Movies About Hope

From Directors: Alastair Fothergill, Jonathan Hughes, Keith Scholey, starring David Attenborough, Max Hughes
Rated PG

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet is a 2020 British documentary film directed by Alastair Fothergill, Jonathan Hughes, and Keith Scholey that looks back on the life and career of naturalist and conservationist David Attenborough. It follows his life from his childhood in the 1930s, to the present day, and chronicles the changes that have occurred in the natural world during his lifetime. The film also shows how human activities have had a devastating effect on the planet and highlights the urgent need for global action to tackle the climate emergency. Attenborough urges viewers to take responsibility for the planet and look to nature for the solutions to our current crisis.

From Fisher Stevens, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Ban Ki-moon, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Mike Brune
Rated PG

Before the Flood is a 2016 documentary film directed by Fisher Stevens. The film follows Leonardo DiCaprio as he travels the world to explore the causes of, potential solutions to, and effects of climate change. Through meetings with world leaders, activists, and scientists, DiCaprio examines the science of climate change and the potential consequences of catastrophic changes, as well as conversations with people on the front lines of climate change. He also looks at alternative energy sources, renewable energy, and sustainable living. Ultimately, the film calls on viewers to take action to protect the planet from the devastating effects of climate change.

From Orlando von Einsiedel, starring André Bauma, Emmanuel de Merode, Mélanie Gouby, Rodrigue Mugaruka Katembo
Rated Not Rated

Virunga is a powerful 2014 documentary film by British filmmaker Orlando von Einsiedel. It tells the story of the conservation efforts of the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the brave individuals determined to protect it. Through their efforts, the park’s rangers, scientists, and community leaders put their lives on the line to protect the park from oil companies, poachers, and armed militias. The film provides an inside look at the park and the individuals struggling to keep it safe, and offers a powerful message about the importance of conservation and the lengths we must go to protect the world’s resources.

From Directors: Pippa Ehrlich, James Reed, starring Craig Foster, Tom Foster
Rated TV-G

My Octopus Teacher is a 2020 documentary film directed by Pippa Ehrlich and James Reed. It tells the story of filmmaker Craig Foster, a South African diver and conservationist, who developed an extraordinary relationship with an octopus living in a kelp forest off the coast of Cape Town. Over the course of a year, Foster visits the octopus daily, learns her behavior and habits, and even begins to communicate with her. His journey is documented with stunning underwater footage, demonstrating the intricacies of the natural world and the ever-evolving relationship between Foster and his octopus teacher. The film ultimately highlights the power of nature and its ability to foster understanding and connection.

From John Chester, starring John Chester, Molly Chester, Todd, Alan York
Rated PG

The Biggest Little Farm is a 2018 documentary directed by John Chester that follows the story of his wife, Molly, and him as they leave the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles to pursue their dream of starting a farm. Along the way, they battle to overcome the challenges of invasive species, drought, and a failed irrigation system. With the help of a diversity of experts, they eventually establish a sustainable, thriving ecological farm that serves as a model of sustainability. Through stunning cinematography and a captivating story, the film highlights the importance of sustainability, resilience, and the interconnectedness of all living things.

From Directors: Tamara Kotevska, Ljubomir Stefanov, starring Hatidze Muratova, Nazife Muratova, Hussein Sam, Ljutvie Sam
Rated Unrated

Honeyland is a 2019 documentary directed by Tamara Kotevska and Ljubomir Stefanov. It follows the story of Hatidze Muratova, a single woman living a secluded life in the remote mountains of Macedonia. She is the last beekeeper in the region who carries on her family’s centuries-old tradition of gathering honey from wild bee colonies. When a neighboring family moves in and begins to clear the land, they disrupt the natural balance of Hatidze’s world. With her bee colonies threatened, Hatidze must make a difficult decision that could decide the fate of her livelihood. Honeyland is a captivating portrait of a woman struggling to preserve her way of life in an ever-changing world.

From Nicolas Brown, starring Jim Estes, Jaime Excell, Bob Paine, Mathieson McCrae
Rated TV-14

The Serengeti Rules is a 2018 documentary film directed by Nicolas Brown that examines the links between natural ecosystems and human health. The film follows five pioneering scientists—Robert Paine, James Estes, Steven Gaines, John Terborgh, and George Woodwell—as they apply the Serengeti Rules, a set of principles they developed to understand how nature works. These rules reveal the hidden connections between species, and how changes in one species can have wide-reaching effects on the rest of the ecosystem. The film also examines how human activities, such as deforestation and overfishing, can disrupt these delicate balance and cause serious harm. Through personal interviews and stunning wildlife footage, The Serengeti Rules provides an inspiring and enlightening look at how nature works and how our actions can have a profound impact on the world around us.

From Brett Morgen, starring Jane Goodall, Hugo Van Lawick, Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick
Rated PG

Jane is a documentary that tells the story of Jane Goodall, the primatologist, ethologist and anthropologist known for her groundbreaking studies of chimpanzees in Tanzania. Through a combination of archival footage and interviews, the film chronicles Goodall's journey from a young girl with a passion for animals to a renowned scientist who revolutionized the study of primates. The documentary also covers her work with conservationists, animal welfare activists, and the local Tanzanian people, who have all supported her research over the years. The film highlights Goodall's tireless efforts to protect and advocate for the natural world, and her resolve to make a difference for animals and people alike.

From Nathan Grossman, starring Greta Thunberg, Svante Thunberg, Niclas Svenningsen, António Guterres
Rated TV-14

I Am Greta is a 2020 documentary that follows the life of teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg from her rise to fame, to her campaign to raise awareness about the climate crisis. The film follows Greta's journey from her hometown of Stockholm to speaking in front of world leaders, to her presence at the Global Climate Strike, a worldwide demonstration of youth that she inspired. Along the way, we get an intimate portrait of a young girl with an unwavering passion and dedication to making a change. Through interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, the film showcases her determination and resilience in the face of adversity, and her courage in the face of criticism and misunderstanding. It celebrates the power of one person to make a difference in the world.

From Cindy Meehl, starring Buck Brannaman, Gary Myers, Bibb Frazier, Betty Staley
Rated PG

Buck is a documentary about the life and work of Buck Brannaman, an American horse trainer who travels the country helping horses and teaching people how to interact with them. The film follows Buck as he visits various ranches, giving clinics and lessons, and demonstrating his unique approach to horsemanship. Through his gentle, intuitive, and patient methods, Buck is able to build trust between horse and owner, often in situations where all hope seemed lost. The film also looks at Buck's own troubled childhood, exploring the ways in which his experiences have shaped his approach to horsemanship and life. Through Buck's story, the film offers an inspiring and moving look at the power of resilience, compassion, and the healing effects of human-animal relationships.

From Jeffrey Kimball, starring Regina Alvarez, Anya Auerbach, Mike Bryant, David Burg
Rated Unrated

From Michel Orion Scott, starring Rupert Isaacson, Kristin Neff, Rowan Isaacson, Kendal Stewart
Rated Unrated