“Exploring Humanity: Unforgettable Cultural Documentaries”
In this article “Notable Cultural Documentaries”, we’ll dive into the world of cultural films and take a closer look at some of the best ones to watch in 2023. So, grab some popcorn and get ready to go on a trip that will not only make you laugh but also teach you new things and open your mind.
Fellow fans of documentaries! If you’re anything like me, you’ll agree that watching a well-made documentary is a great way to get lost in the rich web of human culture. In a world where information is easily accessible and screens are everywhere, cultural documentaries stand out as rare gems that show us the many sides of our global history. These movies show the power of storytelling by going deep into art, history, and social problems that shape our world. They also look at the traditions of faraway communities.
The 20 Best Cultural Documentaries to Watch in 2023
When you go on a journey through culture, you become immersed in the stories that shape different societies. Here are twenty great cultural documentaries that really show how different cultures live and what their traditions, struggles, and successes are:
1. 20 Days in Mariupol
20 Days in Mariupol (2023) is a scary look at the current war in Ukraine from the point of view of a group of journalists who were trapped in the city of Mariupol while it was under attack.
Key Aspects: 20 Days in Mariupol
| Aspects | Description |
| Released Date: | 2023 |
| Producer: | Massimo Bottura |
| Director: | Mantas Kvedaravicius |
| Cast: | Brandon Stanton, Mantas Kvedaravicius |
| Subject: | The siege of Mariupol during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. |
| Distributed by: | HBO Max |
| Cultural Influence: | Illuminates the human experience during conflict |
2. A House Made of Splinters
A House Made of Splinters is a moving documentary from 2022 about a group of social workers in eastern Ukraine who run a temporary orphanage for war-torn children who have been split from their families.
Key Aspects: A House Made of Splinters
| Aspects | Description |
| Released Date: | 2022 |
| Producer: | Simon Chinn, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi |
| Director: | Simon Lereng Wilmont |
| Cast: | Anna Yavtushenko, Oleksandra Matviichuk, Irina Savchuk |
| Subject: | A temporary orphanage for children in eastern Ukraine |
| Distributed by: | Neon |
| Cultural Influence: | Explores fragmented identities and emotional turmoil |
3. Turn Every Page: The Adventures of Robert Caro and Robert Gottlieb
A fascinating look at how famous editor Robert Gottlieb and Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Robert Caro worked together for decades.
Key Aspects: Turn Every Page
| Aspects | Description |
| Released Date: | 2022 |
| Producer: | Lizzie Friedman, Julie Goldman, Ken Burns |
| Director: | Lizzie Friedman |
| Cast: | Robert Caro, Robert Gottlieb, Nan Talese, Jonathan Yardley, Bob Woodward |
| Subject: | The relationship between Robert Caro and Robert Gottlieb, two of the most influential figures in American publishing |
| Distributed by: | HBO Max |
| Cultural Influence: | Chronicles literary and editorial journeys |
4. Anselm
Anselm (2022) is a celebration of the life and work of Anselm Kiefer, one of the most important artists of our time.
Key Aspects: Anselm
| Aspects | Description |
| Released Date: | 2022 |
| Producer: | Julian Schnabel |
| Director: | Julian Schnabel |
| Cast: | Anselm Kiefer, Julian Schnabel |
| Subject: | The life and work of German artist Anselm Kiefer |
| Distributed by: | Paramount Pictures |
| Cultural Influence: | Reflects on philosophical themes and existentialism |
5. All That Breathes
All That Breathes (2022) is a moving documentary about two brothers who run a bird hospital in Delhi, India, and their fight to save the black kites in their city.
Key Aspects: All That Breathes
| Aspects | Description |
| Released Date: | 2022 |
| Producer: | Shaunak Sen, Aman Mann, Teddy Leifer |
| Director: | Shaunak Sen |
| Cast: | Nadeem Shehzad, Saud Shehzad |
| Subject: | Two brothers who run a bird hospital in Delhi, India, and their fight to save the black kites of their city |
| Distributed by: | HBO Max |
| Cultural Influence: | Contemplates life, death, and interconnectedness |
6. The Janes
The Janes (2022) is a groundbreaking documentary about a group of women who ran an underground abortion service in Chicago in the 1960s and early 1970s, before abortion was allowed in the United States.
Key Aspects: The Janes
| Aspects | Description |
| Released Date: | 2022 |
| Producer: | Tia Lessin, Emma Pildes |
| Director: | Tia Lessin, Emma Pildes |
| Cast: | Judith Arcana, Diana Boulay, Laura Kaplan |
| Subject: | A group of women who ran an underground abortion service in Chicago. |
| Distributed by: | HBO Max |
| Cultural Influence: | Sheds light on social issues and female empowerment |
7. Flee
In the animated documentary Flee (2021), a young Afghan refugee talks about his dangerous trip to safety in Denmark.
Key Aspects: Flee
| Aspects | Description |
| Released Date: | 2021 |
| Producer: | Jonas Poher Rasmussen |
| Director: | Jonas Poher Rasmussen |
| Cast: | Amin Nawabi, Jonas Poher Rasmussen, Daniel Karimzadeh |
| Subject: | A young Afghan refugee who recounts his harrowing journey to safety in Denmark. |
| Distributed by: | Neon |
| Cultural Influence: | Provides insights into immigration and identity |
8. Summer of Soul
Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) is a documentary film about the Harlem Cultural event, a six-week music event that took place in Harlem in the summer of 1969, just a few months after Woodstock.
Key Aspects: Summer of Soul
| Aspects | Description |
| Released Date: | 2021 |
| Producer: | Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Robert Fyvolent |
| Director: | Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson |
| Cast: | Stevie Wonder, Mahalia Jackson, Sly and the Family Stone |
| Subject: | The Harlem Cultural Festival |
| Distributed by: | Universal Pictures |
| Cultural Influence: | Celebrates African American culture and musical heritage |
9. Dick Johnson Is Dead
Dick Johnson Is Dead (2020) is a heartwarming and honest documentary about the bond between a filmmaker and his aging father, who has cancer and doesn’t have long to live.
Key Aspects: Dick Johnson Is Dead
| Aspects | Description |
| Released Date: | 2020 |
| Producer: | Kirsten Johnson |
| Director: | Kirsten Johnson |
| Cast: | Dick Johnson, Kirsten Johnson |
| Subject: | A filmmaker’s relationship with his aging father. |
| Distributed by: | Netflix |
| Cultural Influence: | Explores aging, mortality, and familial relationships |
10. Time
Time (2020) is a powerful film about Fox Rich, a mother who is in jail for 35 years for a drug crime that was not violent, and her fight to get back to her family.
Key Aspects: Time
| Aspects | Description |
| Released Date: | 2020 |
| Producer: | Garrett Bradley, Lauren Domino, Kellen Quinn |
| Director: | Garrett Bradley |
| Cast: | Fox Rich |
| Subject: | A mother who serves 35 years in jail for a nonviolent drug offense |
| Distributed by: | Amazon Studios |
| Cultural Influence: | Addresses systemic racism and the impact on families |
11. American Factory
American Factory (2019) is an interesting documentary about a Chinese company that opens a factory in Dayton, Ohio, and the clash of cultures that happens between the Chinese and American workers.
Key Aspects: American Factory
| Aspects | Description |
| Released Date: | 2019 |
| Producer: | Steven Bognar, Julia Reichert |
| Director: | Steven Bognar, Julia Reichert |
| Cast: | Cao Dewang, Yi Hu, Dave Harmon |
| Subject: | A Chinese company that opens a factory in Dayton, Ohio. |
| Distributed by: | Netflix |
| Cultural Influence: | Examines the modern labor landscape and globalization |
12. Apollo 11
Apollo 11 (2019) is a beautiful film about the Apollo 11 mission, which put the first people on the moon.
Key Aspects: Apollo 11
| Aspects | Description |
| Released Date: | 2019 |
| Producer: | Todd Miller |
| Director: | Todd Miller |
| Cast: | Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Michael Collins |
| Subject: | The Apollo 11 mission, which landed the first humans on the moon. |
| Distributed by: | Neon |
| Cultural Influence: | Showcases human achievement in space exploration |
13. Free Solo
Free Solo (2018) is an exciting video about Alex Honnold’s attempt to climb the 3,000-foot granite wall of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park without a rope.
Key Aspects: Free Solo
| Aspects | Description |
| Released Date: | 2018 |
| Producer: | Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi |
| Director: | Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi |
| Cast: | Alex Honnold, Tommy Caldwell, and Sanni McCandless |
| Subject: | Rock climber Alex Honnold’s attempt to free solo El Capitan, a 3,000-foot granite wall in Yosemite National Park. |
| Distributed by: | Marcin Cichy |
| Cultural Influence: | Explores extreme sports and the human drive for greatness |
14. O.J.: Made in America
O.J.: Made in America (2016) is a five-part documentary series that looks at O.J. Simpson’s life and impact, from how he became famous as a football player to how he was tried for killing his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman.
Key Aspects: O.J.: Made in America
| Aspects | Description |
| Released Date: | 2016 |
| Producer: | Ezra Edelman |
| Director: | Ezra Edelman |
| Cast: | O.J. Simpson, Marcia Clark, Christopher Darden |
| Subject: | The life and legacy of O.J. Simpson |
| Distributed by: | ESPN Films |
| Cultural Influence: | Examines race, celebrity, and the justice system |
15. Amy
Amy (2015) is a sad documentary about the singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse’s life and death.
Key Aspects: Amy
| Aspects | Description |
| Released Date: | 2015 |
| Producer: | James Gay-Rees, Asif Kapadia |
| Director: | Asif Kapadia |
| Cast: | Amy Winehouse, Blake Fielder-Civil, Salaam Remi |
| Subject: | The life and death of singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse. |
| Distributed by: | Roadside Attractions |
| Cultural Influence: | Delves into the life and tragedy of a talented artist |
If you like documentaries about different cultures, you might like our article about Popular Cinematic Masterpieces That Transcend Cultures. Explore the world of movies that do a great job of bringing together different kinds of stories and keeping everyone’s attention. Read more here
16. Citizenfour
Citizenfour (2014) is a gripping documentary about Edward Snowden, the NSA whistleblower who leaked secret information about the US government’s surveillance programs.
Key Aspects: Citizenfour
| Aspects | Description |
| Released Date: | 2014 |
| Producer: | Laura Poitras, Mathilde Bonnefoy, Dirk Wilutzky |
| Director: | Laura Poitras |
| Cast: | Edward Snowden |
| Subject: | Edward Snowden, the NSA whistleblower who leaked classified information about the US government’s surveillance programs. |
| Distributed by: | HBO Documentary Films |
| Cultural Influence: | Reveals government surveillance and privacy concerns |
17. The Act of Killing
The Act of Killing (2012) is a disturbing documentary about a group of Indonesian men who talk freely about their role in the mass killings of communists in the 1960s.
Key Aspects: The Act of Killing
| Aspects | Description |
| Released Date: | 2012 |
| Producer: | Christine Cynn, Joshua Oppenheimer, Signe Byrge Sørensen |
| Director: | Joshua Oppenheimer |
| Cast: | Anwar Congo, Herman Koto, Adi Zulkifli |
| Subject: | A group of Indonesian men who openly discuss their role in the mass killings of communists in the 1960s. |
| Distributed by: | Aphex Twin |
| Cultural Influence: | Examines the dark history and morality through a unique lens |
18. March of the Penguins
March of the Penguins is a 2005 film about the yearly migration of emperor penguins in Antarctica. It is a very touching documentary film.
Key Aspects: March of the Penguins
| Aspects | Description |
| Released Date: | 1994 |
| Producer: | Steve James |
| Director: | Steve James |
| Cast: | Arthur Agee, William Gates |
| Subject: | The annual migration of emperor penguins in Antarctica. |
| Distributed by: | Facets Multimedia |
| Cultural Influence: | Celebrates the beauty and challenges of the natural world |
Don’t forget to watch “March of the Penguins” on IMDB if you want to see an epic wildlife documentary. It’s an inspiring story about family and strength in the worst of places. Want to know how it rated? Find it here.
19. Hoop Dreams
Hoop Dreams is a groundbreaking film to 1994 about two black boys from Chicago who want to play hoops in the NBA.
Key Aspects: Hoop Dreams
| Aspects | Description |
| Released Date: | 1994 |
| Producer: | Steve James |
| Director: | Steve James |
| Cast: | Arthur Agee, William Gates |
| Subject: | Two African-American boys from Chicago who dream of playing basketball in the NBA |
| Distributed by: | Facets Multimedia |
| Cultural Influence: | Addresses societal barriers and dreams of success |
20. Shoah
Shoah is a nine-and-a-half-hour documentary from 1985 about the Holocaust. It features talks with survivors, perpetrators, and other people who were there.
Key Aspects: Shoah
| Aspects | Description |
| Released Date: | 1985 |
| Producer: | Claude Lanzmann |
| Director: | Claude Lanzmann |
| Cast: | François Mitterrand, Yehuda Bauer, Raul Hilberg |
| Subject: | A nine-and-a-half-hour documentary about the Holocaust |
| Distributed by: | Shoah Productions |
| Cultural Influence: | Confronts the Holocaust’s harrowing impact and memory |
Cultural documentaries are like passports to different worlds. They let us travel across countries, time periods, and human experiences without ever leaving our living rooms. These documentaries help us learn more about the rich tapestry of human culture, whether they are about the secrets of ancient cave art, the life of a famous photographer, or the complicated web of social problems.
FAQ
What makes a documentary a “cultural” documentary?
A cultural documentary shows and talks about the beliefs, customs, traditions, and way of life of a certain society or group. The goal is to show the cultural details, history, and heritage of a community or region.
Can my family and I watch these documentaries together?
Most of the documentaries listed are good for a wide range of people, but you should check the ratings and content to make sure they fit your family’s viewing tastes and are appropriate for their age.
How can I find more cultural documentaries?
You can look for more cultural documentaries on streaming services, at film festivals, or at cultural events near you. Also, websites that only show documentaries often have carefully chosen lists and suggestions based on types of documentaries, such as cultural documentaries.
