marketing techniques of certain companies as well as the highly debated topic of GMO labeling. This film is an absolute must see, revolving around an industry that plays such a pivotal, role in society today, yet is often taken for granted.
2. Living on One Dollar
Nobel Peace Prize winner, Muhammad Yunus claims that Living on One Dollar is “A must watch film, that provides a unique look into the hardship and hope of life in extreme poverty” and I agree. The film, which originated as a viral YouTube video, follows the experience of four young friends looking to get a better understanding of poverty by living on one dollar a day for two months in rural Guatemala. Living on One Dollar, which has won awards such as Best Documentary at the Sonoma International Film Festival, is definitely worth the time for anyone looking to educate themselves more on what living in poverty really means, and what can be done to help in such situations.
3. Happy
Did you know that the United States ranks at only 23rd for world’s happiest citizens? In this documentary, filmmaker Roko Belic takes viewers on an exciting journey through co-housing communities in Denmark, the island of Okinawa in Japan, and even the Southern U.S., to discover what truly brings happiness. Happy not only provides an opportunity to learn about lifestyles in vastly different societies, but will surely make you rethink the values we hold dear to ourselves as citizens of the United States.
4. Mile… Mile & a Half
Mile… Mile & a Half is a beautiful film following a team of artists as they backpack along California’s 219-mile John Muir Trail. Naturalist John Muir himself once said “Wander a whole summer if you can… time will not be taken from the sum of life. Instead of shortening, it will definitely lengthen it and make you truly immortal” and this documentary will no doubt inspire you to do just that. Sit back, relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
5. Craigslist Joe
Have you ever wondered how far you could get solely on the kindness of strangers? Craigslist Joe follows the experiment of 29-year-old Joseph Garner as he left everything behind to live for a month off of nothing but the help of strangers on popular classified advertising website, Craigslist. Guaranteed to re-kindle your love affair with humanity, Craigslist Joe is a moving documentary definitely worth your time. Strangely enough, it was produced by comedian Zach Galifianakis, and if that’s not enough to convince you to give it a try, I don’t know what will.
