The 400 Project

I don’t usually get excited for documentaries, but I almost always enjoy them. Seems like kind of a strange fact, but I think it’s a feeling most people would relate to.

You can’t really blame them though. Documentaries generally don’t have huge budgets to market their film. This means no ads all over public transit and no flashy trailers that get you pumped about the movie. Just the word “documentary” brings to mind those films most kids slept through during History or Social Studies classes in school.

As I grow older however, I have found that the definition of what a documentary is has changed along with my admiration for what the genre has to offer.

What they lack in special effects and flashy action scenes, they make up for with deep narratives of real life events. They can give some perspective on events that have taken place across the globe, or simply give a better appreciation for the things we experience in our every day lives. They can teach us about the events and people that have defined our society. Documentaries are a window into other people’s stories, and can be an eye-opening way to learn from their experiences.

When done right, they have a way of presenting their story with all of the twists and turns of a work of fiction. Sometimes it can even be hard to believe it’s a real story. It takes a lot of skill and vision to piece together something that has actually happened in a way that will keep the audience on the edge of their seat. There is no option to alter the script, keep the details a secret, or change the story if they don’t like where it leads them.

Documentaries can also be a great way to learn more about a vast variety of topics. Have a new hobby or interest? Do a quick search and I’m sure some great documentaries will come up on the topic.

I highly recommend giving documentaries a shot! To help you break into the genre – or if you are just looking for recommendations – I have included a list below of some interesting films that I have watched recently. Some were suggested to me and others I just stumbled on, but all are well produced and fun to watch. Check it out:

Searching for Sugar Man

Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things

Citizenfour

Where to Invade Next?

Looking for a new show? Give Making A Murderer a watch. It is an amazing docuseries revolving around a truly incredible story. Needless to say, this is a hard show to turn off. Check out the trailer:

What documentaries do you love? Share your list in the comment section below!