Along with hit TV shows and movie classics, Netflix contains some of the latest and greatest documentaries. Here are some of the best documentaries on Netflix from 2016.
The First Monday in May
Fashion- and art-focused, “The First Monday in May” is exciting and romantically filmed. This documentary provides an inside look at the 2015 Met Gala with the editor of “Vogue,” Anna Wintour, and Andrew Bolton, the head curator of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City.
Throughout the film, viewers see Wintour’s creative process and the designers’ preparation for the Met Gala. Designers such as John Galliano, former head designer of Christian Dior, discuss the fantasies that inspire their lines for the Met Gala.
Director Andrew Rossi professionally weaves art, celebrities, culture, history and fashion into this anticipation-building documentary.
13th
Netflix’s original documentary “13th” is a powerful, educational and timely film that sheds light on African Americans’ transition from slavery to incarceration. With the help of famous scholars, politicians and activists, the film explores how history has shaped today’s racial inequalities.
In addition to discussing historical cases such as Emmett Till, “13th” covers recent cases, such as the death of Trayvon Martin, and ties them back to historical decisions that prevented the progress of African Americans.
Ava DuVernay, director of the 2014 historical drama “Selma,” created an informative film that contains staggering statistics and insight from credible sources.
Sky Ladder:The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang
Like the works of Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang, “Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang” is beautiful, elegant, modern and clean. In addition to providing the contemporary artist’s background, award winning director Kevin MacDonald gives a behind-the-scenes look at the progress of the sky ladder and Guo-Qiang’s art process.
The colorful clouds throughout the documentary are hypnotizing. MacDonald slows the film and showcases some of Guo-Qiang’s most vibrant shows.
From fireworks to clouds of gunpowder, “Sky Ladder” combines art, film and innovation.
Into the Inferno
“Into the Inferno” takes an artistic look at volcanos and the cultures of the people surrounding them.
Cinematographer Peter Zeitlinger invites the viewer on a journey from green environments to bubbly, roaring magma. The on-camera interviews provide expert insight not only on volcanos, but also the spiritual practices tied to them.
Educational and informative, this film paints a lively picture of the history and beliefs behind active volcanoes around the world.