Documentary AreaSimply the best Documentaries

The stunning beauty of an island paradise on a quest to find the perfect wave-riding experience. Nine-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater and Tahitian surfer Raimana Van Bastolaer and a group of friends seek out the best waves breaking on the reef at Tahiti's famed surf site Teahupo'o. As their quest unfolds, the audience is plunged beneath the surface of things, to explore the hidden forces at work shaping ocean waves and the islands that lie in their path. Amidst playful surfing action, we navigate the cosmos and an ocean storm in a search for the source and nature of a wave's energy. Exploring mountainous Tahiti, we are thrust into the turbulent volcanic past of the island and its neighbours and discover the seagoing, wave-riding roots of the islanders themselves -- a culture still rich in the music, dance and lore of the sea. Beneath the ocean, swimming with our surfers, we explore the stunning, fragile beauty of the reef habitat -- a turbulent, wave-shaping interface that envelops the island and nurtures the ocean's multitudes in motion -- fish, dolphins, sharks and whales. When the truly big surf arrives at Teahupo'o, surfing play becomes surfing survival as the riders artfully tackle some of the heaviest surf on the planet -- spectacularly captured for the giant screen in 3D for the first time.

This documentary celebrates the life of John Candy, a comedy legend whose warmth and humor defined a generation and who died of a heart attack in 1994 at the age of 43. Through rare footage and honest interviews with family, friends, and fellow stars, it reveals the man behind the laughter — talented, humble, and deeply human. From his early days in television to his rise as one of Hollywood’s most beloved comedic actors, his story shows how joy and vulnerability shaped a career that continues to inspire.
With reflections from Bill Murray, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, and Dan Aykroyd, the film captures Candy’s lasting legacy as both a comic genius and a kind soul whose influence still endures decades after his passing.

In a quiet Midwestern town, two teenagers find their lives consumed by a wave of anonymous, harassing texts. What begins as a few unsettling messages turns into a relentless campaign of threats, sexual insinuations, and cruelty that lasts for more than a year. As fear spreads, parents, friends, and teachers struggle to protect the victims and uncover who is behind the screen, while suspicion and paranoia slowly tear their community apart. When investigators finally trace the source of the messages, the truth is more shocking than anyone imagined.
With real footage, police evidence, and emotional testimonies, this documentary exposes how betrayal can come from within and how digital manipulation can turn trust into terror. It is an intimate and disturbing portrait of a family unraveling in the age of constant connectivity.

This archival-driven documentary delves into the early transformation of a young singer from Michigan into a global pop phenomenon between 1978 and 1992. Through rarely heard audio tapes and unseen footage, it reveals her vulnerabilities—her mother's untimely death, the losses of close friends, and the fierce ambition that fueled her rise. These emotional undercurrents are woven into a broader narrative of cultural rebellion: Embracing MTV, challenging conservative norms, and amplifying gay aesthetics—all leading to the provocative release of the Sex book and the emergence of an outspoken HIV/AIDS activist.
Immersive and intimate, the film portrays a determined artist who became more than a pop star—she emerged as a cultural catalyst. Highlighting her reinventions, bold provocations, and personal losses, it reframes her ascent as not just fame, but identity forged.

The filmmakers challenge former Indonesian death-squad leaders to reenact their mass-killings in whichever cinematic genres they wish, including classic Hollywood crime scenarios and lavish musical numbers. Anwar Congo and his friends have been dancing their way through musical numbers, twisting arms in film noir gangster scenes, and galloping across prairies as yodeling cowboys. Their foray into filmmaking is being celebrated in the media and debated on television, even though Anwar Congo and his friends are mass murderers.
Medan, Indonesia. When the government of Indonesia was overthrown by the military in 1965, Anwar and his friends were promoted from small-time gangsters who sold movie theatre tickets on the black market to death squad leaders. They helped the army kill more than one million alleged communists, ethnic Chinese, and intellectuals in less than a year. As the executioner for the most notorious death squad in his city, Anwar himself killed hundreds of people with his own hands.
The Act of Killing is about killers who have won, and the sort of society they have built. Unlike ageing Nazis or Rwandan génocidaires, Anwar and his friends have not been forced by history to admit they participated in crimes against humanity. Instead, they have written their own triumphant history, becoming role models for millions of young paramilitaries. The Act of Killing is a journey into the memories and imaginations of the perpetrators, offering insight into the minds of mass killers. And The Act of Killing is a nightmarish vision of a frighteningly banal culture of impunity in which killers can joke about crimes against humanity on television chat shows, and celebrate moral disaster with the ease and grace of a soft shoe dance number.

The film takes viewers on an enchanting journey through the life and legendary career of one of cinema's greatest composers. Directed by John Williams' longtime friend Laurent Bouzereau, it delves deeply into the music that has defined iconic film franchises like “Star Wars”, “Jurassic Park”, and “Harry Potter”. Featuring interviews with esteemed artists and filmmakers profoundly influenced by Williams' timeless compositions, the film explores his extraordinary ability to bring emotion, depth, and grandeur to the screen through his symphonic genius. Archival footage and behind-the-scenes moments illustrate how his unforgettable scores became integral to the movies, revealing just how vital his contributions have been to modern cinema.
This intimate tribute captures Williams’ journey from jazz pianist to cultural icon, showcasing the groundbreaking impact of his classical compositions in Hollywood and beyond. From his collaborative masterpieces with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas to his unique approach of composing by hand, "Music By John Williams" highlights the relentless passion and meticulous craft that have defined his career. Personal stories from colleagues, friends, and family, along with moments of Williams conducting before adoring fans, paint a vivid portrait of a man who has shaped our cinematic experiences for over half a century. For anyone captivated by the power of music in film, this documentary is an inspiring and nostalgic celebration of an unparalleled legacy.