Resources

Documentaries

Embark on an enlightening journey with this curated collection of our favorite documentaries that captivate, educate, and inspire. Each film offers a compelling exploration of real-world stories, shedding light on diverse subjects ranging from foodborne illness and medical diagnoses to plant communication and soil health to pollution and climate change. Dive into this captivating selection and embark on a cinematic voyage that will leave you informed, engaged, and perhaps even viewing the world with a new perspective.

Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret (2014)

Cowspiracy is a thought-provoking and eye-opening documentary that ventures into the environmental impact of animal agriculture. Directed by Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn, the film explores the staggering effects of the meat and dairy industries on the planet, shedding light on issues such as deforestation, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. With compelling interviews and stark statistics, “Cowspiracy” challenges conventional notions about sustainability and highlights the critical role that industrial agriculture plays in environmental degradation. The documentary serves as a wake-up call, urging viewers to consider the broader consequences of their dietary choices and the urgent need for a more sustainable and conscientious approach to food production. Through its powerful narrative, the film sparks important conversations about the intersection of environmentalism, ethics, and the global food industry.

Intelligent Trees (2016)

Intelligent Trees is a captivating documentary that delves into the extraordinary world of trees and their complex communication systems. Directed by Julia Dordel and Guido Tölke, the film introduces viewers to the groundbreaking research of ecologist Suzanne Simard and forester Peter Wohlleben. Through a combination of stunning visuals and scientific insights, Intelligent Trees explores the interconnectedness of forests, revealing the intricate ways in which trees communicate and support each other. The documentary challenges traditional perspectives on plant life, emphasizing the remarkable intelligence and resilience of trees. As it unfolds, Intelligent Trees invites audiences to reconsider the role of these silent giants in shaping ecosystems and fostering biodiversity, offering a profound appreciation for the intricate and often underestimated world of arboreal intelligence.

What the Health (2017)

What the Health is a groundbreaking documentary that scrutinizes the link between diet and health, challenging conventional beliefs about nutrition and the influence of powerful industries. Directed by Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn, the film investigates the connections between the consumption of animal products and the prevalence of chronic diseases. Through in-depth interviews with medical professionals, researchers, and advocates, What the Health explores the impact of the food we eat on personal well-being and the broader healthcare system. The documentary prompts viewers to critically evaluate the information provided by health organizations and consider the potential consequences of dietary choices on individual health and the environment. With its compelling narrative and a call to rethink our approach to nutrition, What the Health encourages a deeper understanding of the factors influencing our well-being and the broader implications of our food choices.

The Game Changers (2018)

The Game Changers is a compelling documentary that challenges long-held myths surrounding plant-based diets and athleticism. Directed by Louie Psihoyos, the film follows mixed martial artist James Wilks as he embarks on a journey to explore the benefits of a plant-based diet for athletes. Through interviews with elite athletes, nutritionists, and medical professionals, The Game Changers presents a compelling case for the performance advantages of plant-based eating. The documentary not only explores the environmental and ethical aspects of plant-based living but also confronts stereotypes about masculinity and strength associated with meat consumption. With a mix of scientific evidence, personal stories, and stunning visuals, The Game Changers seeks to redefine the relationship between athletes and their diets, challenging preconceived notions and encouraging a broader conversation about the impact of food choices on health and performance.

Fantastic Fungi (2019)

Fantastic Fungi takes viewers on an immersive journey into the enchanting and often overlooked world of mushrooms and fungi. Directed by Louie Schwartzberg, this visually stunning documentary explores the incredible role fungi play in the natural world, from their symbiotic relationships with plants to their potential applications in medicine and environmental restoration. Through captivating time-lapse cinematography and insightful interviews with mycologists and experts, the film unveils the complex and interconnected nature of fungal life. Fantastic Fungi goes beyond showcasing the beauty of these organisms and delves into their potential to address pressing global issues, making a compelling case for the importance of understanding and protecting the fungi kingdom for the well-being of the planet and all its inhabitants.

Kiss the Ground (2020)

Kiss the Ground is a thought-provoking documentary directed by Joshua Tickell and Rebecca Harrell Tickell that presents a hopeful and transformative perspective on addressing climate change through regenerative agriculture. Narrated by Woody Harrelson, the film explores the potential of soil as a powerful solution to mitigate the environmental impacts of industrial farming practices. With engaging interviews featuring farmers, scientists, and environmentalists, Kiss the Ground explains the vital role of healthy soil in sequestering carbon, improving water retention, and promoting biodiversity. The documentary not only sheds light on the urgency of transitioning towards regenerative farming but also inspires viewers to recognize the interconnectedness of soil health with global well-being. Through a compelling narrative and stunning visuals, Kiss the Ground advocates for a regenerative approach to agriculture as a key pathway to restoring the health of our planet and fostering a sustainable future.

Eating Our Way to Extinction (2021)

Eating Our Way to Extinction is a powerful and eye-opening documentary directed by brothers Otto and Ludo Brockway. Through a compelling narrative and interviews with experts, the film examines the devastating environmental and ethical consequences of our global food systems. It delves into the impact of industrial agriculture, deforestation, and animal farming on climate change, biodiversity loss, and social justice. With a focus on solutions, the documentary explores the potential of sustainable and plant-based diets to mitigate the environmental crisis. Eating Our Way to Extinction serves as a call to action, urging viewers to reconsider their food choices and advocating for a more conscious and compassionate approach to the way we nourish ourselves and the planet. The film prompts a critical examination of the connections between our daily meals and the broader ecological challenges we face, offering a compelling case for positive change.

Seaspiracy (2021)

Seaspiracy, a documentary directed by Ali Tabrizi, is a groundbreaking exploration into the hidden and often alarming realities of the global fishing industry. Through a series of eye-opening interviews and undercover investigations, the film reveals the environmental impact of overfishing, marine pollution, and the devastating consequences on ocean ecosystems. Seaspiracy goes beyond raising awareness about the depletion of marine life; it exposes systemic issues such as bycatch, illegal fishing practices, and the role of large corporations in driving environmental degradation. The documentary challenges conventional notions about sustainable seafood and prompts viewers to reevaluate the broader implications of our seafood consumption. With compelling storytelling and a call for systemic change, Seaspiracy ignites a crucial conversation about the urgent need for sustainable practices to preserve the health of our oceans and the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.

Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones (2023)

Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones is an insightful documentary that takes viewers on a journey to explore the lifestyles and longevity secrets of the world’s Blue Zones—regions where people statistically live longer and healthier lives. Directed by Dan Buettner, the film investigates the commonalities among these geographically dispersed areas and the lifestyle choices that contribute to the residents’ remarkable longevity. Through interviews with centenarians, scientists, and experts, the documentary unveils the factors such as diet, community engagement, and an active lifestyle that contribute to the well-being of individuals in these Blue Zones. With a mix of cultural exploration and scientific inquiry, Live to 100 offers a fascinating glimpse into the practices that can potentially lead to a longer and more fulfilling life.

Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food (2023)

Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food is a hard-hitting documentary that sheds light on the alarming realities of the modern food industry. Directed by Rotten Tomatoes founder Patrick Gentile, the film exposes the hidden dangers and questionable practices within the global food supply chain. Through investigative journalism and interviews with experts, Poisoned delves into issues such as pesticide use, contamination, and the impact of industrial farming on both the environment and human health. The documentary confronts viewers with the stark truth about the presence of harmful substances in everyday food products, sparking a necessary conversation about the need for transparency, regulation, and sustainable practices in the production and distribution of the food we consume. With its unflinching approach, Poisoned serves as a wake-up call, compelling audiences to question the origins and safety of the food on their plates.