Movies About Humanity

From Directors: Juliano Ribeiro Salgado, Wim Wenders, starring Sebastião Salgado, Wim Wenders, Lélia Wanick Salgado, Juliano Ribeiro Salgado
Rated PG-13

The Salt of the Earth is a 2014 documentary film directed by Juliano Ribeiro Salgado and Wim Wenders. It follows the life and career of renowned Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado. The film documents his work over the past four decades and his life journey, beginning with his childhood in a rural Brazilian village and later living in Venezuela, Paris and Africa. Through his photographs, we explore the beauty and tragedy of the world around us, from the vanishing tribes of the Amazon to the dismal conditions of laborers in industrialized nations. The film also examines Salgado's commitment to conservation, and his more recent passion for reforestation in Brazil. Ultimately, The Salt of the Earth is a tribute to Salgado's dedication to capturing the world around him, and to his hope for a better future.

From Richard Attenborough, starring Ben Kingsley, John Gielgud, Rohini Hattangadi, Roshan Seth
Rated PG

Gandhi is a biographical drama film directed by Richard Attenborough, released in 1982. It tells the story of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement in British-ruled India. The film follows Gandhi's life from a lawyer in South Africa, to his return to India and his fight for freedom, to his assassination and his legacy. Through his struggles, he championed the cause of Indian independence, civil rights, and non-violent resistance. His philosophy of ahimsa (non-violence) has inspired movements around the world. The film features an acclaimed cast, including Ben Kingsley as Gandhi, Edward Fox as General Dyer, John Gielgud as Lord Irwin, and Candice Bergen as Margaret Bourke-White. It earned eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

From Richard LaGravenese, starring Hilary Swank, Imelda Staunton, Patrick Dempsey, Scott Glenn
Rated PG-13

Freedom Writers is a 2007 drama film directed by Richard LaGravenese and starring Hilary Swank, Scott Glenn, Imelda Staunton and Patrick Dempsey. The story follows a young teacher, Erin Gruwell (Swank), who inspires and teaches her disadvantaged students at a newly desegregated school in Long Beach, California, to believe in themselves and their potential. Encouraged by her students’ enthusiasm, Gruwell takes on an ambitious project, assigning them to keep diaries and write stories about their experiences. Through the diaries, Gruwell and her students overcome their biases and gain a deep understanding of each other’s experiences. The film is inspired by the true story of Erin Gruwell and her students, known as the Freedom Writers.

From Aki Kaurismäki, starring Markku Peltola, Kati Outinen, Annikki Tähti, Juhani Niemelä
Rated PG-13

The Man Without a Past is a 2002 Finnish black comedy-drama film directed by Aki Kaurismäki and starring Markku Peltola, Kati Outinen, and Juhani Niemela. The film follows a man who, after being brutally attacked and losing his memory, moves to Finland, where he is taken in by a Christian charity and slowly begins to build a new life. Along the way, he meets a number of eccentric characters, including an old woman who befriends him, a Salvation Army officer who helps him, and a gangster with a heart of gold. Together, they teach him about survival, friendship, and the power of community. In the end, he learns to embrace his new life and forgive his past.

From Costa-Gavras, starring Ulrich Tukur, Mathieu Kassovitz, Ulrich Mühe, Michel Duchaussoy
Rated Not Rated

From James Kent, starring Alicia Vikander, Kit Harington, Taron Egerton, Dominic West
Rated PG-13

From Christian Petzold, starring Nina Hoss, Ronald Zehrfeld, Rainer Bock, Christina Hecke
Rated PG-13

From Margarethe von Trotta, starring Barbara Sukowa, Heino Ferch, Hannah Herzsprung, Lena Stolze
Rated Unrated