As I watched a documentary in preparation for a lesson, it got me thinking about some of my favourites beyond the usuals such as An Inconvenient Truth, Blue Planet etc.
1 // A plastic Ocean
A very on-topic documentary about the issue of plastic in our oceans. The documentary starts with an insight into Whales before it starts to discuss the issue of plastic waste, the consequences and solutions. At times it’s gross, others moments gob smacking; if this doesn’t get students engaged with the issue, I don’t know what will.
2 // He Named Me Malala
I cry EVERY time I watch this. The film tells the miraculous story of Malala and her fight for girl’s education. I can’t imagine there are many people that have not heard of Malala, but I’m sure there are many that haven’t watched or read her story. The documentary is excellent to demonstrate the global inequalities in education, development and society.
3 // Food Inc
One for the older year groups, the film explores commercial farming in the US with particular focus on the detrimental impacts of intensive agriculture on the environment, animals and employees. Not suitable for the squirmish or maybe it’s just me.
4 // The Age of Stupid
I love this film; it’s part documentary, part drama that explores the question Why didn’t we stop climate change when we had the chance?” from 2055. Using science and some worse case scenarios it documents the potential impacts of climate change.
5 // Suffragette
This historical period drama effectively documents the women’s suffrage movement through the story of the fictional character Maud Watts. With numerous references to real-life events and people this drama explores the role of women in social change at the beginning of the 20th Century. There are some great resources here
What are your favourites? Common or more unique?
Feel free to share your thoughts by leaving a comment.
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