Documentaries That Inspire Charitable Actions
The purpose of documentaries is to bring light to the world’s most pressing issues and incite empathy and action from viewers. Of course, documentaries are real stories, meaning they not only educate audiences but also inspire charitable actions. Such charitable actions include sponsoring an orphan in Islam or volunteering for a local charity, and these actions have the power to change the world. So, discover some of the most impactful documentaries below.
The Cove (2009)
First up is “The Cove”, which is an Academy Award-winning documentary that explores the brutal dolphin hunting practices in Taiji, Japan. The film was directed by Louie Psihoyos and blends investigative journalism with powerful storytelling to show just how difficult of a place the world is for dolphins when it comes to environmental threats and more. The scenes are both graphic and heart-wrenching, meaning they’ve influenced viewers to take immediate action. In fact, the release of the film resulted in a surge in donations to marine conservation organizations and a global outcry against hunting practices. What’s more, the documentary resulted in the formation of activist groups dedicated to the protection of marine life.
He Named Me Malala (2015)
“He Named Me Malala” is an inspiring documentary about Malala Yousafzai, who is the youngest Nobel Prize laureate, survived a Taliban assassination attempt, and is a global advocate for girls’ education. The film was directed by Davis Guggenheim, and it delves into Malala’s personal life, advocacy work, and the challenges she faces. Following the release of the film, a number of viewers contributed to educational initiatives and the Malala Fund and also went on to advocate for girls’ education globally. Thanks to Malala’s courage and dedication, many have been inspired to take action in their communities and beyond.
13th (2016)
“13th” is a powerful documentary that explores the history of racial inequality in the United States, paying close attention to the nation’s prison system, including the disproportionate incarceration of African Americans. The film is named after the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery, except as punishment for a crime. “13th” exposes systemic injustices and the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration. This documentary encouraged viewers to support criminal justice reform, engage in advocacy work, and donate to organizations fighting for racial equality.
Living on One Dollar (2013)
“Living on One Dollar” is about four friends who travel to rural Guatemala and live on just a dollar daily for two months. The film is directed by Chris Temple and Zach Ingrasci, providing a firsthand look at the challenges that those who live in extreme poverty face. This shows the resilience of the community, which inspired many to support microfinance initiatives, contribute to poverty alleviation programs, and raise awareness about global poverty. It soon became clear that even the smallest donations can make the largest impact when it comes to making a difference in the lives of those in need.
Blackfish (2013)
“Blackfish” is a gripping documentary that examines the captivity of orcas at SeaWorld and the ethical concerns surrounding the treatment of such intelligent animals. The film was directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite and focused on an orca called Tilikum, who was involved in the death of several trainers. This tragedy just shows the psychological and physical toll of captivity on orcas, and this inspired a worldwide movement against marine mammal captivity. In fact, the outcry from the public led to SeaWorld changing its policies to support marine conservation efforts.
Ultimately, documentaries have the power to incite change, making them a very important art form. So, if you’re looking to learn more about what’s going on beyond your doorstep, consider watching one or more of the above documentaries.
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