Movies About Race And Ethnicity

From Directors: Joshua Oppenheimer, Anonymous, Christine Cynn, starring Anwar Congo, Herman Koto, Syamsul Arifin, Ibrahim Sinik
Rated Not Rated

The Act of Killing is a 2012 documentary film directed by Joshua Oppenheimer, Anonymous and Christine Cynn. The film follows former Indonesian death squad leaders as they re-enact their mass-killings in the form of a film. The film explores the impunity enjoyed by these leaders and the effects of their violence on their victims, families and community. It has been acclaimed for its unique approach to storytelling, with many critics praising Oppenheimer's bold and powerful technique. The film won numerous awards, including the Grand Jury Prize for Documentary at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. It also served as a catalyst for increasing awareness of state-sponsored violence in Indonesia.

From Ava DuVernay, starring Melina Abdullah, Michelle Alexander, Cory Booker, Dolores Canales
Rated TV-MA

13th is a powerful documentary film directed by Ava DuVernay. The film explores the history of racial inequality in the United States, focusing on the disproportionate incarceration of African Americans in the U.S. criminal justice system. The film examines the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration, and reveals how the criminal justice system has been used as a tool of racial control and oppression. Through interviews with key figures and a broad range of experts, 13th not only illuminates the causes of the problem, but also offers solutions for reform. The powerful message of 13th is that until we address the systemic racism within our justice system, true justice will remain elusive.

From Raoul Peck, starring Samuel L. Jackson, James Baldwin, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X
Rated PG-13

I Am Not Your Negro is a documentary film directed by Raoul Peck that explores the history of racism in America through the works of author and essayist James Baldwin. Through archival footage, interviews, and Baldwin's own words, the film examines Baldwin's views on race, racism, and civil rights in the United States. Additionally, the film highlights the progress made since Baldwin's time, but also how much farther we still have to go. It is an exploration of how the past still shapes our present and how we can use the words of Baldwin to make a more equitable future.

From Directors: Rita Coburn, Bob Hercules, starring Cicely Tyson, Guy Johnson, Diahann Carroll, Don Martin
Rated Not Rated

Maya Angelou and Still I Rise is a documentary film directed by Rita Coburn and Bob Hercules in 2016. The film explores the life and legacy of iconic African American poet, activist, and civil rights champion Maya Angelou. With never-before-seen archival footage, exclusive interviews, and her own words, the film paints a portrait of the multifaceted Maya Angelou, who despite enduring a childhood of trauma, sexism, racism, and poverty, grew up to become an acclaimed writer, activist, professor, and mother. As the film follows her journey, it also reveals the ways in which Angelou empowered and inspired generations of women and people of color with her courage and creativity. The film is a testament to Angelou’s life and her ability to rise from the depths of adversity and adversity-induced despair to become a beacon of hope and a source of strength for those who followed in her footsteps.

From John Ridley, starring Daryl Gates, Tom Bradley, Damian 'Football' Williams, Donnell Alexander
Rated TV-MA

Let It Fall: Los Angeles 1982-1992 is a 2017 documentary film directed by John Ridley. The film chronicles the decade leading up to the 1992 Los Angeles riots, exploring the socio-economic, racial, and political tensions in the city that led to the uprising. Through interviews and archival footage, the film examines the internal and external factors that sparked the civil unrest and how the lives of many Angelenos were affected. The film also looks at the actions of individuals and organizations that worked to find solutions and build a more equitable society within the city. Ultimately, the film paints a picture of how the city was changed by the riots and what steps need to be taken towards lasting healing and justice.

From Directors: Megan Mylan, Jon Shenk, starring Santino Majok Chuor, Jarrid Geduld, Peter Kon Dut
Rated Unrated

Lost Boys of Sudan is a 2003 documentary directed by Megan Mylan and Jon Shenk. It follows the story of Peter and Santino, two Sudanese refugee boys who are part of a group of "Lost Boys" who have been displaced by war and famine in their homeland. The film documents their journey from a refugee camp in Kenya to the United States, where they must adjust to a completely new culture and lifestyle. Along the way, they face many challenges, from culture shock and racism to learning how to navigate the American school system. The film captures the boys’ struggles and triumphs as they strive to make a life for themselves in a new land.

From Directors: Neil Diamond, Catherine Bainbridge, Jeremiah Hayes, starring Adam Beach, Chris Eyre, Russell Means, John Trudell
Rated Not Rated

Reel Injun is a 2009 documentary that traces the history of the portrayal of Native Americans in Hollywood films. Directed by Neil Diamond, Catherine Bainbridge, and Jeremiah Hayes, the film examines how stereotypes and misconceptions about Native Americans have been perpetuated by Hollywood. Through archival footage, interviews with Native Americans and film experts, and interviews with filmmakers, the documentary takes a critical look at the ways in which Hollywood has affected the perception of Native Americans both on and off the screen. The film also examines the effect that these portrayals have had on Native American culture, as well as how Native Americans are leading the charge towards a more accurate and respectful representation in film.

From Directors: Stephen Apkon, Andrew Young, starring Chen Alon, Jamil Qassas, Avner Wishnitzer, Sulaiman Khatib
Rated Not Rated

"Disturbing the Peace" is a 2016 documentary film directed by Stephen Apkon and Andrew Young. The film tells the story of a small group of former enemy combatants – Israeli soldiers from elite units and Palestinian fighters – who have come together to challenge the status quo through their joint venture of nonviolence and understanding. The film follows their journey as they confront their fears, discover common ground, and risk their lives to build a movement of nonviolence and peace. Through their inspiring stories, the film shows how the possibility of peace still exists in the Middle East, despite the legacy of deep-rooted conflict.

From Barak Goodman, starring Janet Beck, Alan Berg, Jim Botting, Bill Buford
Rated Not Rated

From Lee Hirsch, starring Abdullah Ibrahim, Duma Ka Ndlovu, Vusi Mahlasela, Walter Cronkite
Rated PG-13

From Stanley Nelson, starring Blair Anderson, Omar Barbour, Julian Bond, Elaine Brown
Rated Not Rated

From Bill Siegel, starring Eamonn Andrews, Muhammad Ali, David Susskind, George W. Bush
Rated Not Rated

From Directors: Geeta Vasant Patel, Ravi Patel, starring Ravi Patel, Geeta Vasant Patel, Champa V. Patel, Vasant K. Patel
Rated PG

From Ai Weiwei, starring Israa Abboud, Hiba Abed, Rami Abu Sondos, Fadi Abou Akleh
Rated PG-13

From Directors: Michael Beach Nichols, Christopher K. Walker, starring Ryan Schock, Heather Cook, Lee Cook, Bobby Harper
Rated Not Rated

From Marcus A. Clarke, starring Ilyasah Shabazz, Rahman Ali, Cornel West, Todd Boyd
Rated PG-13

From Directors: Negin Farsad, Dean Obeidallah, starring Lewis Black, Scott Blakeman, David Cross, Omar Elba
Rated Not Rated

From John Goldschmidt, starring Jonathan Pryce, Jerome Holder, Phil Davis, Ian Hart
Rated Not Rated