Spring is here, and with it comes a fresh lineup of thought-provoking documentaries that dig deep into history, politics, justice, and the environment. These exciting releases shed light on urgent issues from the rise of Christian Nationalism and its threat to democracy to the hidden environmental crisis of the Great Lakes. We also follow the resilience of trans Americans facing discrimination, the moral dilemmas of a public defender representing January 6th rioters, and more. Whether you’re a librarian curating must-watch content or simply looking for compelling new films, these releases promise to start discussion and deepen understanding.
Bad Faith: Christian Nationalism's Unholy War on Democracy
Documentary - USA - English - 88 minutes
The assault on democracy did not begin with Trumpism. It did not begin with the Tea Party. It did not begin with the Moral Majority. It did not even begin in this century. The current day assault on democracy began with the WHITE SUPREMACY MOVEMENT in the 1960's as part of a shrewd, calculated, and well executed plan that became cloaked as a religious movement. Today those white supremacists and their heirs are known as Christian Nationalists. And BAD FAITH is their story and the story of the grassroots coalition of secular and interfaith leaders trying to stop them.
THE FISH THIEF: A Great Lakes Mystery
Documentary - USA - English - 92 minutes
J.K. Simmons narrates THE FISH THIEF, which explores the mystery behind how and why the fish most prized by people nearly disappeared from the largest freshwater ecosystem on Earth: the Great Lakes. The story dramatically illuminates nature's links to our economic prosperity and quality of life. Since prehistoric times, fishing has been unusually important here. Aboriginal people fished for subsistence and fishing is central to their cultures. European immigrants drove the growth of a booming commercial fishing industry that employed thousands of people in Canada and the United States. Then disaster struck. THE FISH THIEF tells the story of remarkable people who tackled the mystery, first uncovering the cause then tenaciously searching for a solution. The future of businesses, towns, tribal communities and First Nations hung in the balance. They discovered a problem that menaces ecosystems globally. What they accomplished continues to influence the Great Lakes region's economic fortunes and sounds a warning about the future of natural resources and the prosperity of millions around the world today.
Trans in Trumpland
Documentary Series - 4 episodes - USA - English, Spanish
Across America, being trans can put your life at risk. Director Tony Zosherafatain visits North Carolina, Texas, Mississippi, and Idaho to meet individuals impacted by anti-trans laws and leaves inspired by their fight to exist in their own country.
Episode 1: North Carolina (28 min) - High school comes with enough struggles, but Ash also has to deal with painful gender dysphoria and a fear of simply going to the bathroom. But he still believes coming out as trans saved his life and is finding more strength each day.
Episode 2: Texas (25 min) - For Rebecca, a trans woman and Mexican immigrant living on the border, discrimination comes from many directions. Can she live freely in a state with one of the highest immigration detention rates?
Episode 3: Mississippi (32 min) - Meet the owner of the first trans-focused nonprofit in Mississippi. After her friend Mesha Caldwell was murdered for being trans, Evonné started her organization to help protect the trans community in a state that fails to do so.
Episode 4: Idaho (26 min) - Shane Ortega identifies as Two-Spirit, a Native term referring to a person with both a feminine and masculine spirit. The Idaho resident and retired Army veteran believes that trans rights are inextricably linked to the decolonization of America.
You can check out The Film Sales Company's full educational catalog here.
Public Defender
Documentary - USA - English - 40 min
For over 45 years, Heather Shaner has fought for justice, defending those who can't afford a lawyer and earning the trust of countless clients. But when she's assigned to represent January 6th rioters, her unwavering empathy and commitment to second chances face the ultimate test. As the country grapples with the lasting impact of that day, Heather works to bridge deep political divides—one client at a time.
PUBLIC DEFENDER uncovers the surprising power of connection and offers a timely, unflinching look at how humanity can endure—even in the most fractured of times.
Pre-order today at Collective Eye Films.