11 Amazing Documentaries on Creativity
We asked the Domestika community to name their favorite inspiring documentaries that focus on creatives
This documentaries about artists don’t just document history, they can change what comes next. They touch our hearts, raise awareness, and promote change. They remind us of forgotten struggles. They teach us about lives we’ve never lived. They entertain us, inspire us, and make us think. They move us.
We’re talking about documentaries, a genre of cinema as varied as human nature itself. We asked the Domestika community to name their favorites, and these are the titles that received the most votes.
Paris is Burning (Jennie Livingstone, 1990)
Filmed in the mid-to-late 1980s, this documentary chronicles the ball culture of New York City and the African-American, Latino, gay, and transgender communities involved. These groups of artists started their own balls as a form of protest in response to being excluded from those hosted by white, upper-class communities.
The Secret World of Haute Couture (Margy Kinmonth, 2007)
This film was produced by the BBC for television. It follows the director on trips to Paris, New York, and California, where she meets big-name fashion designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Valentino, and John Galliano. It also captures the lives of the women who indulge in haute couture.
Beauty is Embarrassing (Neil Berkeley, 2012)
What happens when a mainstream commercial artist decides to go on the hunt for inner peace? This is “Beauty is Embarrassing”, starring and narrated by the acclaimed visual artist Wayne White. He guides us through his life and shows the world how important it is to find a balance between your personal and professional pursuits.
Beautiful Losers (Aaron Rose, 2008)
Inspired by the underground art movement of the 90s, this documentary is named after a Leonard Cohen song. It tells the story of a generation of artists born in New York and Los Angeles who express themselves through street art: Terry Richardson, Larry Clark, Mike Mills, and OBEY are among the faces of this cultural movement.
Indie Game: The Movie (Lisanne Pajot and James Swisky, 2012)
When New York’s MoMA acquires 14 video games, all hell breaks loose. Are the graphics and stories enough for their makers to be deemed artists? This documentary brings together different opinions on the topic from the perspective of independent game designers.
Caravaggio: The Soul and the Blood (Jesús Garcés Lambert, 2018)
This documentary is the result of an extensive investigation into the life of the Italian painter. It captures his genius and the contradictions in his life. It was awarded the Golden Globe for Best Documentary.
Exit Through the Gift Shop (Bansky, 2010)
The acclaimed street artist makes his cinema debut in this documentary, which has actually been labeled by critics a “mockumentary,” given the questionable nature of events and how they are documented. It tells the story of Thierry Guetta, a camera-lover who is compelled to document every moment of his life.
Abstract: The Art of Design (2017)
Platform: Netflix
Dive into the minds of some of the world's most brilliant designers across various fields, including architecture, graphic design, and photography. "Abstract" beautifully explores the intersection of art and function, offering a unique perspective on how creativity can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
The Pixar Story (2007)
Platform: Disney+
Discover the magic behind some of the most beloved animated films of all time with "The Pixar Story." This documentary takes you through the ups and downs of the pioneering animation studio, showcasing the creative processes and innovative thinking that gave birth to timeless classics like Toy Story and Finding Nemo.
Iris (2014)
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Directed by the late, great Albert Maysles, "Iris" profiles the iconic fashion maven Iris Apfel. Known for her bold style and fearless approach to design, Apfel's unique perspective on life and creativity is both inspiring and uplifting. This documentary celebrates the idea that age is no barrier to creativity.
The Creative Brain (2019)
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Neuroscientist David Eagleman explores the inner workings of the human brain and its role in the creative process. Through interviews with artists, musicians, and innovators, "The Creative Brain" delves into the science behind creativity, shedding light on how our brains generate new ideas and forge innovative paths.
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