Documentaries Celebrating Great Women

Description: Focusing on Kathleen Hanna, the lead singer of Bikini Kill and Le Tigre, this documentary captures her role in the riot grrrl movement and her influence on punk rock and feminism.

Fact: Hanna was diagnosed with Lyme disease during the filming, which is also covered in the documentary.

Description: This documentary chronicles the life of Angela Davis, a political activist, scholar, and author, focusing on her trial and acquittal in the early 1970s.

Fact: The film features interviews with Davis herself, providing a firsthand account of her experiences.

Description: This film tells the story of Jane Jacobs, an urban activist who fought against the urban renewal policies of Robert Moses in New York City. Her ideas on city planning have had a lasting impact.

Fact: The documentary uses animation to illustrate Jacobs' concepts, making complex urban planning ideas accessible to a broader audience.

Description: A deep dive into the life of Nina Simone, this documentary captures her musical genius, her civil rights activism, and the personal struggles she faced. It's a raw and honest look at a complex woman.

Fact: The film won the Best Documentary Feature at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.

Description: This film follows Misty Copeland, the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre, showcasing her journey and the challenges she faced.

Fact: The film includes footage from Copeland's historic performance in "Firebird."

Description: Directed by Brett Morgen, this film delves into the life of Jane Goodall, the world-renowned primatologist, and her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees in Tanzania. It's a beautiful portrayal of her passion for animals and conservation.

Fact: The film uses previously unseen footage from National Geographic's archives, providing an intimate look at Goodall's early work.

Description: This documentary explores the life and career of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, one of the most influential Supreme Court Justices in U.S. history. It showcases her fight for gender equality and her impact on American law.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Ginsburg herself attended the Sundance Film Festival premiere.

Description: This film provides a comprehensive look at the women's liberation movement from 1966 to 1971, featuring interviews with key figures like Gloria Steinem and Kate Millett.

Fact: The title is a play on the phrase "She's beautiful when she's angry," which was a common saying during the era.

Description: This documentary investigates the mysterious death of Marsha P. Johnson, a transgender activist and pioneer of the gay liberation movement. It also highlights her vibrant life and her role in the Stonewall riots.

Fact: The film was produced by David France, who also directed the Oscar-nominated "How to Survive a Plague."

Description: This documentary explores modern feminism through the eyes of young women, examining what it means to be a feminist today and how the movement has evolved.

Fact: The film features interviews with prominent feminists like Caitlin Moran and Germaine Greer.