It’s that time again – the end of the year, when people ponder on New Year’s resolutions to change their lives for the better.
If you are looking for ideas, these five documentaries could inspire you to make a difference in the coming year.
1. The Game Changers
https://youtu.be/-LZnZSTes_Y
Ever wondered where vegans get their protein, strength and joie de vivre? “The Game Changers”, released in 2018, showcases the effect of a vegan diet on professional athletes.
This 86-minute film was produced by James Cameron, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jackie Chan, Lewis Hamilton, Novak Djokovic and NBA All-Star basketballer Chris Paul, who are all advocates of plant-based diets.
It presents scientific data and interviews with health experts, and calls to attention to the unsustainable practices of the meat industry. It also dispels the myth that strength, masculinity and virility are linked to meat consumption.
Even if you have no plans on giving up meat anytime soon, this film might just inspire you to include more plant-based foods in your diet.
2. Seaspiracy
This 2021 documentary focuses on the devastating effects of the fishing industry on the planet. Produced by “Cowspiracy” director Kip Anderson, it highlights how commercial fisheries are largely responsible for the destruction of the marine ecosystem.
The film attacks several marine-conservation bodies and organisations that support the anti-plastic movement, claiming these initiatives cover up the more destructive and corrupt practices of the fishing industry worldwide.
“Seaspiracy” comes to the conclusion that there is no such thing as sustainable fishing, and calls for fish to be eliminated from diets altogether if the planet is to be safeguarded.
3) The Social Dilemma
“The Social Dilemma” explores the insidious impact that social media has on people’s lives.
Interviews with former top executives of social media platforms such as Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram reveal how these organisations used business models that exploit vulnerability in human psychology to keep users addicted.
The documentary demonstrates how social media reinforces existing prejudice and biases, and can be detrimental to self-esteem and mental health especially in children and teenagers.
Given that Malaysians spend an average of three hours a day on social media, this film could inspire you to reduce your online presence and reconnect with people in real life.
4. The True Cost
https://youtu.be/nxhCpLzreCw
“The True Cost” provides a peek into the social and environmental cost of clothes.
Released in 2015, it reveals the consequences of the fast-fashion industry, in which brands like H&M, Forever 21, Uniqlo, Topshop and Zara produce cheap, trendy and “disposable” clothes using exploitative business models.
The film also shows how garment workers in the fast-fashion industry are paid appallingly low wages, among other human rights abuses, and revisits the tragic incident in 2013 in which over 1,000 garment workers were killed in Dhaka when Rana Plaza collapsed.
Closer to home, a study by Kloth Data in 2019 revealed an astonishing 2,000 tonnes of textile waste end up in landfills daily. Give this film a watch, as it might just inspire you to join the next clothes swap event.
5. The Story of Stuff
“The Story of Stuff” is a short animated documentary on the life cycle of consumer goods. Despite being made in 2007, its message is still relevant today.
The film talks about how the low prices of goods, which do not factor in social and environmental costs, drive consumer demand.
It shows how these things are soon discarded as planned obsolescence is built into the products. In other words, a linear economy, which is based on the “take, make and dispose” approach, is unsustainable given that resources are finite.
Watching this 21-minute video might inspire you to take steps towards a zero-waste or minimalist lifestyle.