In the age of digital transformation, mobile video has become a powerful tool for storytelling, journalism, and activism. This curated list of documentaries highlights the impact of mobile video on our society, offering insights into how ordinary people can capture extraordinary moments. From capturing social movements to exploring personal narratives, these films illustrate the versatility and accessibility of mobile video technology.

Tangerine (2015)
Description: This film was shot entirely on an iPhone 5S, showcasing how mobile technology can be used to create a compelling narrative about transgender sex workers in Los Angeles.
Fact: Tangerine was the first feature film to be shot entirely on an iPhone and received critical acclaim for its unique visual style.


Citizenfour (2014)
Description: Although not shot on a mobile device, this documentary includes significant mobile video content from Edward Snowden, showcasing the role of mobile technology in whistleblowing.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.


Unsane (2018)
Description: Steven Soderbergh's psychological thriller was shot on an iPhone 7 Plus, proving that even high-stakes genres can be effectively captured with mobile devices.
Fact: The film was shot in just 10 days, highlighting the efficiency of mobile filmmaking.


9 Rides (2016)
Description: This film captures the life of an Uber driver in real-time, shot entirely on an iPhone, offering a raw and unfiltered look at urban life.
Fact: The entire movie takes place in a single night, with each ride representing a different story.


Snow Steam Iron (2017)
Description: A surreal narrative shot on an iPhone, this film explores themes of isolation and human connection through a series of seemingly disconnected events.
Fact: The film was shot in just 10 days with a very small crew, emphasizing the minimalistic approach to filmmaking.


Life in a Day (2011)
Description: This film was created from over 80,000 video submissions from around the world, many of which were shot on mobile devices, capturing a day in the life of humanity.
Fact: The project was a collaboration with YouTube, making it one of the largest crowdsourced documentaries ever made.


Notes on Blindness (2016)
Description: While not shot on a mobile device, this documentary uses mobile technology to recreate the experience of blindness through innovative sound design and visual storytelling.
Fact: The film was adapted from audio diaries recorded by John Hull, a theologian who went blind.


High Flying Bird (2019)
Description: Another Soderbergh project, this film was shot on an iPhone 8, exploring the world of professional basketball and its business side.
Fact: The film was released simultaneously in theaters and on Netflix, showcasing a new distribution model.


The 4th Dimension (2012)
Description: This anthology film includes a segment shot on an iPhone, showcasing how mobile devices can be used to tell diverse stories from around the world.
Fact: The segment "Lotus Community Workshop" was shot in China, providing a unique cultural perspective.


Mobile Stories (2017)
Description: A collection of short films shot on mobile devices, this anthology highlights the creative potential of mobile filmmaking from different filmmakers.
Fact: The project was a collaboration between filmmakers from various countries, showcasing global storytelling.
