W2TCH

41 Sundance Grand Jury Prize Documentaries

39 titles

  1. 1The Farm: Angola, USAMovie · 1998 · 88mThis documentary offers a glimpse into the daily realities of Angola Prison, primarily through the eyes of its inmates. The film features interviews with various prisoners, including one serving a life sentence who is nearing the end of his life.Stream onIMDb 7.5TMDB 7.2
  2. 2Manda Bala (Send a Bullet)Movie · 2007 · 85mManda Bala (Send a Bullet) is a documentary that unflinchingly explores the cycles of violence affecting Brazil's wealthy and poor, driven by widespread corruption and kidnappings. The film uses personal stories to illustrate how these cycles are shaped by Brazil's significant economic inequalities.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.2
  3. 3Sherman's MarchMovie · 1985 · 158m · DocumentaryDirector Ross McElwee explores the lasting effects of General Sherman's march through the South during the Civil War. His project to document this history becomes a personal journey shaped by unexpected encounters with love, loss, and self-discovery. As McElwee examines the war's legacy, he is repeatedly drawn off course by fleeting relationships and recurring nightmares of nuclear war. Actor Burt Reynolds makes a notable appearance in this documentary that feels like a personal journal. McElwee connects themes of historical trauma, human connection, and dreams, reflecting on how individual lives are shaped by broader historical events.Stream onIMDb 7.2TMDB 6.8
  4. 4RestrepoMovie · 2010 · 93m · War, DocumentaryDirectors Hetherington and Junger spent a year with the 2nd Battalion of the U.S. Army in a dangerous valley in Afghanistan. The documentary offers insight into the unit's approach to overcoming the Taliban, focusing on their dedication, intense combat, and the bonds of friendship forged within the group.Stream onIMDb 7.4TMDB 7.3
  5. 5Boys StateMovie · 2020 · 110m · DocumentaryThis lively story follows an extraordinary experience: over 1,100 teenage boys from all over Texas uniting to create their own government. They build it from nothing, learning about democracy as they go.Stream onIMDb 7.5TMDB 7.1
  6. 6Daughter From DanangMovie · 2002 · 83mIn 1975, as the Vietnam War ended, thousands of Vietnamese orphans and Amerasian children were brought to the United States in "Operation Babylift." *Daughter from Danang* tells the story of Heidi Bub (also known as Mai Thi Hiep) and her Vietnamese mother, Mai Thi Kim, who were separated at the war's end and reunited 22 years later. Heidi, now a married woman with a family in Tennessee, had always hoped for a happy reunion. Her trip to Vietnam to meet her mother becomes an emotional journey spanning decades and distance. Unlike typical reunion stories, *Daughter from Danang* is a real-life drama. Moving from the Vietnam War to Tennessee and back to Vietnam, the film explores the challenges of cultural differences and separation as Heidi and her mother reconnect, in a compelling story about longing and the lasting impact of war.Stream onIMDb 7.5TMDB 6.8
  7. 7American MovieMovie · 1999 · 107m · Documentary, ComedyAmerican Movie follows Mark Borchardt, an ambitious filmmaker in rural Wisconsin, as he struggles to achieve his dreams while dealing with limited money, family obligations, and personal struggles. The film documents two years of Mark's life as he works to complete his challenging project. It reveals the powerful and often contradictory feelings that motivate artists striving for success, exploring the fine line between ambition and fixation, extravagance and practicality. By honestly showing Mark’s experiences, American Movie provides a thought-provoking look at the difficult reality of the American Dream and the personal costs of chasing it.Stream onIMDb 7.8TMDB 7.6
  8. 8The ExilesMovie · 2022 · 96mChristine Choy is a bold and influential documentarian, cinematographer, and professor, embodying the spirit of New York. Her films and teaching have shaped many artists. In 1989, she began filming the leaders of the Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protests as they fled to exile after the June 4th crackdown. Though she never completed the project, Choy now travels to Taiwan, Maryland, and Paris, sharing the archival footage with the dissidents who have been unable to return to China.Stream onIMDb 7.2TMDB 8.0
  9. 9Blood BrotherMovie · 2013 · 92mRocky Braat, a jaded American tourist, travels to India. A chance encounter with a group of children living with HIV/AIDS changes his plans, and he chooses to stay. He soon discovers a world of unexpected challenges and profound connection.Stream onIMDb 8.2TMDB 7.0
  10. 10The Price of FreeMovie · 2018 · 92mKailash Satyarthi, a young man, dedicated his life to ending child slavery. Over the years, he has rescued over eighty thousand children and created an international movement. This compelling story details his efforts to achieve what many considered an unattainable goal.Stream onIMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3
  11. 11When the Mountains TrembleMovie · 1983 · 83mThis documentary recounts the conflict between the Guatemalan military and the Mayan people, featuring firsthand testimony from Nobel Peace Prize laureate Rigoberta Menchú.Stream onIMDb 7.6TMDB 9.5
  12. 12Rich HillMovie · 2014 · 91m · DocumentaryRich Hill is a documentary set in a small Missouri town along Interstate 49, home to 1,396 people. The film follows three teenage boys as they navigate their lives in this often-overlooked community. It explores their struggles and resilience, alongside the complexities of family relationships, where love and hardship are intertwined. Rich Hill reveals the intricate connections that bind even the smallest communities. Through intimate scenes and conversations, the documentary portrays a vivid picture of life in a small American town, highlighting stories of perseverance, hope, and love beneath the surface of everyday lives. It’s an unflinching look at the human spirit and the strength of often-overlooked communities.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.9
  13. 13Southern ComfortMovie · 2001 · 90mThis documentary follows the final year of Robert Eads, a transgender man battling ovarian cancer. It introduces viewers to key people in his life, especially Lola Cola, his partner and caretaker, who is also transgender. Together, they prepare to present a panel at the annual Southern Comfort conference, an event for transgender people.Stream onIMDb 7.6TMDB 7.0
  14. 14Trouble the WaterMovie · 2008 · 93m"Trouble the Water" offers an unprecedented look at Hurricane Katrina. The film begins the day before the storm hits, in the Ninth Ward, a world distinct from the tourist-friendly New Orleans. Kimberly Rivers Roberts, a young rapper, documents herself and her neighbors as they are trapped in the city. Combining realistic footage with direct filmmaking, the story follows ordinary people who become heroes during the storm and then fight for a fresh start.Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 6.9
  15. 15Girls Like UsMovie · 1997 · 60mThis documentary follows four teenage girls navigating urban life as they share their perspectives on religion, music, and sex.IMDb 6.9TMDB 1.0
  16. 16Freedom on My MindMovie · 1994 · 109mThis film chronicles the Mississippi voter registration drive from 1961 to 1964.Stream onIMDb 7.9TMDB 6.9
  17. 17The House I Live InMovie · 2012 · 110m · DocumentaryFor the last four decades, the War on Drugs has led to 45 million arrests, turning the United States into the world's leading jailer and devastating communities both domestically and internationally. Despite this, drugs are now cheaper, purer, and more readily accessible than ever before. What went wrong?IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.5
  18. 18Silverlake Life: The View from HereMovie · 1993 · 99mThis moving video diary chronicles the lives of Tom Joslin and Mark Massi as they navigate life with AIDS. With honesty and humor, the film captures their enduring love and commitment to each other, exploring both the emotional struggles of facing a terminal illness and the everyday challenges of maintaining normalcy.Stream onIMDb 8.1TMDB 5.3
  19. 19Finding ChristaMovie · 1991 · 55mTwenty years after placing her daughter for adoption, a filmmaker reconnects with her.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.8
  20. 20H-2 WorkerMovie · 1990 · 70mThis film exposes the exploitation of workers in Florida's sugar cane industry.Stream onIMDb 7.5TMDB 6.3
  21. 21Water and PowerMovie · 1989 · 57mThis film explores the relationship between humanity and the natural world in Los Angeles, focusing on the city's increasing desertification caused by excessive water use.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0
  22. 22Beirut: The Last Home MovieMovie · 1987 · 123mThis documentary chronicles the life of Gaby Bustros and her family as they navigate the Lebanese Civil War from within their ancestral home in Beirut. The Bustros family, a prominent noble lineage in the city, chooses to remain in their 200-year-old mansion throughout the ongoing conflict.Stream onIMDb 6.8TMDB 6.3
  23. 23Long Night's Journey Into DayMovie · 2000 · 94mThis documentary explores four stories of Apartheid in South Africa, as revealed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.Stream onIMDb 7.5TMDB 6.2
  24. 24CrumbMovie · 1994 · 120m · Documentary"R. Crumb: Inside the Mind of a Genius" is a documentary exploring the life and work of cartoonist Robert Crumb, famous for drawings like "Keep On Truckin'" and "Fritz the Cat," and his impact on underground comics. The film features interviews with people who knew Crumb – his mother, brothers, wife, and former partners – offering insights into his personality, influences, and motivations. These interviews are combined with a large collection of his graphic art, illustrating his creative process. The documentary reveals the complexities of Crumb's character, showcasing both his genius and darker aspects, and his significant influence on popular culture. It examines themes of creativity, identity, and relationships, all while maintaining a comedic tone reflective of Crumb’s art. Ultimately, the film is a look at an artist's journey and the world he created with his unique talent.Stream onIMDb 8.0TMDB 7.5
  25. 25WeinerMovie · 2016 · 96m · DocumentaryThis documentary offers an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes view of Anthony Weiner's 2013 bid to become New York City mayor. It follows his campaign after the fallout from his sexting scandal. The film features complete access to Weiner and his team.Stream onIMDb 7.6TMDB 7.3
  26. 26How to Die in OregonMovie · 2011 · 107mIn 1994, Oregon pioneered physician-assisted suicide, becoming the first state to legalize the practice – a choice then shared only by Belgium, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. "How to Die in Oregon" explores the lives of those closest to this practice: terminally ill Oregonians, their families, doctors, and friends. It also follows the process of passing an assisted suicide law in Washington State.Stream onIMDb 8.2TMDB 8.0
  27. 27Why We FightMovie · 2005 · 98m · Documentary, HistoryJarecki's sharp and insightful argument suggests that American foreign policy is driven by a focus on military power, and that the military has grown overly influential in the United States.Stream onIMDb 8.0TMDB 7.5
  28. 28Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)Movie · 2021 · 117m · Music, Documentary, HistoryThe summer of Woodstock also saw the Harlem Cultural Festival, where over 300,000 people gathered to celebrate African American music and culture, fostering Black pride and unity. Footage of this remarkable event remained hidden in storage for over 50 years, obscuring its place in American history—until now.Stream onIMDb 8.0TMDB 7.6
  29. 29A Brief History of TimeMovie · 1991 · 80m · DocumentaryThis documentary examines the remarkable life of Stephen Hawking, a celebrated physicist who battled ALS throughout his career. As he progressively lost physical abilities, eventually becoming almost completely immobile and reliant on a computer to communicate, Hawking's intellectual curiosity and dedication to science remained strong. Featuring interviews with those closest to him – friends, family, classmates, and colleagues – the film offers rare insight into his revolutionary theories and the person behind them. It explores not only his significant scientific achievements but also the core of his resilience, determination, and humanity when confronted with profound challenges.Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 7.2
  30. 30Capturing the FriedmansMovie · 2003 · 107m · Documentary, CrimeThis Oscar-nominated documentary examines the devastating story of a middle-class American family fractured by accusations of child sexual abuse against the father, Arnold, and son, Jesse. Director Jarecki interviews individuals connected to the case, exploring the question of whether their trials were just, given their claims of innocence and the lack of concrete evidence.Stream onIMDb 7.6TMDB 7.1
  31. 31The WolfpackMovie · 2015 · 89m · DocumentaryIsolated in a Lower East Side apartment, the Angulo brothers discover the world through cinema. Known as "The Wolfpack," they recreate their favorite movies with homemade props and costumes. Their lives are disrupted when one brother escapes, leading to unforeseen consequences.Stream onIMDb 7.0TMDB 6.8
  32. 32God Grew Tired of UsMovie · 2006 · 89m · DocumentaryDirector Christopher Quinn documents the experiences of three Sudanese refugees – Jon Bul Dau, Daniel Abul Pach, and Panther Bior – as they grapple with the trauma of their past and navigate the challenges of building new lives in America.Stream onIMDb 7.9TMDB 7.2
  33. 33We Live in PublicMovie · 2009 · 89m · DocumentaryIn 1999, internet entrepreneur Josh Harris gathers a group of young men and women who agree to live in underground apartments, with their lives broadcast online. Harris and his girlfriend then join them, streaming live footage of their daily routines – meals, arguments, intimate moments, and personal care. This documentary examines technology's impact on modern life, documenting the precarious state of the dot-com boom.Stream onIMDb 7.1TMDB 6.8
  34. 34One Child NationMovie · 2019 · 88m · DocumentaryNanfu Wang, a new mother, interviews those who suffered from and participated in a massive, previously hidden social experiment in China. Her film reveals the devastating impact this experiment had on countless lives, bringing decades of silence to light.Stream onIMDb 7.5TMDB 7.2
  35. 35SeventeenMovie · 1983 · 120mAt the end of their senior year at Southside High School in Muncie, a group of students experiences the complexities of growing up – joy, sadness, and a feeling that time is running out. They're discovering important life lessons, both inside and outside the classroom, that go beyond what their teachers are trying to teach them.Stream onIMDb 7.6TMDB 6.0
  36. 36Troublesome Creek: A MidwesternMovie · 1995 · 88mThis is a personal documentary following one family's struggle to protect their land.Stream onIMDb 7.1TMDB 6.3
  37. 37American DreamMovie · 1990 · 98mIn a year of record profits, workers at the Hormel meatpacking plant in Austin, Minnesota, are asked to accept significant pay cuts. The local labor union responds with a strike, fighting for what they consider fair wages. As the strike continues and strikers face financial hardship, relationships fracture – friendships dissolve, families are torn apart, and the town's future hangs in the balance.Stream onIMDb 7.7TMDB 7.3
  38. 38Frat HouseMovie · 1998 · 60mFrat House is a documentary film that examines the negative aspects of college fraternity culture. Filmed primarily at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, the film focuses on the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity house.IMDb 6.7TMDB 5.5
  39. 39Paris Is BurningMovie · 1991 · 78m · Documentary"Paris Is Burning" is a landmark documentary exploring the African American and Latinx drag ball culture of 1980s Harlem. The film examines voguing, an expressive dance form central to this community, and "throwing shade," a style of playful verbal sparring. The filmmaker documents competitive fashion houses vying for recognition, while also revealing the hardships faced by those involved. Over seven years, it offers a deeply personal look at the strength and bonds within this community navigating homophobia, transphobia, racism, AIDS, and poverty. Through interviews with influential figures like Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija, Dorian Corey, and Venus Xtravaganza, the film shares their stories and the distinctive subculture they built despite facing adversity.Stream onIMDb 8.2TMDB 8.0