Introduction
Australian Progress have put together a crowd-sourced list of Films for Social Change which consists of documentary films about activists, advocates, social movements and social change.
Film can be one of the most powerful mediums for getting ordinary people interested in social change. Movies can tell the stories of amazing campaigners and drive home punchy messages quickly, engaging audiences in a succinct and emotive way.
Australia
Backtrack Boys
Australia – 2018
A group of troubled boys are on a perilous course towards jail until they meet up with the free-wheeling jackaroo, Bernie Shakeshaft, and hit the road with his legendary dog jumping team. This observational documentary, filmed over two years, follows boys in a youth program that Bernie runs from a shed on the outskirts of Armidale, a rural town in Australia. On the road, the boys find their voice, make great friendships and the dogs become national champions. But as the boy’s sleep under the stars at night the trauma is never too far away.
With their survival and futures at stake they must constantly step up, push themselves, support each other and some days can be hard. This inspiring coming of age story reveals the challenges and triumphs these boys face as they try to find their place in the world, and the dogs that help tame their wild ways.
Frackman
Australia – 2014
Reluctant activist Dayne ‘The Frackman’ Pratzky, takes us on a journey through the bush as we meet a bunch of ordinary people caught up in a modern day multinational gold rush — the race to secure and exploit coal seam gas.
Undermining Australia – Coal vs Communities
Australia – 2013
Documentary by Lock the Gate campaign, which features the personal stories of Australians whose lives have been changed forever by coal mining.
Prison Songs
Australia – 2015
A documentary musical made in 2014, during the last days of the operation of Darwin’s Berrimah Prison – the largest correctional centre in the NT.
Gayby Baby
Australia – 2014
A portrait of four kids whose parents all happen to be gay. As they each wrestle with the challenges of oncoming adolescence, the outside world wrestles with the issue of marriage equality, and whether or not kids like them are at risk.
International
Bright Green Lies
Canada – 2021
Bright Green Lies investigates the change in focus of the mainstream environmental movement, from its original concern with protecting nature, to its current obsession with powering an unsustainable way of life. The film exposes the lies and fantastical thinking behind the notion that solar, wind, hydro, biomass, or green consumerism will save us from climate change. Tackling the most pressing issues of our time will require us to look beyond the mainstream technological solutions and ask deeper questions about what needs to change
How to Change the World
Canada, UK – 2015
Using never before seen archive that brings their extraordinary world to life, How To Change The World is the story of the pioneers who founded Greenpeace and defined the modern green movement.
Rebel Architecture
International – 2014
A six-part documentary series from Al Jazeera profiling architects who are using design as a form of activism and resistance to tackle the world’s urban, environmental and social crises. The series follows architects from Vietnam, Nigeria, Spain, Pakistan, Israel/Occupied West Bank and Brazil.
The Hunting Ground
USA – 2014
A startling exposé of sexual assaults on university campuses, institutional cover-ups and the brutal social toll on victims and their families. Weaving together verité footage and first-person testimonies, the film follows survivors pursuing their education while fighting for justice despite harsh retaliation, harassment and pushback at every level.
At the End of Slavery: The Battle for Justice in Our Time
International – 2010
Produced by the International Justice Mission, this film takes you inside the violent and ugly business of slavery, from the brothels of the Philippines to the brick kilns of India.
How to Survive a Plague
US – 2012
The story of two coalitions – ACT UP and TAG (Treatment Action Group) – whose activism and innovation turned AIDS from a death sentence into a manageable condition.
Everyday Rebellion
Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Greece – 2013
A documentary about modern and creative forms of non-violent protest and civil disobedience, including FEMEN in Ukraine, Occupy Wall St and the Indignados in Spain.
Ukraine is not a Brothel
Ukraine’s topless feminist sensation Femen has created a media frenzy across Europe, but before they take the world by storm, these bold and beautiful women must confront the dark and perverse forces that power their organisation.
Black Fish
US – 2013
The story of Tilikum, a captive killer whale that has taken the lives of several people, underscores problems within the sea-park industry, man’s relationship to nature, and how little has been learned about these highly intelligent mammals.
The Munduruku Indians: Weaving Resistance
Brazil – 2015
Looks at life in a Munduruku village, where traditional skills are practised and children are brought up with remarkable freedom. It documents the growth of resistance to damming of the Amazon by the Brazilian government.
Grasp the Nettle
UK – 2015
Grasp the Nettle follows the exploits of a ragtag band of land rights activists in London as they struggle against corporations, government, police – and themselves – in their efforts to create alternative communities outside the framework of consumer society.
The Road to Guantanamo
UK – 2007
Part drama, part documentary, The Road to Guantánamo focuses on the Tipton Three, a trio of British Muslims who were held in Guantanamo Bay for two years until they were released without charge.
The Internet’s Own Boy
US – 2014
The story of programming prodigy and information activist Aaron Swartz, who took his own life at the age of 26.
Access Full List
Access the latest updated list directly below or on Google Sheets.
Feel free to also add to the list, as campaigners could all use some inspiration once in a while.
If you’re thinking about making your own film to inspire social change, take a look at this guide.
Explore Further
- Films and Documentaries about Social Justice, Movements, Victories and Leaders
- Insider Outsider Activism: Films to Inspire
- Films about Women and Social Justice and Change
- 5 Films about Fighting for Gender Justice and Human Rights
- Films and documentaries about activism: Movies about protest movements, Activist Handbook
- 19 must see historic Australian peaceful protest docos
- The Power of Cinema: 10 Films that Changed the World
- Films & Documentaries for Campaigners
(Spreadsheet outlining which tools feature in what film/doco such as Four Roles of Social Change, Spectrum of Allies, tactical escalation, winning in stages, dilemma demonstrations) - 5 films about fighting for gender justice and fundamental human rights
- Films about social movements
- The Best Organizing Strategy You’ve Never Heard Of: Why Fan Activism Has the Power to Radically Change Our World
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