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By Alexander Wood

Although cinema is sometimes a vehicle for escapism, allowing us to put on the mask of our favourite superhero or delve into a mythic world unlike our own, it has demonstrated its immense power to persuade, inspire and change the perception of millions. Anyone who has a nominal understanding of the evolution of film – or has turned on their television in the last 20 years – has seen a shift from films as entertainment, to films that inspire us to get involved and become more than a bystander or a silent witness sitting on a couch.

Documentary films started by exposing audiences to real-life scenarios, which can be seen in The Lumière brothers’ Workers Leaving the Lumiere Factory (1895), Enoch J. Rector’s The Corbett-Fitzsimmons Fight (1897), Robert J Flaherty’s ‘Nanook of the North’ (1922) and Dziga Vertov’s Man with a Movie Camera (1929). Although these early films didn’t motivate people to run into the streets in protest, they did inspire a new understanding of our world and illustrated the impact of filmmaking aesthetics on the mind, which, for anyone who has seen ‘Man with a Movie Camera’, is a truly life-altering experience. Although a century separates most of the films listed above with their modern counterparts, they share the ability to change the viewers’ understanding of themselves and their society.

A growing number of documentary filmmakers look at the craft as more than a series of talking heads and news footage montages, they are creating films that are equal parts entertainment and call to action. ‘Films for Action’ is a site dedicated to presenting documentaries that are committed to inspiring change through film. Not only can you watch hundreds of films online, but you can connect with other like-minded activists and directly support any cause that takes your fancy. You can select and watch documentaries on the hacker movement, global warming, the changing face of pop culture and pretty much anything you could think of – and if it is not there, it might just be time to pick up a camera yourself and get filming.

This network of documentary films trying to change the world is free and only asks audiences to get their hands dirty. With the slogan ‘Watch, Share, Take Action’, the website offers an ideal platform for people who are equal parts activist and film enthusiast. If you are looking for a cause, you can investigate the Take Action section – or just conduct a search for an issue to support.

We now have the ability to donate, support and share films, thus the reach of our favourite social-change documentary is always expanding. The idea of social change goes hand in hand with connecting to new audiences, since the more hearts and minds you enthrall, the greater the impact. The Puma Creative Impact Award is designed to recognise filmmakers who endeavour to change the world one frame at a time. This unique prize is given to the documentary film with the most significant social impact; accompanying the award is financing to help enhance the film’s global reach and its ability to inspire new audiences.

Even when the film is in the can (or on the hard drive) – its existence is not static; it is a fluid creation that grows as more people join the cause. In many respects documentary filmmakers have become our bridge to a new world; one which allows us to engage in social change, picking up our own protest sign or marching with thousands of people who share the vision of influencing the world.

A number of well-known documentaries have inspire change at the likes of McDonalds and K-mart, but we decided to offer a few lesser-known titles for your viewing pleasure. Below are some great examples of documentaries that have inspired change on a personal and global scale, some of which can be watched online for free.

Climate Change:
‘Chasing Ice’ (2012) by Jeff Orlowski
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‘Just Do It: A Tale of Modern-Day Outlaws’ (2012) by Emily James
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First Nations:
‘Dakota 38’ (2012) by Silas Hagerty
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Human Interest:
‘Dear Zachary’ (2008) by Kurt Kuenne
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Agriculture:
‘Edible City: Grow the Revolution’ (2012) by Andrew Hasse and Carl Grether
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