The advent of cheap digital cinema equipment and shifting distribution models is bringing about wonderful, timely and informative documentaries. Thanks to Netflix, I’ve tapped a few great (mostly progressive) documentary films that I wanted to give my two thumbs up on and hopefully turn a few more people into informed citizens.

About 20% of my traffic (or roughly 112 visits a day) comes from outside the US, so if any of these films seem obvious to YOU, remember that you’re not living in the Russian Federation (is that really what they call it?).

Allowing myself to go off on a tangent: Strangely enough, I’m also consistently getting three hits a day from Big Brother, which is something I wanted to let you readers know about in case of any strange disappearance on my part. Then again, I had a buddy who used to work for the EPA and ALL he did was surf the internet. Seriously, he quit his job and moved because working for the man turned out to be mind-numbing…

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Back on track - Ten Documentaries You Must See

1. Loose Change (Volume 2) - google video / official site
This documentary was created by an intelligent and equally pissed off 22 year old kid who is certain the government is lying to us. Dylan Avery doesn’t bring about any new conspiracy theories but strings them together into a convincing argument. Nay-sayers have repeatedly attacked this film, but the sheer volume of theories it provides makes it well worth a look (thanks to Matt at FresHDV for this heads up).

2. The End of Suburbia - netflix / official site
Oil is going to end our society - this movie takes it beyond red vs. blue states. Throw your car keys away.

3. The Future of Food - netflix / official site
A scary look into the future of FDA misregulation and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Directed by dead Jerry’s wife, Deborah Koons Garcia (think she’s progressive?). Disregard the amateur editor’s faulty title safe positioning and listen to the message.

4. The Fog Of War - netflix / official site
Former Secretary of Defense Rober McNamara recounts tales and decisions (even breaking down into tears at one point) from his tenure under JFK and Lyndon B. McNamara’s story about the Cuban Missile Crisis is worth the price of admission alone. This is the only doc in the bunch where principle photography was acquired on film.

5. The Corporation - netflix / official site
Second only to The Fog of War in terms of production values, this doc rolls in at two hours and twenty minutes but doesn’t feel it. This doc asks the pertinent question: “Why should corporations be treated as individuals when they generally act as psychopaths with no redeeming social values?” Director Mark Achbar quipped on the film’s message board that he needs $5,000 to release the soundtrack. Most people who’ve seen the doc agree that $5G’s would be money well spent because the subversive jungle beats used in this film are fantastic.

6. Walmart - The High Cost of Low Price - netflix / official site
A great film by Robert Greenwald, this doc gets dirty with small towns and small town folks who have lost their way of life thanks to a corporation that brands itself on being All-American. You’re certain to be pissed off when you learn about Walmart’s tactics in avoiding paying on those 25 year tax subsidies. Ehhwwwww…this doc made my skin crawl friends. Evil walks among us.

7. Super Size Me - netfix / official site
As if you needed another reason to eat healthy, this film chronicles a man hellbent on ruining his health in order to provide knowledge (and entertainment) for the greater good. Watching other people suffer is fun when its self-inflicted.

8. McLibel - netflix / official site
Accused of libel, two activists stand up to one of the largest corporations in the world and win - resulting in the longest trial in Britain’s history.

9. Advertising and the End of The World - official site
Contact your local Library for this one. The distributor only sells to educational institutions (I sent in a long complaint email…), but many libraries and college media centers will carry it (for free). The title pretty much says it all - generally that over-comodification of our society will eventually deplete resources. Definitely the least commercially viable (read: boring) film on the list, but timely and eye-opening nonetheless.

10. Tough Guise - official site
You’ll also have to go digging at your local library for this one as well, but it’s worth it. Why? Often we hear about negative messages in the media directed at women, but what about the men? Written by progressive gender activist Dr. Jackson Katz, Tough Guise examines the role media takes in shaping the perceptions and values of young men and boys. I voluntarily watched this documentary while I was in college and must say that I found it extremely eye opening. Sons, Wifes, Mothers, Brothers, and Husbands will all find this film particularly interesting - Dr. Katz is a smart cookie.

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Did I miss any? Post ‘em up in the comments box - and don’t forget to check out my own documentary in progress: Fuck Highlands Ranch about “sticking it to the suburbadroids.” Lets see if Chuck Roy and I can grow this thing some legs.

….And by grow legs I mean find money to finish the film.

- Rad