Dir. Gabriela Cowperthwaite

Blackfish focuses on the controversial captivity of killer whales and it's danger to both the whales and humans. This film sparked widespread backlash against SeaWorld’s treatment of orcas, leading to a drop in attendance, stock value, and eventually SeaWorld ending its orca breeding program.

Dir. Morgan Spurlock

In this humorous experiment, director Morgan Spurlock eats nothing but McDonald's food for 30 days while tracking his decline in overall health and wellbeing- ultimately exposing the dangers of fast food, prompting McDonald’s to phase out "Super Size" portions and include healthier menu options. 

Dir. Errol Morris

In this gripping crime documentary, pioneering filmmaker Errol Morris uses re-enactment to expose the reality of a murder and successfully argues that a man was wrongly convicted for murder by a corrupt justice system in Dallas County, Texas.

Dir. Louie Psihoyos

Using state-of-the-art equipment, a group of activists, led by renowned dolphin trainer Ric O'Barry, infiltrate a cove near Taijii, Japan to expose both a shocking instance of animal abuse and a serious threat to human health - ultimately leading to global protests, policy pressure on Japan, and reduced dolphin captures.

Dir. Steve James

A film following the lives of two inner-city Chicago boys who struggle to become college basketball players on the road to going professional - thus raising awareness of race and class barriers in America; widely used in schools and by sociologists studying inequality.