Discovering Hidden Gems: A Curated Selection of Documentaries Worth Your Time

The world of documentaries is vast and ever-growing, with streaming platforms offering a plethora of options that can overwhelm even the most discerning viewer. Each month, we dive into the sea of nonfiction films to bring you three standout choices—whether they’re classics, overlooked recent releases, or something in between—that promise to captivate and inspire. This month’s picks include a powerful historical time capsule, a deeply personal ode to filmmaking, and a celebration of cinematic legends. Let’s explore each one in detail.

1. ‘Nationtime’ (1972): A Time Capsule of Black Political Power

Available to stream on the Criterion Channel and Kino Film Collection, and to rent on Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, and Google Play, Nationtime is a documentary that feels as relevant today as it did upon its release in 1972. Directed by William Greaves, the film captures the National Black Political Convention held in Gary, Indiana, a groundbreaking event that sought to unify Black Americans and amplify their political voice.

The convention, attended by prominent figures like Jesse Jackson, Amiri Baraka, Betty Shabazz, and Coretta Scott King, was not just a political gathering but a cultural moment. Greaves’ camera captures the passion and urgency of the delegates as they grapple with the challenges of unity and vision. Jackson’s fiery speech questions the trust placed in white political systems, while Baraka introduces the concept of “African consensus,” a departure from traditional Western parliamentary procedures. The film also features performances by Isaac Hayes and Dick Gregory, adding a layer of cultural vibrancy to the political discourse.

What makes Nationtime truly special is its ability to balance the gravity of the moment with a sense of hope and solidarity. Narration by Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier elevates the film, with Poitier noting that the convention represented a historic merging of “the power of the ballot box and the power of protest groups.” Though the convention ended without a consensus, Nationtime remains a vital archive of a pivotal chapter in Black American history.

2. ‘Cameraperson’ (2016): A Cinematographer’s Intimate Memoir

Cameraperson, available to stream on the Criterion Channel and Max, and to rent on Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, and Google Play, is a genre-defying film that blurs the lines between memoir, meditation, and cinematic collage. Directed by Kirsten Johnson, a veteran documentary cinematographer, the film is a deeply personal and introspective work assembled from footage she shot over 25 years.

What emerges is a prismatic portrait of Johnson’s life and career, weaving together fragments from her assignments around the world. From the streets of Washington, D.C., where she filmed a corporal refusing to return to Iraq, to the clinics of Kano, Nigeria, where she followed a tireless midwife, Johnson’s lens captures both the beauty and the brutality of human experience. Interspersed with these scenes are moments from her personal life, including tender yet wrenching footage of her mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

One of the film’s most striking aspects is its refusal to adhere to traditional narrative structures. Instead, Johnson opts for an associative and intuitive approach, circling back to recurring themes and locations. In one unforgettable scene, she captures a lightning strike in Missouri, a moment of raw natural wonder that feels almost poetic. Cameraperson is not just a film about filmmaking; it’s a reflection on what it means to bear witness to the world—and to the people who inhabit it.

3. ‘Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger’ (2024): A Love Letter to Cinema Legends

For fans of classic cinema, Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger is a must-watch. Available to rent on Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, and Google Play, this documentary is a loving tribute to one of the most iconic creative partnerships in film history: Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. Narrated and guided by none other than Martin Scorsese, the film is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Archers, as they were known.

Scorsese’s passion for Powell and Pressburger’s work is evident from the start. He recalls the moment he first saw The Red Shoes (1948) as a child, an experience that sparked his lifelong obsession with cinema. Throughout the documentary, he dives into the duo’s most celebrated films, from the fantastical The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp to the haunting Black Narcissus. What Scorsese highlights is not just their technical brilliance but theirimbus of creativity and innovation. For instance, he marvels at Powell’s bold choice to pull back the camera in Colonel Blimp instead of showing a duel, emphasizing the emotional meeting of two characters—a choice that directly influenced Scorsese’s own Raging Bull.

Beyond their blockbusters, Scorsese shines a light on lesser-known gems, like the whimsical The Elusive Pimpernel, where fireworks explode every time a character sneezes. These touches, Scorsese argues, reveal the pure joy of filmmaking that defined Powell and Pressburger’s partnership. The result is a documentary that feels as much like a celebration of cinema itself as it does a tribute to two of its greatest practitioners.

4. The Power of Looking Back

One of the recurring themes in this month’s documentaries is the act of looking back—whether it’s at a pivotal moment in history, a career spent behind the lens, or the enduring influence of cinematic masters. Nationtime revisits a moment of hope and division in Black American history, offering valuable lessons for today’s struggles. Cameraperson is a deeply introspective look at a life spent capturing the world, raising questions about the responsibility that comes with filming others’ stories. And Made in England is a loving retrospective on a partnership that shaped the art of cinema.

Each film, in its own way, reminds us that the past is never truly past. It shapes who we are, informs how we see the world, and inspires us to move forward. By revisiting these stories, we not only honor the people and events that came before us but also gain a clearer understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

5. The Art of Observation

At the heart of all three documentaries is the art of observation—a theme that speaks to the very essence of filmmaking. Whether it’s Greaves’ objective yet empathetic lens in Nationtime, Johnson’s deeply personal reflections in Cameraperson, or Scorsese’s loving analysis of Powell and Pressburger’s work, these films remind us that observation is not just a passive act but an active engagement with the world.

For Kirsten Johnson, this means grappling with the moral complexities of filming others’ lives, from the horrors of war to the quiet intimacies of family. For Greaves, it meant capturing the energy and tension of a political moment without Inserting himself into the narrative. And for Scorsese, it’s about uncovering the Genius in the work of others while sharing his own passion for cinema. Together, these films remind us that the act of observing is not just about seeing but about understanding—and that understanding is the foundation of empathy and connection.

6. A Call to Action

While these documentaries are undeniably entertaining and thought-provoking, they also challenge viewers to engage more deeply with the world around them. Nationtime asks us to reflect on the ongoing struggle for equality and justice, encouraging us to learn from history and apply its lessons to the present. Cameraperson invites us to consider the ethical implications of storytelling and the responsibility that comes with bearing witness. And Made in England reminds us of the transformative power of art to inspire and uplift.

In a world where information is abundant but attention is scarce, these films remind us of the value of slowing down, looking deeply, and truly seeing. They are not just documentaries but calls to action, urging us to engage with the world in a more thoughtful, compassionate, and meaningful way. So, the next time you’re scrolling through streaming options, consider giving one of these films your time. You might just find yourself changed by the experience.