Uncover the Compelling Stories Behind the Top 100 Documentary Films: BFI Screen Guides

Documentary films have the incredible power to educate, inspire, and challenge our perspectives. Whether it's uncovering untold stories, shedding light on societal issues, or exploring the wonders of nature, documentaries continue to captivate audiences worldwide. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the top 100 documentary films, as curated by the British Film Institute (BFI) Screen Guides.

The Rise of Documentaries and the BFI Screen Guides

Over the years, the documentary genre has gained immense popularity, attracting filmmakers and audiences alike. As an authoritative resource for film and television, the BFI Screen Guides offer valuable insights into the world of cinema, including its influential documentaries.

With its rich history, the BFI has meticulously compiled a list of 100 must-watch documentary films, covering a wide range of subjects and filmmaking styles. From iconic classics to lesser-known gems, this list celebrates the power of non-fiction storytelling and the impact it can have on society.

100 Documentary Films (BFI Screen Guides)

by Barry Keith Grant (1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16545 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	330 pages

FREE

Exploring the Diverse Selection of Documentary Films

The BFI Screen Guides' collection of documentary films spans various themes, ensuring there is something for everyone. Whether you're interested in history, music, nature, or human stories of triumph and struggle, this list has it all.

1. "Man with a Movie Camera" (1929) - Directed by Dziga Vertov, this experimental film showcases the bustling city life and explores the art of filmmaking itself.

2. "Blackfish" (2013) - This disturbing exposé on the captive killer whale industry raises important questions about animal rights and human responsibility.

3. "Planet Earth" (2006) - Narrated by the legendary Sir David Attenborough, this visually stunning series takes viewers on an extraordinary journey through our planet's diverse ecosystems.

4. "Citizenfour" (2014) - Offering a rare glimpse into the world of whistleblowing, this documentary follows Edward Snowden's journey as he exposes global surveillance programs.

5. "An Inconvenient Truth" (2006) - Former Vice President Al Gore presents an urgent call to action on climate change, using compelling evidence to raise awareness about the environmental crisis we face.

These are just a few examples from the plethora of impactful documentaries featured in the BFI Screen Guides' list.

Why You Should Indulge in These Must-Watch Documentaries

Documentary films have the power to educate, challenge, and inspire us. By diving into these top 100 films, you open a gateway to explore different perspectives, learn about important issues, and broaden your horizons.

1. Gain a deeper understanding of world events and historical moments by watching documentaries that offer nuanced perspectives and fresh insights.

2. Explore diverse cultures, traditions, and experiences through powerful storytelling. Documentaries often serve as a mirror, reflecting the realities of different communities.

3. Dive into pressing social, environmental, and political issues that shape our world. Documentaries can be catalysts for change, prompting discussions and highlighting the importance of taking action.

4. Discover lesser-known stories and hidden gems that may have been overlooked by mainstream media. Many documentaries shed light on marginalized voices, helping to create a more inclusive narrative.

5. Witness the exceptional craftsmanship of filmmakers who utilize visual storytelling techniques to evoke emotions and deliver thought-provoking narratives.

The BFI Screen Guides' list of 100 must-watch documentary films serves as a treasure trove for cinephiles and curious minds alike. By immersing yourself in these compelling stories, you can gain newfound knowledge, challenge your own perspectives, and embrace the transformative power of non-fiction cinema.

So, grab a bowl of popcorn, dim the lights, and embark on a captivating journey through the world of documentaries with the BFI Screen Guides.

100 Documentary Films (BFI Screen Guides)

by Barry Keith Grant (1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16545 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	330 pages

FREE

Documentary films constitute a major part of film history. Cinema's origins lie, arguably, more in non-fiction than fiction, and documentary represents the other - often submerged and barely visible - 'half' of cinema history. Historically, documentary cinema has always been an important point of reference for fiction cinema, and the two have often overlapped. Over the last two decades, documentary cinema has enjoyed a revival in critical and commercial success.

100 Documentary Films is the first book to offer concise and authoritative individual critical commentaries on some of the key documentary films - from the Lumière brothers and the beginnings of cinema through to recent films such as Bowling for Columbine and When the Levees Broke - and is global in perspective. Many different types of documentary are discussed, as well as films by major documentary directors, including Robert Flaherty, Humphrey Jennings, Jean Rouch, Dziga Vertov, Errol Morris, Nick Broomfield and Michael Moore. Each entry provides concise critical analysis, while frequent cross reference to other films featured helps to place films in their historical and aesthetic contexts.

Barry Keith Grant is Professor of Film Studies and Popular Culture at Brock University, Ontario, Canada. He is the author of Film Genre: From Iconography to Ideology (2007), Voyages of Discovery: The Cinema of Frederick Wiseman (1992) and co-author, with Steve Blandford and Jim Hillier, of The Film Studies Dictionary (2001).

Jim Hillier is Visiting Lecturer in Film at the University of Reading. He is the author of The New Hollywood (1993), the co-author of The Film Studies Dictionary (2001) and, with Alan Lovell, of Studies in Documentary (1972). His edited books include American Independent Cinema (2001) and two volumes of the English translation of the selected Cahiers du cinema (1985, 1986).