Film can bring a topic to life for students and even change the way they view and understand the world. Movies can provide youth with an improved sense of self as they see their communities and/or experiences reflected on screen or tap into a story they can relate to because of a common interest, history, hope, or dream. This list of educational documentaries ranges from coming-of-age stories to historical profiles to beautiful nature explorations to stories of hope and resilience and so much more. There's something for every student. Where possible educational resources created for these films are provided as well.
Brooklyn Castle (2012)
This documentary highlights a Brooklyn Chess team at a below-the-poverty-line Junior High School that has won more national championships than any other in the country. The film focuses on five members of the team and the challenges they face in their personal lives and with their competitive chess experience.
Chicago Film Festival put together a study guide for the film: http://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Brooklyn-Castle-Study-Guide.pdf.
Fannie Lou Hamer’s America (2022)
The powerful life story of human rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, a Mississippi woman born of sharecroppers, is told through Hamer's speeches, personal interviews, and powerful songs in this compelling documentary film.
PBS created a teaching guide for the film, and the film's website features 18 curricular units, for all ages (PreK-High School). These units are stand-alone units that can be utilized with or without the film (as the film is not appropriate for younger students). They focus on carrying Hamer's spirit forward as they encourage students to reflect on injustices around them and take action through speeches, film sketches, debates, editorials, poetry writing, and more.
Read our review of Fannie Lou Hamer's America
Happy (2015)
Happy takes viewers on a journey across five continents as the filmmaker explores the keys to happiness. Through the film, students can gain a deeper understanding of why and how to live more fulfilling and happier lives.
Journeys in Film offers this free curriculum guide for the film. https://journeysinfilm.org/product/happy/.
He Named Me Malala (2015)
Best for 7th and 8th-grade students and an excellent film to pair with I Am Malala, He Named Me Malala follows the real-life story and experience of Malala Yousafzai who was shot in the head and almost killed on her way home to school. Her story of recovery and the commitment she made to girls' education around the world has inspired other youth and adults to take action.
Journeys in Film offers a free curriculum guide and a free discussion guide for this film. A highlight of the curriculum guide is Lesson 7 focused on Malala’s UN speech. https://journeysinfilm.org/product/malala2/
Hummingbirds (2012)
Narrated by David Attenborough, this documentary features stunning slow-motion footage of hummingbirds in action and underscores the crucial role hummingbirds play in our ecosystem.
Jane (2017)
Jane is a National Geographic Film that follows the groundbreaking work of Jane Goodall, who patiently integrated herself into the community of chimpanzees she was studying and pioneered a methodology of observation that allowed us to gain a new understanding of what it means to be human. Jane’s story has inspired a new generation of environmentalists and has truly expanded our understanding of life itself.
Journeys in Film’s free discussion guide would be useful for classrooms, homeschooling, or a group movie night.
Landfill Harmonic (2015)
Chronicling a recycled orchestra in Paraguay, students will connect to the youth in this orchestra and be inspired by the creativity and innovation in action. The orchestra faces many challenges but overcomes them in a testament to the human spirit and the power of music.
This 4-lesson curriculum guide for the film is available through Journeys in Film: https://journeysinfilm.org/product/landfill-harmonic/.
Mad Hot Ballroom (2005)
Filmmaker Marilyn Agrelo chronicles the experiences of 5th graders taking part in an annual New York City dance competition. Heartwarming and uplifting, students will enjoy watching their peers tackle new challenges.
Into Film offers a resource guide for this film: https://www.intofilm.org/resources/296
March of the Penguins (2005)
Narrated by Morgan Freeman, this gorgeous nature documentary takes viewers where few will ever go in real life: to the continent in Antarctica as it highlights what penguins must go through to mate in some of the most hostile conditions on Earth.
Teach with Movies offers this resource guide for the film https://teachwithmovies.org/march-of-the-penguins/, and Influence Film Club has a discussion guide http://influencefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/1-March-of-the-Penguins-Discussion-Guide.pdf.
One Strange Rock (2018)
This National Geographic documentary series tells the story of the Earth's history from a planetary perspective underscoring the uniqueness of the planet as the only one in our solar system to sustain human life.
Journeys in Film offers a free curriculum guide for this series: https://journeysinfilm.org/product/one-strange-rock/
Science Fair (2018)
An inspiring film for science-loving students, this National Geographic documentary chronicles teenagers who are seeking to make their mark in the scientific community through epic science fair projects. These students want to change the world through science, and we get to watch them try to do it.
The Claudia Kishi Club (2020)
In this heartfelt documentary short film, Asian Americans pay tribute to Claudia Kishi, the iconic stereotype-busting Baby-Sitters Club character.
The Speed Cubers (2020)
This documentary focuses on competitive speed cubers, most of whom are middle school or high school-aged youth themselves. It is a heartwarming and inspiring film that highlights friendship in the competition, true inclusivity, and the tenderness that is possible in supporting competitive settings. It may also get students excited about Rubik's cubes if they aren't already!
Read Video Librarian's interview with Sue Kim, the director of Speed Cubers