10 Documentary Films Artists & Creatives Must Watch
Table of Contents
Introduction
In my previous article, “How to Reignite Your Creative Spark,” I discussed the importance of creative people immersing themselves in art.
In an article entitled “What Happens in the Brain when We Experience Art,” the American Psychological Association (APA) lists some of the benefits of art.
According to the APA, creating or absorbing art helps:
Reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.
Reduce pain.
Promote trauma healing.
Increase our sense of community.
With that in mind, let’s focus on some inspiring documentaries to spark creativity. These include art documentaries, design documentaries, and documentaries about creativity.
Why I Love Watching Documentaries as a Creative
As a creative nonfiction writer, I often gravitate toward the documentary genre due to the similarities between the two forms. As writer Lee Gutkind explains, creative nonfiction is “true stories, well told.”
A good documentary is the visual version of a creative nonfiction piece. It’s built on compelling stories meant to inform, inspire, or educate the audience.
I love watching them! They are a good way to gain new perspectives and learn about the world, while finding inspiration. Documentaries provide a way to travel the world without leaving your couch.
I compiled a list of some of the best documentary recommendations for creatives from over the last fifty years.
Inspiring Documentaries for Artists & Creatives
Koyaanisqatsi, Godfrey Reggio, 1982
Koyaanisqatsi is a Hopi word meaning “life out of balance.” Koyaanisqatsi is a non-narrative documentary, meaning there is no narration (no one talks) or typical story arc. Instead, it relies on shots collected over the span of years, visually documenting life around us.
Produced over six years from 1975 to 1982, Koyaanisqatsi relies on stunning compositions and time-lapse photography from across the United States. Film critic Robert Ebert described it as “visionary photography.” Now considered a cult-classic in experimental filmmaking, Koyaanisqatsi explores the growing disconnect between humans and nature caused by the rise of technology.
It’s a great documentary recommendation for artists looking for creative inspiration.
Also Worth Checking Out: The rest of the “Qatsi” Trilogy.
Powaqqatsi, Godfrey Reggio, 1988
Naqoyqatsi, Godfrey Reggio, 2002
Baraka, Ron Fricke, 1992
While Koyaanisqatsi explores the growing disconnect between humans and nature due to the rise of technology, Baraka does just the opposite. Filmmaker Ron Fricke worked on Koyaanisqatsi, which may explain the similar themes used throughout.
Part of what sets Baraka apart is its usage of 70 mm film. The scenes are high-resolution, super detailed, and vibrant, considering the time period. Baraka utilizes footage from 152 locations, shot across 24 countries, to showcase the interconnectedness of the world and people with nature. It showcases humanity’s greatest achievements and our greatest failures, making it one of the best documentaries for creatives.
Through a compilation of images and videos, including slow-motion and time-lapse, Fricke explores the human condition. From Africa to Asia to parts of Arizona, Baraka leaves its audience thinking about their role and place within the world.
Also Worth Checking Out:
Samsara, Ron Fricke, 2011 (Sequel to Baraka)
The Cave of Forgotten Dreams, Werner Herzog, 2010
Werner Herzog is one of my favorite filmmakers. With time constraints and a limited crew, Herzog travels to the south of France to visit Chauvet Cave. Inside the cave, the remnants of hundreds of paintings adorn the walls, some of which are estimated to be around 32,000 years old. To preserve the artwork inside, the cave only opens for access for two weeks every year, under strict supervision. Herzog finds himself limited to shooting four hours a day for a week, constrained to a metal walkway, with a crew of only three who brought only what they could carry.
Also Worth Checking Out:
Happy People: A Year in the Taiga, Dmitry Vasyukov (narrated by Werner Herzog), 2010
Exit Through the Gift Shop, Banksy, 2010
Documentary, mockumentary, no one really knows. What is certain, though, is that Exit Through the Gift Shop is probably one of the most infamous art documentaries ever made. A French videographer-turned-street artist, Thierry Guetta, known as Mr. Brainwash, makes it his mission to find and document the artists around Los Angeles. A “chance” meeting with the infamous artist Banksy changes the course of the project. Banksy takes over the project, focusing on Guetta and his own desire to create pop art. An article in The New York Times by Jeannette Catsoulis coined a term for a new subgenre called “prankumentary” in response to the film’s hoax allegations.
Also Worth Checking Out:
Tim’s Vermeer, Teller, 2013
Dior and I , Frédéric Tcheng, 2014
I love getting a peek behind the scenes into other creative professions. In this inspiring documentary, Tcheng follows the famed fashion atelier of Christian Dior and shadows its new artistic director, Raf Simmons. Simmons works to create and showcase his first haute couture collection with the atelier. It’s impressive watching Simmons and his dedicated team create stunning works of art while dealing with immense pressure and time constraints. My favorite scenes are with his seamstresses, many of whom have worked for the atelier for their entire careers.
Also Worth Checking Out:
The First Monday in May, Andrew Rossi, 2016
Finding Vivian Maier, John Maloof & Charlie Siskel, 2013
In 2007, an elderly woman known as Vivian Maier lost her storage unit on Chicago’s North Side when she was unable to keep up with payments. John Maloof, a writer researching a book on the area, purchased the unit when it went up for auction. Inside, Maloof uncovered a treasure trove of photographs of the streets of Chicago and New York from the 1950s & 60s. The film documents Maloof’s discovery of Maier’s old photos and the extraordinary measures he takes to bring them to light while trying to learn about Maier and her work. Finding Vivian Maier is a great documentary about creativity and the legacy of artistic pursuit.
Also Worth Checking Out:
Ansel Adams: A Documentary Film, Ric Burns, 2002
Abstract: The Art of Design, Scott Dadich, 2017-2019
This is the only art & design documentary series on this list. Featuring fourteen episodes over two seasons, this Netflix series explores a variety of artistic disciplines. From automotive to footwear designers to photographers, each artist’s passion shines as they share insights into their creative processes. The series does a good job of exploring and explaining the social ramifications of design!
Also Worth Checking Out:
Helvetica, Gary Hustwit, 2007
Jiro Dreams of Sushi, David Gelb, 2011
This film celebrates a lifetime of dedication to mastering a craft, while exploring aging and the legacy we leave behind. Director David Gelb profiles Jiro Ono, an octogenarian master sushi chef, as he works in his Michelin 3-star restaurant Sukiyabashi Jiro in Tokyo, Japan. The film also covers Jiro’s two sons, who also work as sushi chefs, and the family dynamic between them.
Also Worth Checking Out:
Chef’s Table (Series), David Gelb, Netflix
Bill Cunningham New York, Richard Press, 2010
Like Jiro Dreams of Sushi, this film explores the passion an octogenarian has for his craft. Bill Cunningham is an anthropologist-turned-fashion photographer who prowls the streets of New York City on a Schwinn bicycle searching for the hottest trends. Unassuming, clad in a blue jacket, Cunningham’s photos highlight the role of fashion within New York society as well as the importance of finding beauty in the everyday.
Also Worth Checking Out:
Iris, Albert Maysles, 2014
The Last Waltz, Martin Scorsese, 1978
Director Martin Scorsese filmed The Last Waltz on Thanksgiving Day 1976. Scorsese recorded rock group The Band as they took the stage for their final show, an epic farewell now considered one of the best concert films of all time.
Between interviews, studio segments, and old footage, The Band takes to the stage with an impressive lineup of musical collaborators from Muddy Waters to Joni Mitchell. One of the film’s best performances features the Staple Singers and Emmylou Harris, when they perform “The Weight” with The Band in a studio version filmed for the documentary.
Also Worth Checking Out:
The Wrecking Crew, Denny Tedesco, 2008
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