The hottest Documentary Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top News Topics
Public β€’ 432 implied HN points β€’ 14 Aug 23
  1. A new documentary reveals the connection between high-decibel sonar from wind industry vessels and specific whale deaths.
  2. The documentary exposes a major scientific scandal and a lack of transparency in government agencies like NOAA.
  3. The film urges viewers to understand that the increase in cetacean deaths is linked to wind industry activities, contradicting official statements.
Cybernetic Forests β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 31 Dec 23
  1. Subscribers to the newsletter tripled this year, showing growth and increased interest in the content.
  2. The author created and taught a course on AI Images, which was referenced by other educational institutions, showcasing influence in the field.
  3. The Algorithmic Resistance Research Group presented at the DEFCON 31 AI Village, demonstrating involvement in cutting-edge AI art and research.
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Tripsitter β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 20 Dec 23
  1. Explore a collection of trippy films and TV shows to watch during the holiday break, ranging from whimsical animations to mind-bending sci-fi series.
  2. Encounter unique storytelling and visually captivating experiences in movies like 'Waking Life' and 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,' each pushing boundaries in their respective genres.
  3. Dive into surreal worlds and existential conversations with TV series like 'The Midnight Gospel' and 'Russian Doll,' offering deep philosophical exploration in a visually striking manner.
Chance Operations β€’ 357 implied HN points β€’ 10 Apr 23
  1. The Venice Biennale will present the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement to Brian Eno on October 21st.
  2. A 168-hour video art installation titled 'Nothing Can Ever Be The Same' will be shown in Venice, using generative software to reimagine Eno's work.
  3. Sneak peeks of the new video art installation will be shared with subscribers closer to the opening.
NOW IS GOOD β€’ 137 implied HN points β€’ 13 Sep 23
  1. Chilean documentarian Patricio GuzmΓ‘n's films capture the hope and chaos surrounding Allende's presidency.
  2. The legacy of Pinochet's dictatorship and Chile's colonial history are themes in GuzmΓ‘n's recent documentaries.
  3. Allende's domestic agenda lacked support, facing challenges in achieving socialism and coordinating actions within the government.
Thinking about... β€’ 173 implied HN points β€’ 01 Mar 24
  1. A fundraiser successfully raised $1.9 million to install a passive drone-detection system in Ukraine to protect critical infrastructure and save lives.
  2. The fundraiser reached its goal to fund 5,000 sensors for protection in eight Ukrainian regions, with installation planned in the coming weeks.
  3. Support is still needed to reach the goal of installing 12,000 total sensors to protect the entire country, and there are other fundraisers available for additional support.
Social Warming by Charles Arthur β€’ 78 implied HN points β€’ 21 Jul 23
  1. Social media can have both positive and negative impacts on tennis players' lives.
  2. Understanding a tennis player's personality requires more than observing on-court behavior.
  3. Tennis players, like many people, seek connection and validation through social media, but they also face the negative aspects of online interactions.
Castalia β€’ 279 implied HN points β€’ 22 Jul 22
  1. There is a growing preference for non-fiction and reality-based storytelling over traditional fiction. People are finding more connection with real stories and characters, especially in documentaries and reality TV.
  2. The lines between reality and fiction are blurring, with new forms of writing emerging that mix elements of both. Books like Labatut's show how real events can be told with creative twists, forcing us to reconsider how we view truth in storytelling.
  3. Many writers now want to explore deeper truths by combining facts with imaginative narratives. This shift suggests that audiences are craving more authentic experiences in literature, where the story feels both real and creatively engaging.
Off-Topic β€’ 174 implied HN points β€’ 27 Apr 23
  1. Aaron Carter's life was marked by struggles with addiction, mental health, and constant turmoil.
  2. The circumstances leading to Aaron Carter's death were surrounded by uncertainty and conflicting narratives involving his inner circle and housekeeper.
  3. The aftermath of Aaron Carter's passing saw a mix of mourning, conspiracy theories, and blame shifting, highlighting the complex struggles of addiction and mental health in society.
Splattern β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 17 Nov 23
  1. Taking care of yourself is important for being a good leader and team player. It's easy to get stressed out by responsibilities and forget to listen to others.
  2. Nikki Giovanni is a talented poet and storyteller who uses humor and vulnerability in her work. Her approach to art is about connecting with people rather than just delivering messages.
  3. Dancing and having fun are great ways to socialize and connect with others. Sharing tips with friends can make the experience even better.
Castalia β€’ 159 implied HN points β€’ 19 Aug 22
  1. Felix, a soldier with 15 years of service, shared his story during an interview unexpectedly, capturing everyone's attention.
  2. He is about to be medically retired, which indicates he might have health issues related to his service.
  3. The documentary aims to highlight experiences like his, emphasizing the personal stories of soldiers.
Castalia β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 26 Nov 22
  1. Todd's story highlights the struggles many veterans face after returning home. They often deal with trauma, addiction, and difficulty adjusting to civilian life.
  2. During a visit, Todd expresses his feelings of pain and hopelessness, showing how deep his struggles run. Despite attempts to improve his life, he often feels overwhelmed and alone.
  3. The support system for veterans, like the friends at Ft. Endurance, plays a crucial role in their recovery. However, the challenges they face can make it hard for them to hold onto their progress.
Critic at Large β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 31 Oct 23
  1. A 2015 Spanish documentary called 'Born in Gaza' sheds light on the tragic stories of children in war zones, reminding us of the real human impact behind statistics and headlines.
  2. The film captures the emotional reality of Gazan children without delving into political debates, presenting a raw look at a world shaped by violence.
  3. Exposure to extreme violence can lead to psychological numbing, but stories like those in 'Born in Gaza' help us see the true impact of violence on innocent lives, urging us to pause and reflect on the humanity that often gets lost in the midst of conflict.
Castalia β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 16 Sep 22
  1. Documentary work often uncovers unexpected stories that don't fit into the main narrative. These side experiences can leave lasting impressions and enrich the overall understanding of the subject.
  2. The lives of the physicist's family members reflect contrasting lifestyles, showing both simplicity and complexity in relationships. Even with a famous father, personal struggles shaped their identities significantly.
  3. Community and connection can provide a sense of belonging, illustrated by the lively porch gatherings. The joy and camaraderie in these moments highlight the importance of social interactions in life.
Cybernetic Forests β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 21 Mar 21
  1. The documentary 'We are as Gods' explores technologist Stewart Brand's controversial optimism about technology and the need for us to solve problems with it.
  2. The film raises questions about the role of technology in environmentalism and challenges the ideas of pessimism and hopelessness around its use.
  3. It emphasizes the importance of balancing tech optimism with skepticism to drive the design of safe, autonomous, environment-restoring technology.
Military Aviation Videos β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 16 Apr 24
  1. The documentary focuses on 77 Squadron RAAF in the Korean War and features interviews from individuals who were part of the squadron.
  2. The film is based on the 77 Squadron Association book 'Swift to Destroy: An Illustrated History of 77 Squadron RAAF 1942-2012'.
  3. Military Aviation Videos is a reader-supported publication, and readers can support the work by becoming free or paid subscribers.
Do Not Research β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 16 Oct 22
  1. A short documentary explores how Generation Z views having children in the midst of the climate crisis.
  2. The film challenges traditional research methods by featuring young voices discussing topics like environmental ethics.
  3. Director Lucia Ribisi collaborates with activists and art students to promote reproductive and environmental justice through multimedia projects.
Do Not Research β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 16 Oct 22
  1. American comedic film and TV can be categorized into two eras, pre and post the 2006 film Borat, reflecting the changing cultural landscape in America.
  2. The emergence of 'reflexive mockamentary' genre in filmed comedy showcases a trend where protagonists interact with real-world subjects in a deceptive manner, revealing the complexities of human behavior under social influence.
  3. The genre blurs the line between reality and fiction, raising ethical and philosophical questions about the power dynamics between the 'addressant' who knows the truth, and the 'addressee' who is unaware, highlighting the human desire to explore the limits of truth and absurdity.
De Nada Nights β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 22 Jun 23
  1. The Andes has a unique climate due to its height, leading to diverse ecosystems in Peru.
  2. The Inca civilization adapted to the harsh Andean environment and built wonders like earthquake-resistant stone walls.
  3. Inti Raymi is a colorful festival celebrating Andean culture, featuring music, dance, and traditional food like ceviche.
Joshua Gans' Newsletter β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 15 Jun 14
  1. Tim Jenison's device used in 'Tim's Vermeer' is not available for purchase, casting doubt on its accessibility and practicality.
  2. There is a lack of evidence of others successfully replicating Tim Jenison's technique, raising questions about its effectiveness and validity.
  3. Attempting to replicate an image using a contraption like Jenison's mirror on a stick proved to be challenging and not as straightforward as demonstrated in the documentary.
Joxley Writes β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 28 Jan 24
  1. The shocking history of illegal adoption in Georgia and its long-lasting effects were uncovered by a BBC report and documentary.
  2. Criminal gangs were involved in vast networks trading stolen babies during the Soviet period and early stages of Georgian independence.
  3. Access to the full post archives on Joxley Writes requires a subscription with a 7-day free trial.
Marlene’s Newsletter β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jul 23
  1. Leakin Park in Baltimore has a dark history of being a dumping ground for murder victims since the 1940s, with many bodies found mutilated.
  2. The park has been the scene of various heinous crimes, including the murders of four young boys in 1968 and the disappearance of high school student Hae Min Lee in 1999.
  3. Despite its infamous reputation and numerous bodies discovered, authorities believe there are still many more yet to be found in Leakin Park.
Cybernetic Forests β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 16 May 21
  1. Design and architecture of online platforms can either promote harmful behavior or facilitate positive interactions. The same space used for innocent activities can also be exploited for dangerous agendas.
  2. Art can serve as a powerful medium to confront challenging topics and spark important conversations. It allows for direct engagement with uncomfortable realities and prompts reflection.
  3. Creating friction and discomfort through art can provoke critical thinking and awareness about social issues. By presenting overwhelming content, it emphasizes the need to address harmful elements present on mainstream online platforms.