In a world where formal education often takes center stage, self-education remains a powerful tool for personal growth and enlightenment. This curated list of documentaries celebrates the spirit of learning outside the traditional classroom. Each film in this collection not only highlights the importance of self-education but also provides insights into how individuals from various backgrounds have harnessed this approach to achieve remarkable feats. Whether you're a lifelong learner or just starting your journey, these films will inspire you to take control of your education and explore the endless possibilities of self-directed learning.
The Fog of War (2003)
Description: Robert McNamara, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, reflects on his life and career, offering insights into decision-making and self-learning from his experiences in war and politics.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in
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The King of Kong (2007)
Description: This documentary explores the world of competitive arcade gaming, where self-taught gamers strive for perfection, illustrating the drive for self-improvement and mastery in an unconventional field.
Fact: The film was initially intended to be a short documentary but grew due to the compelling story of the rivalry between Steve Wiebe and Billy Mitchell.
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Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)
Description: While not directly about self-education, this documentary showcases the dedication and lifelong learning of Jiro Ono, a sushi master, illustrating the importance of continuous self-improvement and mastery through personal effort.
Fact: Jiro Ono was awarded three Michelin stars for his sushi restaurant Sukiyabashi Jiro. The film was nominated for the Best Documentary Feature at the 85th Academy Awards.
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The Queen of Versailles (2012)
Description: While primarily about wealth and the American Dream, this documentary also touches on the self-education of Jackie Siegel as she navigates her life and learns from her experiences, both good and bad.
Fact: The film was originally intended to be a light-hearted look at wealth but evolved into a poignant story about the 2008 financial crisis.
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The Act of Killing (2012)
Description: This documentary examines the Indonesian mass killings of 1965-66 through the eyes of the perpetrators, who reenact their crimes, providing a chilling lesson in self-reflection and the consequences of actions.
Fact: The film was banned in Indonesia but has received widespread international acclaim, including the BAFTA for Best Documentary.
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The Institute (2013)
Description: A documentary about The Jejune Institute, an alternate reality game that blurs the line between reality and fiction, encouraging participants to learn through immersive, self-directed experiences.
Fact: The game was created by artist Jeff Hull, and the documentary was directed by Spencer McCall, who was initially a participant in the game.
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Man on Wire (2008)
Description: This film documents Philippe Petit's high-wire walk between the Twin Towers, a feat that required immense self-learning and dedication, showcasing the power of personal ambition and self-education in achieving the seemingly impossible.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in
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The Pervert's Guide to Cinema (2006)
Description: Philosopher Slavoj Žižek uses film to explore psychoanalytic theory, demonstrating how self-education can be applied to understand complex ideas through popular culture.
Fact: Žižek is known for his unique and often provocative interpretations of films, making this documentary both educational and entertaining.
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Particle Fever (2013)
Description: This film follows the scientists at CERN as they attempt to discover the Higgs boson, showcasing the passion and self-driven research that fuels scientific breakthroughs.
Fact: The film was shot over seven years, capturing the excitement and tension of the scientific community as they awaited the results from the Large Hadron Collider.
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The Internet's Own Boy (2014)
Description: This documentary delves into the life of Aaron Swartz, a prodigious programmer and activist who believed in open access to information. It's a poignant reminder of how self-education can lead to activism and change.
Fact: Aaron Swartz co-authored the RSS
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