For 35 years, Video Librarian selects their best-reviewed films of the year, helping librarians and educators discover premier titles for their patrons and students.
Video Librarian's best documentaries of the year shine a light on critical contemporary issues, historical moments, or human stories that we should pay attention to. Our selections this year study a broad range of subjects, from the early days of the LGBT rights movement and the ongoing fight for indigenous land rights, to the environmental challenges of desertification—and so much more. These documentaries invite us to reflect, learn, and act, and they deserve to be shared widely in classrooms, libraries, and public screenings in community venues.
At a time when empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives is more essential than ever, these films encourage viewers to understand experiences different from their own, see the humanity in others, and consider how they can contribute to a more just and equitable world. For librarians, these documentaries provide invaluable additions to different subjects in your collections. These films give your patrons the chance to engage with the issues shaping today’s past and present and, more importantly, learn from the people and stories behind them.
For educators, these films offer real-world examples of topics such as human rights, global health, environmental sustainability, and social movements for your students. These films serve as engaging starting points for discussions these topics, making them perfect for use in syllabus development.
For community leaders, these films offer a fantastic opportunity to organize public screenings and host engaging events. Whether it's a special movie night fundraiser, a panel discussion, or a community film series, these documentaries can start meaningful conversations and bring people together through the shared power of cinema. Take a look at our 2024 best documentary films to learn more about these impactful titles.
- Altered Innocence
- Good Docs
- Film Movement
- Marshall Publishing
- Collective Eye Films
- Film Platform
- New Day Films
- Docuseek
- Burning Torch Productions
- Green Planet Films
- Picture Palace
- Stove Up Productions
- Video Project
- EPF Media
- Documentary Educational Resources