4 Documentaries That Tackle Important Issues
Instead of rotting your brain by slogging through another sitcom rerun, consider opening your mind with one of these intelligent documentaries. Each takes a serious look at its subject, examining the personalities and experiences of the people behind larger societal issues. You'll walk away better-informed, and you might even be inspired to take action after hearing about these brave individuals. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
4 Thought-Provoking and Informative Documentaries
| Title | Director | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| I Am Jane Doe | Mary Mazzio | Chronicles the uphill legal battle fought by survivors of sex trafficking against classified advertising website Backpage.com, and the law that has allowed it to escape accountability |
| Angst | Matt Skerritt, "Panic Attack" VR Experience directed by Stephanie Riggs | Film and virtual reality experience that explores anxiety, featuring candid interviews with kids and young adults who suffer, or have suffered, from anxiety and what they've learned |
| Dark Money | Kimberly Reed | Examines the influence of untraceable corporate money on American elections and elected officials, highlighting the real-life impacts of the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision |
| Minding the Gap | Bing Liu | Showcases three young men who bond together to escape volatile families in their Rust Belt hometown as they face the difficulties of entering adulthood |
Watch The Trailer For "I Am Jane Doe"
U.S. Mental Health Facts
- 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year
- 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34
- The average delay between onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11 years
- 8.4% of children aged 6 to 17 have been diagnosed with anxiety and/or depression
- Mental illness is associated with lower use of medical care, reduced adherence to treatment therapies for chronic diseases and higher risks of adverse health outcomes
- Up to 25% of primary care patients suffer from depression, but primary care doctors identify only 31% of these patients
- 4% of young adults reported forgoing mental health care in the past year, despite self-reported mental health needs
- Major depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for ages 15-44
- Women are nearly twice as likely to suffer from major depression than men
- Four times as many men than women commit suicide
- Suicidal ideation among adults increased from 3.77% in 2012 to 4.19% in 2017
- The proportion of youth with private insurance that did not cover mental or emotional difficulties went from 4.6% in 2012 to 8.1% in 2017
"Minding the Gap" Director Bing Liu on the Origins of the Film
In Depth
While many documentaries can be entertaining, they can also be used to illuminate social justice issues and personal stories of tragedy and triumph. From sexual assault to political misconduct, this specific medium represents an important voice in amplifying subjects that impact us all. In no particular order, here are four meaningful documentary films that shine a light on some of the most substantial topics of our time.
At #1 is I Am Jane Doe, which chronicles the battle several American mothers fought for their middle-school daughters, who were victims of sex trafficking advertised on the website Backpage, and the long legal fight that ensued. Reminiscent of Erin Brockovich and Karen Silkwood, these women have stood up on behalf of thousands, fighting back, and refusing to take no for an answer.
The documentary, which the Los Angeles Times hails as a powerful call to action, follows the journey of these young victims and their mothers as they face off with not only the Backpage site, but with judges, special interest groups, and Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, an Internet freedom law that provides a safe haven for website publishers. Fifty percent of all proceeds from the film will be donated to non-profit organizations that serve Jane Doe children. If you would like to watch the movie, it is available on Netflix, Amazon, and iTunes.
If you would like to watch the movie, it is available on Netflix, Amazon, and iTunes.
Coming in at #2 is Angst, an IndieFlix original documentary designed to raise awareness around anxiety. It includes interviews with kids, teens, educators, experts, parents, and Olympic gold medalist, Michael Phelps. The goal of the movie is to help people identify and understand the symptoms related to the issue and encourage them to reach out for support. It screens in schools, communities, and theaters around the world. The film and corresponding materials provide tools, resources, and above all, hope.
In partnership with Learners Edge, Angst has been developed as an ongoing education session for teachers. The online curriculum is an extension of the documentary, with applicable and relevant learning for educators who play an instrumental role in young people's development. The course gives participants the tools they need to aid students with anxiety and utilizes clips from the film. You can donate to the IndieFlix Foundation in support of mental health programs at underserved schools or subscribe to the streaming service to view the movie.
Entering the list at #3 is Dark Money, a political thriller that explores what many consider to be one of the greatest present threats to American democracy: the influence of untraceable corporate funds on our elections and elected officials. The film takes viewers to Montana, a frontline in the fight to preserve a fair electoral process nationwide, to follow a local journalist working to expose the real-life impacts of the Citizens United decision from the US Supreme Court.
The film takes viewers to Montana, a frontline in the fight to preserve a fair electoral process nationwide, to follow a local journalist working to expose the real-life impacts of the Citizens United decision from the US Supreme Court.
Called required viewing for American citizens by Vogue Magazine, Dark Money uncovers the shocking and vital truth of how elections in America are bought and sold. If you would like to view this Sundance award-winning documentary, you may purchase a DVD with an educational license or apply for public performance rights in order to host a classroom or community screening.
Wrapping up the list at #4 is Minding the Gap, a Hulu original documentary. Following three young men who bond together to escape volatile families in their Rust Belt hometown, the film traces their journey as they face adult responsibilities as unexpected revelations threaten their decade-long friendship. With over twelve years of footage, the movie discovers connections between unstable upbringings and the complexities of modern-day masculinity.
As the story unfolds, it captures the tumultuous relationship between one of the subjects and his girlfriend following the birth of their son, while another struggles with his racial identity as he faces new responsibilities after the death of his father. The film weaves a narrative of generational forgiveness while exploring the precarious gap between childhood and adulthood. To support the documentary, you can submit a screening request, download the free discussion guide, and purchase merchandise in the official store.
