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So far, 2024 has been quite consistent with quality movies, which include compelling documentaries. Even though the year is past its halfway mark, 2024 shows no signs of slowing down in terms of exciting new releases, much to the delight of cinephiles. Especially, in the case of documentaries, the schedule has plenty of variety, which means that there will be something for everyone.
In its early years, the genre didn't particularly make headlines for dynamic shots and stylistic elements, but much has changed over the years. In fact, it wouldn't be wrong to state that modern documentaries have found the sweet balance between informational content and aesthetic appeal.
Viewers who enjoy sinking their teeth into factual narratives with striking cinematography should keep an eye out for the documentaries on this list slated to release in the coming months.
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Disclaimer: This list contains information from various sources.
War Game, Sugarcane and three other upcoming documentaries that promise riveting narratives
1) Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa (July 31, 2024)
This title by Lucy Walker will particularly appeal to fans of the genre who enjoy inspirational documentaries. Viewers will get to follow the life of Lhakpa Sherpa, and witness her unfaltering drive and determination that helped her become the first Nepali woman to climb and descend Mount Everest successfully.
Coming from a humble background, Lhakpa doesn't have any formal education. She was married to Gheorghe Dijmărescu but things fell apart due to domestic violence. As the mother of three children, she had to take on various odd jobs to put food on the table. However, Lhakpa has continued to overcome the setbacks in her life to pursue her true passion - climbing Mount Everest.
While documentaries on Mount Everest aren't uncommon, Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa hopes to deliver a more personal narrative with a special focus on Lhakpa's resolute perspective and unwavering bravery.
Where to watch: This upcoming documentary will premiere on Netflix on July 31, 2024.
2) War Game (August 2, 2024)
Fans always appreciate documentaries that can bring a fresh perspective to a much-debated subject. In this documentary by Tony Gerber and Jesse Moss, viewers get to witness a mock 6-hour Situation Room wherein officials race against time to handle the lash out of a political coup that gets underway after a disputed election.
The documentary dials up the chaos and severity of the events of January 6, 2021, to test America's political infrastructure and bring potential weaknesses to the forefront. Essentially War Game is a role-play exercise, but it still wants viewers to observe and ponder.
Where to watch: War Game will be released theatrically on August 2, 2024.
3) Sugarcane (August 9, 2024)
While is it not uncommon to come across light-hearted documentaries, they are mostly centered around controversial and/or distressing narratives that deserve to be heard. Sugarcane by Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie is one such example. It investigates the inhumane atrocities committed within the walls of Canadian Indian residential schools.
Even though there have been a couple of documentaries on the Canadian Indian residential school system in the last few years, there are many who still don't know much about it. This documentary hopes to educate the masses as well as open discussions about Indigenous rights and forced assimilation.
Where to watch: The documentary will be released theatrically on August 9, 2024.
4) Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band (TBA, October 2024)
Concert movies and music documentaries are quite popular among music lovers. This is mainly because fans are always interested in seeing a different side of their favorite artists. The interest is magnified tenfold when documentaries feature legendary artists who are known the world over for their musicality.
The documentary directed by Thom Zimny is surrounded by hype, as fans eagerly await to watch it. The documentary will give a peek at Bruce Springsteen's music process along with behind-the-scenes footage from The E Street Band's 2023–2024 world tour. Fans will also be able to indulge in the band's electrifying performances from the comfort of their homes.
Where to watch: It will be launched on Hulu and Disney+ sometime in October 2024. Dates are yet to be announced.
5) Union (October 18, 2024)
Out of all the upcoming documentaries on this list, this one, in particular, has mass appeal as it involves one of the biggest companies in the world - Amazon. Brett Story and Stephen Maing's narrative-driven documentary showcases the working environment at Amazon warehouses and the factors that forced workers to form the Amazon Labor Union (ALU).
At the center of the narrative is Christian Smalls, who used to work at a New York Amazon warehouse. He was terminated for organizing a walkout to protest against the inadequate safety protocols at the warehouse during the pandemic. After his termination, he founded ALU to improve working conditions for his former colleagues.
While it does reflect the age-old truth of how big corporations tend to exploit working-class laborers, the documentary's main focus is on the workers, their struggles, perspectives and motivators.
Where to watch: Union will be released theatrically on October 18, 2024.
Fans of the genre should make a point to add these eye-opening documentaries to their 2024 must-watch list.
