10 Must-Watch Documentaries About Childhood

Description: A raw and honest look at the lives of homeless and runaway children in Seattle, this documentary captures the harsh realities of childhood on the streets.

Fact: The film inspired a book and a follow-up documentary, "Tiny: The Life of Erin Blackwell," focusing on one of the children featured.

Description: Although primarily about basketball, this documentary captures the dreams, struggles, and growth of two African-American teenagers, highlighting the complexities of growing up with big aspirations.

Fact: The film took over five years to make and has been widely acclaimed for its depth and storytelling.

Description: This film follows four babies from different parts of the world, showcasing their first year of life without any narration, allowing viewers to observe the universal and unique aspects of early childhood development.

Fact: The film was shot over three years, capturing the natural, unscripted moments of these infants' lives.

Description: While not directly about childhood, this film's depiction of nuclear war's aftermath includes the impact on children, making it a profound reflection on the innocence lost in conflict.

Fact: Originally intended for broadcast by the BBC, it was deemed too disturbing and was banned from television for many years.

Description: This documentary follows two young Sudanese refugees as they adapt to life in America, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of children in the face of adversity.

Fact: The film was part of a larger project that included a book and a website to track the progress of the Lost Boys.

Description: While not exclusively about childhood, this documentary includes the story of a man who forms a unique bond with a flock of parrots, reflecting themes of care, growth, and the innocence of youth.

Fact: The film's subject, Mark Bittner, lived a bohemian lifestyle in San Francisco, which adds an unconventional backdrop to the story.

Description: Shelby Knox, a teenage activist, fights for comprehensive sex education in her conservative Texas town, showcasing the power of youth activism and the impact of education on young minds.

Fact: Shelby Knox later worked for the American Civil Liberties Union, continuing her advocacy work.

Description: This Oscar-winning documentary follows the lives of children born to prostitutes in Calcutta's red-light district. It showcases their resilience and creativity through photography, offering a poignant look at childhood in extreme circumstances.

Fact: The film's director, Zana Briski, also started a foundation to help these children through education and photography.

Description: Based on a short story by James Clavell, this film explores how children can be indoctrinated into new ideologies, showing the power of education and influence during formative years.

Fact: The film was adapted from a story originally published in Reader's Digest, highlighting the potential dangers of ideological manipulation.

Description: This documentary examines the lives of Amish teenagers during their "rumspringa," a period where they can explore the outside world before deciding whether to join the church, offering insights into the transition from childhood to adulthood.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.