The power of revolutions to reshape societies, topple regimes, and inspire change is both awe-inspiring and deeply complex. This curated collection of documentaries delves into various revolutionary movements around the globe, providing viewers with an intimate look at the motivations, struggles, and outcomes of these pivotal moments in history. Whether you're a history buff, a political science enthusiast, or simply someone who loves a good story of human resilience, these films offer a window into the heart of change.

The Fog of War (2003)
Description: While not strictly about a revolution, this film features Robert S. McNamara, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, reflecting on his role in pivotal events like the Vietnam War, offering insights into the decision-making processes during times of political upheaval.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, and McNamara's reflections on the Cuban Missile Crisis are particularly poignant.


Burma VJ: Reporting from a Closed Country (2008)
Description: This documentary follows the work of "Democratic Voice of Burma," a group of video journalists who risked their lives to report on the Saffron Revolution in Myanmar.
Fact: The film won the World Cinema Documentary Editing Award at the Sundance Film Festival.


The Gatekeepers (2012)
Description: Six former heads of Shin Bet, Israel's security agency, discuss their roles in dealing with the Palestinian conflict, offering a unique perspective on the ongoing struggle for peace and security.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.


The Act of Killing (2012)
Description: This film examines the Indonesian mass killings of 1965-66, where the military and paramilitary groups killed over a million alleged communists. It's a chilling look at the aftermath of a revolution gone awry.
Fact: The film was banned in Indonesia but has received widespread international acclaim, including an Oscar nomination.


The Square (2013)
Description: This film captures the Egyptian revolution of 2011, focusing on the Tahrir Square protests and the subsequent political turmoil. It's a firsthand account of the fight for democracy.
Fact: The film won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival in 2013 and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.


Citizenfour (2014)
Description: This documentary provides an inside look at Edward Snowden's decision to leak classified information, sparking a global conversation about privacy, surveillance, and government overreach.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, and Snowden himself appears in the film.


The War You Don't See (2010)
Description: John Pilger's documentary examines the role of the media in conflicts, focusing on how wars and revolutions are reported, often shaping public perception and support.
Fact: The film features interviews with prominent journalists and former military personnel, providing a critical look at media coverage of conflicts.


Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom (2015)
Description: This documentary chronicles the Euromaidan protests in Ukraine, showcasing the events from November 2013 to February 2014, leading to the ousting of President Yanukovych.
Fact: The film was executive produced by Evgeny Afineevsky, who also directed it, and it was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.


13th (2016)
Description: Ava DuVernay's documentary explores the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States, connecting the dots from slavery to the current prison system, which can be seen as a form of modern-day revolution.
Fact: The title refers to the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery but left a loophole for punishment for crime.


The Revolution Will Not Be Televised (2003)
Description: This documentary provides an insider's view of the 2002 Venezuelan coup attempt against President Hugo Chávez, filmed by two Irish filmmakers who were in the presidential palace at the time.
Fact: The film was initially titled "Chávez: Inside the Coup" but was renamed due to legal issues with the Venezuelan government.
