Documentary films do much more than entertain audiences. These years-in-the-making productions challenge the status quo, with documentary filmmakers helping viewers examine the world in a deep and eye-opening way. Documentary film subjects run the gamut, from nature to politics and crime to culture. And the best documentarians leverage all available tools to help share these stories, whether it’s run-and-gun cameras for action-packed shoots or creative lighting to direct the viewer’s eye.
While the industry is packed with talented creators, here are 10 influential documentary filmmakers to watch, whether you’re an aspiring documentarian or on the hunt for a thought-provoking feature film.
10 Influential Documentary Filmmakers You Need to Know
1. Jimmy Chin
Anyone interested in adventure filmmaking knows the name Jimmy Chin well. Chin, a co-director of National Geographic’s 2018 hit “Free Solo,” has an enviable work roster. He’s explored the deserts of west Africa, climbed Mount Everest (not once, but twice—the second ascent ending with a ski from the summit), and he’s produced a host of world-renowned films like “Meru” along the way. Chin’s latest endeavor, the “There and Back: Photographs from the Edge” book, takes viewers along on Chin’s many filmmaking odysseys, with droolworthy photos on every page.
2. Samantha Stark
Another well-known name in the contemporary world of documentary film is Samantha Stark, director and producer of The New York Times Presents documentary series, along with her latest hit: “Framing Britney Spears.” Stark’s film took an important look at the media industry’s treatment (and often mistreatment) of celebrities. Stark’s other filmmaking credentials include “The Weekly” from The New York Times and the TV series, “Independent Lens.”
3. Ava DuVernay
![When They See Us: Limited Series | Teaser [HD] | Netflix](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YyoSErErnCE/0.jpg)
Award-winning Ava DuVernay is one of the best-known filmmakers of our time. This talented creator isn’t siloed into one film category; she’s a documentarian with works like the series “New Realities,” but she’s also a renowned feature filmmaker. In fact, with her historical-drama film “Selma” in 2014, she made history as the first Black woman to direct a film nominated for Best Picture in the Academy Awards. And through another one of her renowned series, “When They See Us” on Netflix, DuVernay shares the story of the “exonerated five” teens who were falsely accused of rape, and spent decades trying to clear their names.
4. Heidi Ewing
Heidi Ewing is best known as co-director of the documentary “Jesus Camp,” a 2006 film about a Christian summer camp where instructors inspire children to “take back America for Christ.” The slightly haunting production, created alongside Ewing’s Loki Films business partner and filmmaker Rachel Grady, is just one of her many productions. Additionally, her first narrative feature, “I Carry You With Me,” premiered at Sundance in 2020, won several awards, and will be released by Sony Pictures Classics in 2021.
5. Brett Morgen
Documentarian Brett Morgen made a name for himself with films that took a deeper look at our beloved cultural icons, including “Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck,” which showcased a different, more human side of the famed Nirvana frontman. The LA-based filmmaker has also directed “Jane”, a documentary about anthropologist Jane Goodall. He is also working on an under-the-radar production centered on David Bowie, which is based on thousands of hours of rarely seen concert footage; a release date remains TBD, but rumor has it Morgen is aiming for an IMAX release for the film.
6. Stanley Nelson
Stanley Nelson is a world-renowned documentary filmmaker known for productions packed with rich narratives and historical detail that navigate an oft-overlooked side of American history. Nelson, the winner of five Primetime Emmy Awards and a host of lifetime achievement awards, even caught the White House’s eye when he earned the National Medal in the Humanities from President Obama in 2016. Nelson’s film highlights include his latest, “Attica,” which details the 1971 prison uprising. He’s also led films such as “Freedom Riders” and the four-hour series “Vick” about NFL’s Michael Vick for ESPN.
7. Renan Ozturk
Renan Ozturk is another well-known name in the adventure filmmaking world—and for good reason. Not only is he the filmmaker behind iconic projects like “Sherpa: Trouble on Everest;” Ozturk is also an expedition climber for The North Face, a photographer for Sony and National Geographic, and a commercial filmmaker for brands from Apple to Nike. And, further adding to his lengthy roster of credentials: Ozturk was named National Geographic’s Adventurer of the Year in 2013.
8. Deborah Shaffer
Documentary filmmaker Deborah Shaffer isn’t new to the Adorama community. We interviewed her on The Adorama Podcast, and highly recommend a listen for anyone interested in exploring this career path. Shaffer has more than 40 years of documentary filmmaking experience. Her main subject areas include social justice, from war to human rights. Shaffer’s films include “Queen of Hearts: Audrey Flack,” which focuses on the trailblazing artist Audrey Flack, and “Asylum,” which follows a Ghanian woman who escaped from sexual violence to gain political asylum in the U.S. She’s won multiple honors, including an Academy Award.
9. Ali Tabrizi
The documentary “Seaspiracy” took the Netflix world by storm with its exposé on how the fishing industry is damaging the world’s oceans and marine life. Its creator, Ali Tabrizi, cultivated quite a name for himself with the gut-wrenching film. He’s a young self-taught filmmaker, and he founded Disrupt Studios alongside his wife. “Seaspiracy” was his first major hit—but as his Instagram updates show, there’s much more to come.
10. Michael Moore
No “influential documentary filmmakers” list is complete without the iconic Michael Moore, an activist who’s been pushing viewers outside their comfort zones since his first major production “Roger & Me,” in 1989. Since then, Moore’s films have brought forth new cultural narratives and debates, from “Fahrenheit 9/11,” a critical look at the Bush presidency, and “Bowling for Columbine,” which details America’s relationship with guns and violence. Moore’s projects tend to spark controversy—and his latest film, “Planet of the Humans” released in 2020, is no different.
