Independent Films Suggestions for Majors

The Sundance Film Festival was held Jan. 24 to Feb. 3 in Park City, Utah. The festival featured the freshest independent films on the market in dramatic, documentary, and new frontier categories. Among the 112 feature were six standout films that would make for excellent screening by undergraduate students. These film suggestions dig deep into modern issues with cinematic flair.

Sea of Shadows, a documentary executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio and Sundance 2019’s Audience Award Winner, is a story of corruption, a testament to the power of global black markets, and a peek into an emerging environmental crisis. The story follows grassroots efforts to protect the critically endangered vaquita whale species who are threatened by overfishing for the coveted totoaba fish in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez. This story is riveting for all viewers but would be an exceptional study for Wildlife and Fisheries majors.

Clemency, another Audience Award Winner, is a dramatic feature that examines the emotions of those most intimately involved in the criminal justice system: the prison guards and prisoners. Starring Alfre Woodard from 12 Years a Slave, this film is a psychological journey that is recommended for Pre-Law and Criminal Justice majors.

The documentary film, Ask Dr. Ruth, follows the life and times of Dr. Ruth Westheimer. The Holocaust survivor, turned sex therapist, is still facilitating meaningful conversations about sexual health, orgasms, and romantic relationships, even at the age of 90. Her charm and wit cannot be surpassed! This film is recommended to Clinical Psychology or Social Work majors.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, an autobiographical film based a book of the same name, is the story of William Kamkwamba’s childhood in Malawi, Africa. Facing drought, famine, and poverty, William seeks to protect his family from a seemingly hopeless reality. Through determination and grit, William finds a way to radically change his own circumstances. This film is recommended for African American Studies minors.

Anthropocene: The Human Epoch is a stunningly shot film that explores, in captivating aerial footage, the impact humans have on the natural landscape. The Anthropocene is a newly coined term that denotes a geologic age where humans have the single greatest impact on the Earth, following the most recent period known as the Holocene. For Geography and Environmental Science majors, this film is a must see.

Lastly, Knock Down the House, a documentary featuring the abundantly charismatic and newly-elected Alexandria Ocasia-Cortez is a suggestion for Political Science majors. The film follows Ocasia-Cortez and three other female hopefuls during the Primary Election of 2018. Up against the powerful odds, these women dare to dream of a brighter future for their hometowns.