The True Cost, directed by Andrew Morgan
The True Cost delves into the world of fast fashion and examines the dismal treatment of the people in the supply chain, the ethics surrounding the industry and the catastrophic consequences the industry has on the environment. "It's an incredible journey around the world to see fashion at its best and worst. We look at the impact being felt by human beings and on the planet itself," Morgan told Viva earlier this year. "It's an eye-opening journey around the world and into the lives of the many people and places behind our clothes."
Fed Up, directed by Stephanie Soechtig
Looking at what has been called one of the great public health epidemics of our time, Fed Up delves into society's excessive sugar consumption and makes a compelling argument to ditch sugar completely and change the way you think about eating altogether. "Everything we've been told about food and exercise for the past 30 years is dead wrong," Dr Robert Lustig, a professor of paediatrics, states in the film. "Your brain lights up with sugar just like it does with cocaine you can become an addict."
Earthlings, directed by Shaun Monson
A box of tissues and a strong stomach are essential if you're planning to view this weighty documentary. With extremely sensitive footage shot at animal shelters, pet stores, puppy mills, factory farms, slaughterhouses, leather and fur trades, circuses and research labs, Earthlings looks at society's unethical treatment of animals and exposes the gruesome reality of the day-to-day practices of the largest industries in the world.
Blackfish, directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite
This controversial film was inspired by an incident at Sea World in Orlando Florida in 2010, when a trainer was eaten by Tilikum, a captured orca that had already killed others. You'll never look at Sea World the same way again as the documentary examines the fatal attacks by performing whales that are held in captivity and used as attractions, eventually driven mad by being cooped up in unnatural conditions for the highly profitable sea park industry.
Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret, directed by Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn
According to the film, animal agriculture is responsible for 18 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions more than the combined exhaust from all forms of transportation globally, and responsible for up to 91 per cent of Amazon deforestation. A message most meat eaters and dairy users will want to avoid, the film looks at the devastating environmental impact of one of the most destructive industries today.
The Cove, directed by Louie Psihoyos
The 2009 Sundance winner, directed by a former National Geographic photographer, reveals the truth about dolphin culling in Japan. With portions of the film filmed in secrecy using camouflaged underwater microphones and high-definition cameras disguised as rocks, the documentary questions the local fishermen's fishing practices in Taiji "a small town with a really big secret" and challenges the grisly fishing practices in Japanese from an ocean conservationist's point of view.
