Documentary AreaSimply the best Documentaries

An extraordinary journey to the top of the world, the documentary adventure tells the ultimate tale of survival. The film takes audiences on a never-before-experienced journey into the lives of a mother polar bear and her twin seven-month-old cubs as they navigate the changing Arctic wilderness they call home. Captivating, adventurous and intimate footage brings moviegoers up close and personal with this family's struggle to survive in a frigid environment of melting ice, immense glaciers, spectacular waterfalls, and majestic snow-bound peaks.

‘Sugarcane’ is a compelling 2024 documentary that delves into the harrowing legacy of the Canadian Indian residential school system. The film investigates the discovery of unmarked graves at St. Joseph's Mission near Williams Lake, British Columbia, bringing to light the physical and sexual abuses endured by Indigenous children. Through intimate interviews with survivors and their descendants, directors Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie reveal the enduring impact of these institutions on Indigenous communities, highlighting their resilience and ongoing quest for justice.
The narrative intertwines personal stories with a broader historical context, showcasing the strength and unity of a community confronting its painful past. ‘Sugarcane’ not only exposes the atrocities committed but also celebrates the enduring spirit of Indigenous peoples as they heal and reclaim their cultural identity. This poignant film serves as a testament to their perseverance and the ongoing fight for recognition and reconciliation.

Click CC for subtitles. A gripping and deeply personal documentary that exposes the harsh realities of the West Bank occupation. Filmed over four years by a team of Palestinian and Israeli activists, it follows the emotional and physical toll of resistance, as well as the unlikely bonds formed amidst conflict. Through raw and unfiltered footage, the film immerses viewers in the struggle for justice, challenging perspectives and igniting urgent conversations.
At the heart of the story is a young Palestinian activist whose path intertwines with an Israeli journalist who begins questioning his own beliefs. As their worlds collide, the film captures the pain, resilience, and humanity on both sides of the divide. “No Other Land” is not just a documentary—it’s a powerful call to witness, to empathize, and to rethink what we think we know about one of the world's longest-standing conflicts.

This film, which spans all three episodes of the series, is a riveting documentary that traces the incredible journey of Volodymyr Zelensky, from comedian to wartime president. Director Michael Waldman expertly weaves interviews, political milestones, and footage of Zelensky's rise to fame in the Ukrainian entertainment industry. From his portrayal of a fictional president in Servant of the People to becoming a real-life leader facing the full-scale Russian invasion, the documentary highlights Zelensky's determination, charisma, and humanity.
The film captures the profound contrast between Zelensky and Russian president Vladimir Putin, portraying their intertwined destinies as a battle between light and darkness. With compelling interviews from Zelensky, his wife Olena, and colleagues, it reveals the personal and political struggles that shaped his leadership. This documentary is a must-see, offering a deep, cinematic portrait of a man thrust into the role of a global hero.

What's worse for us: sugar or fat? To answer the hottest question in nutrition, twin doctors Chris and Xand Van Tulleken go on month-long high-fat and high-sugar diets. The effects on their bodies are shocking and surprising. But they also discover that in the debate about fat and sugar, the real enemy might have been hiding in plain sight.

On August 7th, 1974, a young Frenchman named Philippe Petit stepped out on a wire illegally rigged between the New York World Trade Center’s twin towers. After dancing for nearly an hour on the wire, he was arrested, taken for psychological evaluation, and brought to jail before he was finally released. This extraordinary documentary incorporates Petit’s personal footage to show how he overcame seemingly insurmountable challenges to achieve the 'Artistic crime of the century'.