Documentary Recommendations

Netflix/streaming media in general has been a little dry in terms of entertaining shows or movies. So, of late, I have been turning my attention to documentaries. Less guilt, more informative. Plus, some of these shows can be watched with the kids. So win!

My Octopus Teacher

A beautiful and touching documentary about a man’s friendship with an octopus. While swimming in the waters of the Great African Sea Forest, filmmaker and conservationist Craig Foster meets an unlikely teacher: a young octopus. After visiting her den every day for months, he eventually wins the animal’s trust, and as she shares the secrets of her world, Foster undergoes a transformation.

This documentary has won many awards, and I can see why!

Seaspiracy

I don’t mean to be preachy but if you are into seafood, check out this documentary about the environmental impact of commercial fishing.

Frozen Kingdom of the Snow Leopard

Set in the remote mountains of Tibet, the film follows the perilous existence of snow leopards and their cubs that are less than a year old, in a valley of stunning beauty with a dazzling diversity of animal wildlife.

The Social Dilemma

Tech experts sound the alarm on the dangerous human impact of social networking. This is something that was so super-relevant to me, and has made me cut down/ or at least actively question what I read or see on social media.

Dancing with the Birds

For bird lovers! The premise revolves around exotic birds doing mating rituals, such as dancing or creating bowers with the right decorations. Light-hearted and amusing. I specially recommend watching with kids.

Somebody Feed Phil

Philip Rosenthal is perhaps best known as being the creator of the long-running sitcom Everybody loves Raymond but since that show went off the air he has gotten more on-camera exposure. In this series, he takes viewers on a goodwill eating tour of the world. Combining two of my favourites – food and travel, this one really worked for me during an especially stressful lockdown these past couple of months.

Life in color with David Attenborough

David Attenborough explores the vital role that colour plays in the daily life of various species. For us humans, it is a source of aesthetic beauty and expression. But for animals, it is an essential tool used for survival and without it, there would be catastrophic consequences. In one word, dazzling!

Virunga

In the forested depths of eastern Congo lies Virunga National Park, one of the most bio-diverse places on Earth and home to the planet’s last remaining mountain gorillas.

In this wild, but enchanted environment, a small and embattled team of park rangers – including an ex-child soldier turned ranger, a caretaker of orphan gorillas and a dedicated conservationist – protect this UNESCO world heritage site from armed militia, poachers and the dark forces struggling to control Congo’s rich natural resources. When the newly formed M23 rebel group declares war, a new conflict threatens the lives and stability of everyone and everything they’ve worked so hard to protect, with the filmmakers and the film’s participants caught in the crossfire.

This is a must watch – heartbreaking to watch the effects of politics on the environment. You can also learn more about Virunga here.

The World’s Most Famous Tiger

Machli – the Bengal tigress, which dominated a prime 350-square mile territory within India’s Ranthambore National Park, became a favourite among tourists for her tenacity in the face of incredible odds.

The Great Hack

Explores how a data company named Cambridge Analytica came to symbolize the dark side of social media in the wake of the 2016 US Presidential election. I haven’t actually watched this one yet, it’s on my list for tonight!

So these are some of the documentaries I have been enjoying recently. I have also been on a true crime kick, but haven’t included any of those here, as this list would just get too long. Maybe another time. What have you been watching lately? Have you watched any of these documentaries? Thoughts?