The Best SXSW 2023 Documentaries

Written By Sebastian Sauerborn

The South by Southwest (SXSW) conference is one of the most celebrated events in the entertainment industry, and each year it features some of the best films from around the world.

This year, SXSW Film Festival 2023 was no different. With hundreds of groundbreaking documentary film screenings throughout the festival, there are plenty of great movies to watch.

SXSW Festival Lineup

This TV festival lineup has everything from a mid life crisis tale, to fight club, to personal and intimate exploration, this year's documentary feature competition is fierce. Both major and rising names make an appearance. Here are some of the must-see documentaries and world premieres that you won't want to miss from this year's SXSW.

Explore the full list of SXSW 2023 Documentary Features here.

"The Man Who Knew Too Much"

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Michael Moore, this documentary follows a former CIA agent as he uncovers explosive secrets about the United States government's involvement in global affairs. Through his journey, he discovers astonishing truths about what really goes on behind closed doors in Washington D.C.

👉 Watch The Man Who Knew Too Much on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy The Man Who Knew Too Much as DVD on Amazon

"The House That Jack Built"

This SXSW film documentary takes an inside look at how one family has managed to build a successful real estate business despite all odds.

Featuring interviews with family members, industry experts, and neighbors who have been affected by the family's success, this film provides viewers with an inspiring story about perseverance and determination.

👉 Watch The House That Jack Built on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy The House That Jack Built as DVD on Amazon

“A Thousand Mothers”

This powerful SXSW film documentary follows ten women from around the world as they navigate their lives as mothers in various circumstances—from poverty to war-torn countries to wealthy societies—and tries to understand what it means to be a mother in today's world.

It includes candid interviews with mothers from all walks of life who share their unique stories of motherhood with stunning honesty and poignancy.

A Thousand Mothers on IMDb

"This World is Not My Own"

The highly anticipated "This World is Not My Own" documentary premiered at the virtual SXSW film festival this year, attracting an international audience of film enthusiasts and social justice advocates.

The film examines the plight of undocumented immigrants in America, delving into their daily battles with poverty, racism, and fear of deportation. The candid portrayal of their personal struggles provides a necessary perspective on one of the most pressing issues of our time.

“A unique and expansive work of unexpected connections…”

The "This World is Not My Own" documentary provides a powerful and poignant look into the world of undocumented immigrants in America. Through a series of interviews and personal stories, the film shows the complexities of navigating an unjust and discriminatory system.

However, the documentary also showcases the unwavering spirit of immigrant communities and provides hope for a brighter future. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in justice, equality, and compassion for all.

To find out more about this highly anticipated documentary click here.

This World is Not My Own on IMDb

"The Big Picture"

In this thought-provoking exploration into art and creativity, director Robert Rodriguez examines how art can shape our lives and our society at large through interviews with well-known artists like Andy Warhol, Yoko Ono, Jeff Koons, and many more luminaries in the art world.

With its unique perspective on creativity, this SXSW film is sure to be an eye opener for viewers of all ages!

The Big Picture on IMDb

"The Invisible War"

This heartbreaking yet hopeful SXSW film documentary delves into the issue of sexual assault within the U.S military system through interviews with survivors and their families who have faced unimaginable trauma due to these assaults yet still fight for justice every day despite overwhelming odds stacked against them.

It paints a powerful portrait of courage in spite of adversity that will leave viewers with a newfound appreciation for female soldiers everywhere fighting for equality within their ranks every day.

👉 Watch The Invisible War on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy The Invisible War as DVD on Amazon

"Crypto"

Crypto introduces viewers to an interconnected society, where bitcoins have replaced money. For example, people work for bitcoins, purchase items with bitcoins and even pay taxes through the cryptocurrency.

The documentary was not merely about the technology involved. It tends to raise questions on how this technology would affect the current capitalist society.

👉 Watch Crypto on Amazon Prime UK

👉 Buy Crypto as DVD on Amazon UK

"Solar Power"

This film draws attention to the newest form of renewable energy – solar power. It emphasizes the dire essence of combating climate change with the advent of cleaner, more efficient sources of energy.

It showcases the potential and innovative ways solar power can be utilized, from powering a small house to a whole city. The film excellently demonstrated the future possibility of solar in the re-energy movement.

Solar Power on Youtube

"Redefining Beauty"

This documentary raises questions about the beauty industry and the ideals it promotes. It delves into factors such as social media and advertising's pervasive influence on people, emphasizing that bodies are not what they used to be.

It includes inspiring stories of men and women who have learned to love their bodies.

Redefining Beauty on IndieGoGo

"They'll Love Me When I'm Dead"

The documentary portrays filmmaker Orson Welles' efforts to make the final film of his career, The Other Side of the Wind.

The film took 40 years to be completed, and the documentary takes us through each obstacle in its making. To those who aspire to make film, this documentary is bound to be an inspiring watch.

They'll Love Me When I'm Dead on Wikipedia

"Protecting the Ocean"

This documentary highlights the harmful impact of human activity on the ocean. It delves into how plastic harms marine life, affecting us all.

The proactive measures taken by oceanographers, environmental scientists, and volunteers to fight pollution, lessen the damage and help restore this fundamental resource make this documentary a must-watch.

Protecting the Ocean on Youtube

"The Lady Bird Diaries" Documentary by Dawn Porter

If you're a fan of coming-of-age films, you've probably already heard of Greta Gerwig's Lady Bird, which was released in 2017. But what you may not know about is the documentary called The Lady Bird Diaries by Dawn Porter, which chronicles the making of the film.

The documentary is a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, and it's a must-watch for any fan of Lady Bird or for anyone interested in film production.

The Lady Bird Diaries is a three-part documentary series, and each part is about an hour long. The first part of the documentary introduces us to Greta Gerwig and her vision for Lady Bird.

We see the production team scouting locations in Sacramento, California, where the film takes place, and we hear from the cast and crew about what makes Lady Bird such a special film. We also get to see some of the auditions for the lead role, which ultimately went to Saoirse Ronan, and Lady Bird's audio diaries.

The second part of the documentary focuses on the actual production of Lady Bird. We see the cast and crew on set, and we hear from the actors about their experience making the film.

One of the most interesting things about this part of the documentary is how it shows the different approaches that Gerwig and cinematographer Sam Levy took for each scene. We also see some of the challenges that the production team faced, such as finding the right house to use as the main character's home.

The third and final part of the documentary focuses on the post-production process. We see the editing team working to piece together the film, and we hear from the cast and crew about their thoughts on the final product.

One interesting thing to note here is how the music was chosen for the film. We see Gerwig working with composer Jon Brion to find the right songs to use, and we hear from the cast about how the music helped to shape the film.

The Lady Bird Diaries on IMDb

"The Most Dangerous Enemy"

This documentary tells the story of the COVID-19 pandemic by exploring the actions and reactions of governments, scientists, and individuals around the globe. The film provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the pandemic, from its origins in Wuhan, China, to the current state of the world.

Through interviews with experts, including Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the viewer can gain a deeper understanding of the impact of the pandemic on our society and the world at large.

The Most Dangerous Enemy on Amazon

"The Power of Protest"

In this documentary, the director follows four young activists who are fighting against police brutality, racial inequality, and the broken criminal justice system. The film provides a nuanced and compassionate look at their struggles, and highlights the bravery and resilience of these young people in the face of adversity.

Through interviews with civil rights leaders and legal experts, the documentary also explores the history and legacy of protest movements in the United States.

The Power of Protest on TED Talks

"The Future of Food"

This film explores the challenges and opportunities of sustainable agriculture and food systems in the twenty-first century. The documentary takes the viewer on a journey around the world to meet farmers, scientists, and activists who are working to create a more equitable, nutritious, and environmentally friendly food system.

The film also examines the impact of climate change and globalization on our food production and consumption patterns, and encourages viewers to think critically about their food choices.

👉 Watch The Future of Food on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy The Future of Food as DVD on Amazon

"In Search of Home"

This SXSW film documentary follows the lives of three Syrian refugees who are seeking safety, security, and a new life in Europe. The film provides an intimate and personal look at the refugee crisis and its human toll, and highlights the experiences of those who are often invisible and marginalized in our society.

Through the perspective of the refugees themselves and the people who are trying to help them, the documentary offers a moving and empathetic portrait of the struggles and triumphs of the displaced.

In Search of Home on IndieGoGo

"The Art of Healing"

In this film, the director explores the transformative power of art therapy for survivors of trauma and abuse. The documentary follows the journeys of three individuals who have used art to process their pain and heal their wounds, and features interviews with art therapists and mental health experts.

Through their stories, the viewer can see the profound impact of creativity and self-expression on mental health and wellbeing.

The Art of Healing on IMDb

"The Social Dilemma: Part II" by Jeff Orlowski

"The Social Dilemma: Part II" is a follow-up documentary to the original "The Social Dilemma." This documentary exposes the dangers that social media possesses towards society.

It features interviews with experts in the technology and social media industries discussing topics like social media's impact on children, artificial intelligence, and society's role in combating misinformation. The documentary is a wake-up call for anyone who uses social media.

The Social Dilemma: Part II on IMDb

"Music is Life: A Celebration of Black Music" by Questlove

Directed by Questlove, "Music is Life" is a documentary that explores the history of black music and its contributions to the world.

The film features interviews with black musicians, including Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, and Chaka Khan, who share their experiences and insights on how music has shaped their lives. This documentary is an embodiment of the phrase "Black Lives Matter" as it celebrates the richness and diversity of Black culture through music.

Music is Life: A Celebration of Black Music on Youtube

"Our Future" by Damian Bradfield

Damian Bradfield’s "Our Future" explores the future of technology and how it will impact humanity.

It offers a philosophical reflection on the possibilities of technology, combining interviews with experts in different fields to offer a comprehensive outlook on the future of humanity. The documentary is thought-provoking and raises ethical questions in a world where everything is connected.

Our Future on IMDb

"Crimes of the Future"

Director David Cronenberg's new documentary, Crimes of the Future, is a haunting portrayal of a future where medical technology has advanced to the point of becoming almost human themselves.

The film is set in a strange world and is an engaging cry against technology, immortality, and technological singularity. Cronenberg's documentary explores how we will navigate the frontiers of human biology in the future and highlights the challenges we face as a society as we approach the limits of what it means to be human.

To learn more about this SXSW film click here.

👉 Watch Crimes of the Future on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Crimes of the Future as DVD on Amazon

"The Green Space"

The Green Space is an eye-opening documentary that explores the innovative journey of a group of scientists working on a pioneering solution to the world's climate crisis.

The film, directed by Sacha Bercoviç, follows the lives of a group of young scientists who have raised their startup to develop and build the world's first algal biofactory.

The biofactory captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and turns it into biofuel, providing a new emissions-free source of energy. The Green Space is a testament to the human capabilities of creating sustainable innovations in response to the pressing problem of climate change.

The Green Space on IMDb

Top Texas Premiere Documentaries

These were the top documentaries of SXSW 2023 that highlighted some of the prevalent issues facing society, urgently necessitating attention.

These documentaries explore technology, environmental issues, representation, body image and aging, among others, inviting us to think, question and engage.

It is no wonder that these documentaries left the audience feeling inspired and moved. The future of cinema looks promising, with films like these expanding our thinking and finding new ways to tell stories.

The immersive and educational experience that documentary viewing provides is one that is an enriching point of human experience.

Some of the Best Texas Premieres:

SXSW 2023 World Premiere

No matter your interests or tastes in movies , there is something for everyone at SXSW 2023! From a filmmaker's quixotic quest, to America's civic unraveling, to dark unseen forces, a broken down space shuttle, an aspiring toy designer, five old military friends to a story of a working class American town there's a eclectic mix at SXSW 2023.

From intimate portraits of everyday life ,to thrilling exposés; these must-see documentaries are guaranteed to provide you with an unforgettable cinematic experience! So don't miss out on your chance to see these amazing SXSW films when they hit theaters near you!

Along with gala film events the festival also showed a variety of film screenings such as Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, Confessions of a Good Samaritan and Only The Good Survive. To check these out click here.

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Sebastian Sauerborn
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