Documentaries that change how we see the world
- Text by Alex King
Documentaries can shine a light into places we can’t see, show life through someone else’s eyes, reveal the human stories behind the events that shape our world and give us an insight into the personalities of the compelling figures of our time, from skateboarders to rappers, politicians to freedom fighters.
The digital age has democratised documentary filmmaking and empowered a new generation to tell stories from all corners of the earth, but whatever the subject or whoever the filmmaker, the best documentaries have the power to change how we see the world.
To celebrate the Dogwoof Weekender, a series of documentaries at London’s ICA September 26-28, we want to hear about the documentaries that changed how you view the world.
All you have to do is tweet: “@HuckMagazine <name of film> changed my life.” before Thursday September 25.
One winner will receive a weekend pass to watch all seven films showing at the Dogwoof Weekender and we will include the most interesting entries (with personal statements from you) in a ‘Huck’s lifechanging documentaries’ post on Friday September 26.
The Dogwoof Weekender at the ICA – September 26-28
Dogwoof, the UK’s leading documentary distributor, take over the ICA for a programme of seven films over three days that give us a sense of where documentary filmmaking is right now.
The broad selection takes in issues as diverse as LGBT rights, colonialism and show business, to art, religion, economic crisis and homelessness.
Huck’s top picks include Concerning Violence (trailer above) directed by Goran Olson, featuring narration by Ms. Lauryn Hill and Manakamana from Stephanie Spray and Pacho Velez, that documents the journey of pilgrims in the Nepalese jungle.
Find out more about the Dogwoof Weekender.
You might like
A portrait of the UK’s oldest boxing club
Learning the Ropes — A new documentary by Ryan Pickard chronicles the hard-edged history of Repton Boxing Club in Bethnal Green, while asking poignant questions about the present and future of the sport in the UK.
Written by: Sydney Lobe
New film spotlights London’s Bubble Club, the party by people with learning disabilities
Radically inclusive clubbing — Produced by Muddled Marauders and currently fundraising for completion, the feature documentary focuses on the inclusive night, which has been in operation since 2005.
Written by: Roxana Diba
Sophie Green’s maximalist, technicolour vision of Britain’s fringes
Tangerine Dreams — The photographer has spent over a decade documenting the rituals, subcultures and social gatherings that form the collaged fabric of the UK’s society. A new exhibition at the Martin Parr Foundation celebrates her work and the communities she captures.
Written by: Roxana Diba
Jack Johnson’s third act
SURFILMUSIC — Three decades on from his trajectory-altering crash at Pipeline and subsequent music career, the singer-songwriter looks back at his life and work in a new, expansive film.
Written by: D’Arcy Doran
Confronting America’s history of violence against student protest
Through A Mirror, Darkly — In May 1970, two separate massacres at American college campuses saw deaths at the hands of the state. Naeem Mohaiemen’s new three-channel film memorialises the brutality.
Written by: Miss Rosen
New film champions women surfers tackling the huge waves of Nazaré
Undercurrents — Filmmaker Maddie Meddings’ latest documentary focuses on big-wave superstar Laura Crane as she helps prepare 16-year-old Imari Hearn to take up big wave surfing.
Written by: Sydney Lobe
