- The Story of Film: An Odyssey (2011)
- The Poet of Havana (2015)
- The Secret Life of Books (2014)
- The Paris Review Interviews (2011)
- The Love Song of R. Buckminster Fuller (2010)
- The Writer's Room (2014)
- The Art of Fiction (2009)
- The Art of Fiction: Volume 2 (2013)
- The Writer's Journey (2008)
- The Poet and the Spy (2017)
Documentaries about writers offer a unique glimpse into the creative minds behind some of the world's most beloved literature. These films not only delve into the personal lives of these literary giants but also explore the cultural and historical contexts that shaped their work. This curated list of documentaries provides an intimate look at the struggles, triumphs, and inspirations of writers, making it an invaluable resource for literature enthusiasts, aspiring writers, and anyone interested in the art of storytelling.

The Story of Film: An Odyssey (2011)
Description: Although primarily about cinema, this series includes segments on how literature has influenced film, featuring writers like Akira Kurosawa, who was also a screenwriter.
Fact: The series took 15 years to make and covers over 120 years of film history.


The Poet of Havana (2015)
Description: This documentary focuses on the life and work of Cuban poet and writer José Martí, exploring his influence on Cuban literature and politics.
Fact: Martí's writings were instrumental in the Cuban independence movement.


The Secret Life of Books (2014)
Description: This documentary explores the world of books, focusing on the lives of authors like Ernest Hemingway and Virginia Woolf, and how their personal experiences influenced their writing.
Fact: The film includes rare footage of Hemingway's home in Key West, where he wrote many of his famous works.


The Paris Review Interviews (2011)
Description: This documentary series captures the essence of literary interviews from the iconic Paris Review, featuring discussions with some of the greatest writers of the 20th century. It's a treasure trove for anyone interested in the craft of writing.
Fact: The Paris Review has been interviewing writers since 1953, and this film compiles some of the most memorable and insightful conversations.


The Love Song of R. Buckminster Fuller (2010)
Description: While not exclusively about writers, this documentary features the visionary architect and author Buckminster Fuller, whose writings and ideas have influenced countless writers and thinkers.
Fact: Fuller was known for his unique writing style, often using neologisms and complex diagrams to convey his ideas.


The Writer's Room (2014)
Description: This documentary series goes behind the scenes with TV writers, offering insights into the writing process and the creative minds behind popular shows, which can be inspiring for aspiring writers.
Fact: The show features interviews with writers from shows like "Breaking Bad" and "Game of Thrones."


The Art of Fiction (2009)
Description: A deep dive into the craft of fiction writing, this documentary features interviews with authors like Margaret Atwood and Salman Rushdie, discussing their approaches to storytelling.
Fact: The film was produced by the same team behind the Paris Review interviews.


The Art of Fiction: Volume 2 (2013)
Description: Continuing from the first volume, this documentary delves deeper into the writing process with interviews from authors like Haruki Murakami and Zadie Smith.
Fact: The series was praised for its candid discussions on the challenges of writing.


The Writer's Journey (2008)
Description: Based on Christopher Vogler's book, this documentary explores the hero's journey in literature, featuring insights from writers like J.K. Rowling and George Lucas.
Fact: Vogler's book has become a staple in screenwriting courses worldwide.


The Poet and the Spy (2017)
Description: This film tells the story of the poet and playwright Christopher Marlowe, exploring his life, his works, and his mysterious death, offering a fascinating look at Elizabethan literature.
Fact: Marlowe was a contemporary of Shakespeare, and some theories suggest he might have been involved in espionage.
