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
The wild, gruelling beauty of fell running
Winner Gets Cake — With no marked route and often brutal conditions, the “quintessentially British sport” is the subject of a new joint film by TCO and Rab. Hannah Bentley explores its vertical climbs, downhill dashes and punk roots.
Written by: Hannah Bentley
The Women of the Sea Film Fund is granting £10k to tell femme-focused surfing stories
Finisterre x London Surf / Film Festival — Open exclusively to women to tell stories about other women, applications are open until March 8.
Written by: Isaac Muk
New documentary explores football ultras culture around the world
ULTRAS — Directed by Swedish filmmaker Ragnhild Ekner, the film takes an insider’s view of the terrace subculture, and the unifying power of fandom.
Written by: Isaac Muk
The vibrant pre-Taliban ski community deep in the Afghan mountains
Champions of the Golden Valley — A bittersweet documentary by Ben Sturgulewski spotlights the unlikely rise of Bamyan Ski Club, while charting what happened next for skiers forced to flee their country.
Written by: Sam Haddad
New documentary spotlights UK Right to Roam movement
OUR LAND — Directed by Orban Wallace, it asks questions about the meaning of land ownership, environmental protection and access to nature.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Uncovering the not-so-subtle queerness of Mexican rodeos
JARIPEO — A new experimental film by Rebecca Zweig and Efraín Mojica explores the looks, embraces and brushes of skin contact in which LGBTQ+ desire manifests at the traditionally hyper-masculine events.
Written by: Isaac Muk
