Documentaries, in addition to being a great opportunity for today’s independent filmmakers, they are films that can be made with small badgets and big motivations. They are also the territory where the public can acquire a great awarness of the world around us.
Undoubtedly, the fascination for fictional films remains immense. But documentaries in the last 20 years have acquired enormous relevance. Michael Moore with his guerrilla documentaries became famous all over the world, making documentaries come out of the small niche they were in. More and more people prefer to watch documentaries that help them grow their awareness rather than watching fiction films.
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Immigration, racism, climate change, social problems, meeting other cultures, nature, a wide open window on the world that does not choose fiction as its main weapon. But that’s not always the case. Many documentaries, for example, proposed by the large streaming platforms have a very simple, television language, in some cases even didactic, but they are seen by millions of people because they deal with topics of great interest. Topicts that affect us all, such as documentaries on the awareness of one’s health and harmful food products on the market.
But documentaries can sometimes also be experimental cinema, cinematographic research and innovation of shapes and images. The contamination between documentary and fiction helps independent cinema to grow. While Neorealism filmed reality using a staged environment , even if the actors were non-professionals, today there is a tendency to use real reality even in fictional cinema, thanks to the use of very light and easily manoeuvrable cameras.
It takes more courage to shoot a documentarie, than to shoot a fictional film comfortably seated in the director’s chair. Because if it is true what Syd Field says that the essence of narration is conflict, then it is also true that conflict in reality does not want to be filmed. The documentarian goes in search of the conflict but instead of reconstructing and deepening it with fiction, he wants to portray it directly. Nothing more difficult.
The conflict in the world we live in is everywhere, But it hides very well. In the outer reality he wears masks and disguises. In the inner reality it hides in unknown abysses. In social relationships it often disguises itself as a conflict. Documentaries may not always give us memorable characters such as one’s in fictional cinema. But it can directly show us fragments of reality that in many cases exceed the fictional .
Discover, for example, with an investigative documentary, which are the mechanisms that greedy men create, and use, to enrich themselves and only offer death and destruction in exchange. Documentaries can bring awareness of the small daily rules and gestures that we must respect to save the planet. Documentaries can enlighten us by giving as a Better understanding of the social phenomenas that we have before our eyes every day but of which we have no awareness of.
Vegetable Leather
An exciting documentary on the mysterious relationship between art and nature, between creativity and human relationships. The artist-farmer protagonist of the film has created a place to live in the nature of Sardinia, and hosts artists who create eco-compatible works that over time are transformed with Nature itself.
Don Barry: A Quixotic Exploration
Docufiction, Experimental, by Paul Smart, Mexico, 2026.
Don Barry: A Quixotic Exploration is a debut feature that places the biography of an eighty-year-old experimental filmmaker and artist, Barry Gerson, within the metanarrative of Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote. Don Barry was filmed in the city of Guanajuato during the 51st edition of the Cervantino Festival, as well as during the vibrant Day of the Dead celebrations held in the city’s UNESCO-listed tunnels. The film honors the director’s long friendship with artist Barry Gerson, drawing inspiration from Cervantes’ Don Quixote. Paul Smart’s directorial choices create something new that celebrates life and goes beyond conventional storytelling. A search for magic in our real lives. A moving film about the meaning of life, art, and death. Not to be missed.
Paul Smart is a proud outsider filmmaker with a long history of film screenings. In the 1980s, he emerged in New York’s vibrant youth art scene, working in theater production and later filmmaking, before retreating to rural upstate New York, in the Catskill Mountains, where he made a living writing and screening independent films in old parish halls for rural audiences, many of whom had never seen a film.
LANGUAGE: English
SUBTITLES: Spanish, French, German, Portuguese
An Inconvenient Truth (2006)
Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore presents a compelling multimedia lecture about the dangers of climate change. Through dramatic visuals, scientific data, and personal storytelling, Gore argues that global warming is not a distant threat but an urgent crisis already reshaping our planet. The film blends political biography with environmental advocacy, making complex scientific concepts accessible to general audiences worldwide.
Directed by Davis Guggenheim, this Oscar-winning documentary became a cultural landmark in environmental awareness. Its greatest achievement lies in transforming dense climatological data into emotionally resonant storytelling. Critics praised Gore’s passionate delivery, though some questioned the film’s oversimplifications. Nevertheless, its cultural impact is undeniable — it sparked global conversations, influenced policy debates, and inspired a generation of environmental activists. The film remains a masterclass in using cinema as a tool for social and political consciousness-raising.
The Smartphone Woman
Officially classified as a fiction film, this unique piece blurs the lines between storytelling and reality. While it carries the label of fiction, the segments captured using a smartphone are immersed in authenticity, serving as a life diary and documentary that intimately explores existence and its enigmatic progression. The distinctiveness of this film lies in how it intertwines the role of a smartphone woman with real actors and everyday individuals, seamlessly integrating staged scenes with spontaneous captures. These impromptu shots offer a genuine glimpse into the essence of reality as it unfolds. By skillfully merging the planned with the unexpected, the production captures the unpredictable journey of life, underscoring the film’s profound narrative that challenges the boundaries between fact and fabrication.
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Seaspiracy (2021)
Filmmaker Ali Tabrizi sets out to document his love of the ocean and marine life, only to uncover disturbing truths about the fishing industry’s devastating impact on global ecosystems. The documentary investigates illegal fishing, plastic pollution, slavery aboard fishing vessels, and the destruction of marine biodiversity, challenging the widely held belief that sustainable fishing can adequately address environmental collapse.
Seaspiracy provoked fierce debate upon its Netflix release, praised by many for its investigative boldness and condemned by others for factual inaccuracies and oversimplifications. Regardless of its controversies, the film undeniably succeeded in forcing millions of viewers to reconsider their relationship with seafood consumption. Its rapid-fire editing and confrontational interview style reflect a new generation of activist filmmaking that prioritizes emotional urgency over academic precision, raising critical awareness about oceanic destruction with undeniable cinematic force.
Home
This remarkable and groundbreaking documentary delves into the profound and impactful consequences that climate change is exerting on our planet, which we call home. It draws parallels to the radical and avant-garde experimental film directed by Godfrey Reggio, known as Koyaanisqatsi, capturing similar artistic and visionary qualities. Every scene is meticulously shot using breathtaking aerial imagery, providing a captivating bird’s-eye view of the issues at hand. Embark on an aerial journey circumnavigating the globe to uncover the extensive damage humankind has inflicted upon the very environment that gave rise to our existence. Through this exploration, the film invites viewers to reflect deeply on the relationship between humanity and the natural world that sustains us, highlighting the urgency of acknowledging and addressing the environmental challenges we face today.
A vision curated by a filmmaker, not an algorithm
In this video I explain our vision
Corona Days
A film journal meticulously crafted during the initial months of the Coronavirus pandemic lockdown provides an intimate portrayal of that extraordinary period. This docu-fiction not only reflects the stark reality of the unprecedented situation but also delves deeply into the intricate inner world of the story’s protagonist. Within the isolation of a city rendered desolate, the narrative explores the complex process of mourning and the confrontation with past experiences. The film is executed with a remarkable combination of simplicity and creativity, capturing the raw emotion and genuine sentiment of the era.
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I Am Greta (2020)
This intimate documentary follows Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg from her solitary school strike outside the Swedish parliament to her rise as one of the most recognizable voices in the global climate movement. The film captures her emotional struggles, her Asperger’s diagnosis, her transatlantic voyage, and her passionate speech before world leaders at the United Nations Climate Action Summit.
Director Nathan Grossman had unprecedented access to Thunberg, resulting in a deeply humanizing portrait that goes beyond the polarizing public figure. The film skillfully balances the personal and the political, showing the psychological toll that global fame and moral urgency exact on a teenager. While critics noted the documentary’s sympathetic framing, its strength lies precisely in its intimacy. It raises profound questions about generational responsibility, institutional inaction, and the courage required to speak uncomfortable truths to those in power.
Habitat
Another cinematic diary is introduced, embracing yet another independent documentary film; however, this time it is devoid of any fictional elements. What unfolds is an unadulterated chronicle detailing the arduous reconstruction journey of three friends whose lives have been shattered by a cataclysmic earthquake. As they embark on a quest to forge new identities amidst the rubble of their former existence, each friend confronts their own set of challenges. There are those among them who strive to reclaim a semblance of normalcy by seeking employment, driven by the necessity to rebuild their livelihoods. In contrast, others choose to navigate the tumultuous seas of their circumstances by channeling their profound emotional experiences and pain through the realms of art and cinema. In doing so, they not only endeavor to process and make sense of the tragedy they have endured but also to transform their personal anguish into a creative expression that resonates with audiences, thus finding solace and meaning in their creative pursuits.
13th (2016)
Director Ava DuVernay’s powerful documentary explores the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States. Taking its title from the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which abolished slavery except as punishment for crime, the film traces how this legal loophole has perpetuated systemic racial inequality from the post-Civil War era through the modern prison-industrial complex, featuring scholars, activists, and politicians.
13th is a landmark work of social documentary filmmaking, combining rigorous historical analysis with urgent moral clarity. DuVernay weaves archival footage, contemporary interviews, and political commentary into a seamless and devastating narrative. The film received widespread critical acclaim, earning an Academy Award nomination and numerous other honors. Its most significant achievement is demonstrating how awareness of historical context is essential to understanding present-day injustice. It remains essential viewing for anyone seeking to understand structural racism and the politics of criminal justice in America.
Memories of Aushwitz
While seeking out a memory in an unexpected place that few would consider, the protagonist embarks on a tour of the Auschwitz concentration camp. In “Memories of Auschwitz,” this character, after having spent recent years engulfed in a cycle of incarceration, drug abuse, and retreats into historical texts, has also distanced himself from his family. A significant milestone arrives when his brother, acknowledging this estrangement, chooses his thirtieth birthday as an opportunity for reconciliation by gifting him a train journey to Auschwitz. This destination, layered with profound historical significance, offers both a physical journey and a hoped-for emotional revival. It signifies a poignant intersection between personal history and the broader tapestry of the past, as the protagonist stands on the cusp of reflection and redemption, poised to confront the layers of memory that both haunt him and guide him toward a new perspective on life.
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The True Cost (2015)
This eye-opening documentary investigates the fast fashion industry and the hidden human and environmental costs behind cheap clothing. Directed by Andrew Morgan, the film travels across the globe — from cotton fields in Texas to garment factories in Bangladesh — revealing the exploitation of workers, environmental destruction, and the psychological culture of consumerism that keeps the cycle of disposable fashion alive and profitable.
A vision curated by a filmmaker, not an algorithm
In this video I explain our vision
The True Cost is a meticulously researched and emotionally devastating documentary that forces viewers to confront the ethics embedded in everyday consumer choices. Morgan’s direction is both empathetic and incisive, giving voice to garment workers while also interviewing industry insiders and economists. The film gained renewed relevance following the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh. By connecting global supply chains to individual purchasing habits, it transforms awareness into potential action, making it one of the most practically impactful documentaries on conscious consumption produced in the last decade.
Hampi
The quaint village of Hampi, nestled within the heart of Karnataka, once proudly served as the capital of a mighty empire whose influence extended across the entirety of southern India. Renowned for its historical significance and architectural grandeur, Hampi was a bustling center of trade, art, and culture. However, the passage of time has not been kind to its ancient city fortifications, leaving them in lamentable ruins. This deterioration has rendered Hampi vulnerable and deprived it of the robust defenses that once stood to protect its inheritance.In the past decade and a half, the picturesque allure of Hampi has not gone unnoticed. Tourism, which was once a modest flow of curious visitors seeking to immerse themselves in its historical splendor, has surged dramatically by an impressive 75%. Although this influx of tourists brings with it economic opportunities and awareness, it simultaneously poses a significant threat to the very essence of Hampi. The traditional lifestyle cherished by the local community is under strain, as the pace of modernity and commercial interests encroach upon their way of life. Additionally, the rich diversity of wildlife that inhabits the surrounding landscapes finds itself imperiled, as the delicate ecosystems that support them are disrupted by the booming tourism industry. This dual threat underscores a growing tension between the preservation of heritage and the pressures of development, demanding a balanced approach to safeguard Hampi’s storied past and its vibrant present.
Ubuntu
In Ghana, the focus is on assisting a struggling village to discover its sense of awareness and unearth the hidden talents of its people. This documentary unfolds the inspirational narrative of Marieke de Lange, who embarked on a mission to uplift underprivileged children by creating a traveling theater. Her theater seeks to empower these young individuals by organizing and performing plays within their communities. These performances are thoughtfully crafted, tackling topics that resonate deeply with the challenges and hurdles the children encounter in their everyday lives. Through these dramatic expressions, the children are not only encouraged to embrace their creative abilities but also provided with a platform to address and reflect upon significant issues that affect them directly. By doing so, Marieke de Lange offers a beacon of hope, lending a voice to those who might otherwise remain unheard, thereby fostering a sense of community and potential among the youth.
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The Last Resort
In the enchanting village on the picturesque island of Babitim, Indonesia, she has decided to settle down, captivated by the tropical paradise and the breathtakingly clear sea, arguably some of the most stunning views on the planet. Yet, this idyllic setting is overshadowed by troubling practices. Local fishermen relentlessly slaughter sharks for their fins, leading to a stark decline in marine life. In response to these severe challenges, a narrative unfolds—a compelling story of resistance and the quest to establish a designated protected area to shield these waters from the devastating impacts of trawler boats. This endeavor aims to create a crucial model for ocean conservation that could inspire and guide global efforts.
Homer’s Dream
The dreams of those who cannot see, coupled with their vivid imagination, weave a story that borders on the mythological. It’s as if each night, their minds create a tapestry of tales spun from the depths of their inner world. In this realm of slumber and vision, everyone holds a voice recorder, capturing the whispers of their subconscious. Each person steps into a role as the protagonist in the narratives their minds have crafted, revealing the desires and mysteries lurking beneath their waking lives. This journey is akin to a documentary filled with surreal, dreamlike images that evoke powerful emotions and stimulate the senses, bringing to light the rich, unseen world that exists beyond our view.
