10 Must-Watch Films Similar to The Chinese Exclusion Act

Description: This documentary investigates the assassination of Fred Hampton, a prominent Black Panther leader, by Chicago police. It exposes government repression and the violent suppression of civil rights movements.

Fact: The film was initially suppressed and only released after a legal battle. It includes footage of Hampton's apartment after the raid, showing bullet holes and bloodstains.

Description: A landmark documentary series chronicling the civil rights movement in America, it covers key events, figures, and struggles for racial equality. The series emphasizes grassroots activism and systemic oppression.

Fact: The series won numerous awards, including Emmys and Peabodys. It faced challenges in securing music rights, which delayed its re-release for years.

Description: This documentary revisits the 1971 Attica Prison uprising and its violent suppression, shedding light on prisoners' demands for better conditions and human rights. It underscores themes of state violence and resistance.

Fact: The film features never-before-seen footage and interviews with survivors. It was released on the 50th anniversary of the uprising.

Description: A chilling exploration of the Indonesian mass killings of 1965-66, where perpetrators reenact their crimes. The film examines impunity, memory, and the psychological impact of violence.

Fact: The documentary was nominated for an Academy Award. Its unconventional approach involved having the killers stage their atrocities in various cinematic genres.

Description: This documentary explores racial injustice and systemic bias in the American legal system, focusing on the wrongful conviction of five teenagers. It highlights themes of discrimination, media sensationalism, and the struggle for justice.

Fact: The case of the Central Park Five became a symbol of racial tension in New York City during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The documentary was later adapted into a Netflix miniseries titled 'When They See Us.'

Description: This documentary examines Muhammad Ali's legal and personal battles after refusing the Vietnam draft, highlighting issues of race, religion, and patriotism. It showcases his activism and defiance against systemic injustice.

Fact: The film includes rare footage of Ali's speeches and interviews, revealing his deep commitment to his beliefs. It was produced by PBS's Independent Lens.

Description: This film delves into the history of the Black Panther Party, examining its impact on civil rights and its confrontations with law enforcement. It addresses themes of activism, racial inequality, and government surveillance.

Fact: The documentary features rare archival footage and interviews with former members of the Black Panther Party. It was part of PBS's Independent Lens series.

Description: This documentary provides an inside look at the Oakland Police Department as it attempts to reform amid accusations of misconduct and racial bias. It explores the complexities of policing and accountability.

Fact: The filmmaker, Peter Nicks, spent two years embedded with the department. The film won the Directing Award for U.S. Documentary at Sundance.

Description: A powerful documentary about the Ferguson uprising after the police killing of Michael Brown, it captures grassroots activism and the fight against police brutality. The film emphasizes community resistance and media representation.

Fact: The directors, Sabaah Folayan and Damon Davis, were inspired to make the film after participating in the protests themselves. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

Description: An intimate portrait of life in rural Alabama, this film captures the everyday experiences of African American residents. It reflects on race, community, and the passage of time through poetic visuals.

Fact: The director, RaMell Ross, spent five years filming the community. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.