Top 10 Documentaries on Gender Issues

Description: This documentary examines the history of how Hollywood has depicted homosexuality, offering insights into the portrayal of gender nonconformity in film.

Fact: It was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival and features commentary from notable figures like Gore Vidal and Lily Tomlin.

Description: While not exclusively about gender, this documentary addresses the epidemic of sexual assault in the U.S. military, focusing on the disproportionate impact on women.

Fact: The film led to significant legislative changes, including the establishment of the Special Victims' Counsel program for military sexual assault survivors.

Description: Although primarily about the fashion industry, this documentary touches on gender issues by exploring how women in developing countries are disproportionately affected by exploitative labor practices.

Fact: It was one of the first films to comprehensively address the environmental and social impacts of fast fashion.

Description: Focused on campus sexual assault, this documentary sheds light on how universities often mishandle these cases, particularly affecting female students.

Fact: The film has been credited with influencing policy changes at numerous universities and has sparked a national conversation about consent and campus safety.

Description: This documentary recounts the birth of the modern women's movement in the '60s and '70s, capturing the energy and activism of the era.

Fact: It features rare archival footage and interviews with key figures from the movement, providing a firsthand look at the fight for women's rights.

Description: This documentary tells the story of a New Jersey police lieutenant who fights for pension benefits for her same-sex partner, highlighting issues of gender and sexual orientation in legal rights.

Fact: The film was later adapted into a feature film starring Julianne Moore and Ellen Page.

Description: Focusing on the media's portrayal of women, this documentary highlights how these representations contribute to the underrepresentation of women in positions of power and influence.

Fact: The film features interviews with prominent figures like Condoleezza Rice, Katie Couric, and Gloria Steinem, offering diverse perspectives on gender in media.

Description: Based on the book by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, this film follows journalists as they travel to different countries to highlight the oppression of women and efforts to empower them.

Fact: The project also includes an interactive game and a social action campaign to engage viewers in real-world change.

Description: This documentary examines the societal pressures on boys to conform to traditional masculine norms, exploring how these expectations impact their mental health and relationships.

Fact: The film was inspired by the director's personal experiences with his own son, and it includes interviews with experts in psychology, education, and gender studies.

Description: This film explores the history of transgender representation in Hollywood, showing how these portrayals have shaped public perception and policy regarding transgender issues.

Fact: It includes interviews with transgender actors and filmmakers, providing firsthand accounts of their experiences in the industry.