'We Are The Giant' is the inspirational, candid and gripping account of the Arab Spring as told first-hand by people from across the Middle East.
WATCH: Our Exclusive Clip above of the film's opening scene - prepare to be hooked!
With remarkable and intimate access, the film takes its audience inside the lives of six extraordinary people from very different walks of life, deciding they must stand up for what they believe is right, and take action.
Each faces a brutal regime determined to crush them into submission, and each makes very different, painful choices that come to define themselves - and their struggles.
What moves these people to risk their lives?
Activist Osama describes how his 21-year-old, Virginia-raised son, Muhannad, fought against Gaddafi's forces in Benghazi. Syrian friends Ghassan and Motaz remain committed to peaceful resistance even as their country descends into ever-more-hopeless violence. Sisters Maryam and Zainab become pivotal opposition figures while their father suffers in a Bahrain prison.
Powerful, tragic and ultimately inspirational, these insightful stories, underscored by echoes from past resistance leaders, show the agonising dilemmas at the heart of all struggles for justice and freedom whilst illustrating what drives revolutionaries, revealing the astonishing sacrifices they must make to pursue their causes.
'We Are The Giant' will be in UK cinemas from 14 November. Watch the trailer below...
Must-See Documentaries
"Jesus Camp"(01 of101)
Somehow, despite the pervasive religious zealotry and penchant for brain-washing, the most shocking part of this film is when the head of the Jesus camp in question tells her campers that Harry Potter is evil (because he is "a warlock"). Either that or a mother actively convincing her child that global warming does not exist. But beneath this film's absurd specifics, lies an unsettling look at a deeply misled faction of the conservative right.
"Orgasm, Inc." (02 of101)
"Orgasm, Inc." skewers "big pharma," with an investigation into the way major corporations attempt to capitalize on women's sexuality. Director Liz Canner catalogs the race to create an FDA approved "Viagra for women," and ends up also lovingly explaining the "strange science" behind the female sex drive. Warning: this film includes sexual imagery lots of O faces.
"Tabloid"(03 of101)
With "Tabloid," Errol Morris revisits the story of British tabloid sensation Joyce McKinney, a former beauty queen accused of kidnapping a Mormon and making him her slave. "Thirty years before the antics of Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan," she makes the modern day scandal look like child's play.
"Aileen: Life And Death Of A Serial Killer"(04 of101)
Through the story of Aileen Wournos (the woman understood to be "America's first female serial killer"), "Aileen" dissects a triptych of the issues surrounding its primary subject's prosecution. It casts light on the way the stories of salacious criminals are sold to the press, the way both the public and court system digest a female murderer, and the chilling lack of remorse that defines serial killers, gender stereotypes aside.
"The Woman Who Wasn't There"(05 of101)
"The Woman Who Wasn't There" tracks the retrospectively terrifying Tania Head, as she poses as a 9/11 survivor, incorporating herself into a support group and weaving an intense web of lies for over six years. Her deception and its effect on those surrounding her present a compelling look at pathology and the lengths we are willing to go to garner acceptance.
"The Imposter" (06 of101)
Essentially this one is a real-life version of "The Orphan," except with a French man impersonating a Texas boy who has gone missing. It is perhaps the closest the documentary format can get to being truly scary.
"Dear Zachary" (07 of101)
A good way to test if someone has a soul is to make sure they weep violently when watching "Dear Zachary." Seriously, you will be racked with sobs by the end. But, beyond the emotional personal story upon which it is based, the film places a critical spotlight on an intensely-flawed child care system.
"Blackfish"(08 of101)
You've probably already heard everything there is to be heard about this "hauntingly beautiful nonfiction film." Anyway, it's on Netflix. Watch it.
"For The Bible Tells Me So"(09 of101)
"For The Bible Tells Me So" is a simultaneously academic and emotional look the harrowing clash of Christianity and homosexuality. Through the stories of five families, director Daniel Karslake reveals the deliberate stigmatization of the gay community by religious conservatives and the many ways that scripture has been used as an argument against basic human rights.
"Talhotblond"(10 of101)
"Talhotblond" explores the complex consequences of virtual relationships through one specific Internet love triangle, which ends in murder and incarceration. There are moments of somewhat corny chat recreation, but the complete picture of the person behind the titular screen name is chilling enough to forgive those phoned-in reenactments.
"Invisible War"(11 of101)
Tracking the rape epidemic in the military, "The Invisible War" exposes not only the pervasiveness of sexual assault, but the flaws of the system that perpetuate it and blame victims instead of granting them justice.
"Schooled: The Price Of College Sports"(12 of101)
Being interested in sports (or having any conception of what "touchdown" means) is not necessary for watching this documentary. Through the lens of a few slighted young men, "Schooled" tells the story of the big business of college sports and the little it has to offer its players.
"The Central Park Five" (13 of101)
"The Central Park Five" takes on the troublingly powerful impact that media can have on public perception. The narrative tracks the five boys who were wrongfully convicted in the notorious 1989 rape of a jogger in Central Park, exposing flaws in the criminal justice system and effect of trial by mob.
"Man On Wire"(14 of101)
In a sublime narrative that may as well be a fairy tale, "Man On Wire" tracks the preparations of Philippe Petit, the miraculous French man who walked a high wire strung between the Twin Towers in 1974. The tale of "the artistic crime of the century," as it came to be called, is suspenseful yet intriguing and easily the most beautifully unique real life story on this list.
"Hot Coffee"(15 of101)
If you were alive in the '90s, you've heard the story of the woman who drove with coffee in her lap and sued McDonald's. It's practically an urban myth. But did you know that she sustained burns so intense she had to undergo hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of surgery and receive skin grafts? Did you know she wasn't even driving? This story is a portrait of the agenda behind tort reform and the perception of "frivolous" lawsuits.
"Bronies"(16 of101)
"Bronies" delves into the world of adult (predominantly male) fans of the children's cartoon "My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic." At once a community and a subculture, the show's following trades in a sense of love and acceptance that seem otherwise unavailable to its members. Beneath the cosplay, "Bronies" offers up a story about the way human nature seeks belonging, and the heteronormative assumptions that all too often get in the way of that basic desire.
"Enron: The Smartest Guys In The Room"(17 of101)
Director Alex Gibney depicts the rise and fall of Enron in a way that frames its leaders as some of the more tangible villains of the documentary genre. Even if you vividly remember the publicity surrounding the 2001 scandal, this retrospective look at the fallout still manages to pace through the story of Enron with a level of engagement rivaled only by fictional thrillers.
"From One Second to the Next"(18 of101)
Werner Herzog's documentary about texting while driving has an obvious agenda: stop careless idiots from texting while driving. But that doesn't stop this it from being a well-packaged and emotionally-moving film, perhaps because no matter how many times you've heard the stats, the extent of senseless deaths that are a direct result of texting and driving remain mind-blowing.
"It's a Girl"(19 of101)
This upsetting look at "gendercide" in India and China encounters the devaluation of females and the extent to which it has led to infanticide and violence toward women. In case you needed further warning as to precisely how grave this situation has become: the film opens with a woman who has given birth to and subsequently murdered eight of her daughters.
"Girl Model"(20 of101)
"Girl Model" renders a startling look at an industry that does not flinch at the exploitation of children, as told from the perspective of an ex-model working as a Russian scout. Some of the more disturbing moments expose sexual abuse and exploitation of pre-pubescent females, but this documentary focuses its lens more closely on the way young girls are tricked into working for free and forced to support their families while lacking support for themselves.
"Hoop Dreams"(21 of101)
Tracking Chicago's top basketball prospects as they are recruited to attend competitive high schools, "Hoop Dreams" explores the intersection of race, education and class through a world in which success on the court can make or break a family's future.
"The Act Of Killing"(22 of101)
This 2014 Oscar nominee tracks two Indonesian death-squad leaders as they reenact their mass killings in whatever genres they wish. As they recreate their share of the atrocities -- totaling approximately 1 million deaths -- the film peels back an unflinching look at the meaning of evil once it is no longer contextualized by war.
"Into the Abyss" (23 of101)
Another addition to this list from Herzog: "Into The Abyss" examines why people kill, and whether capital punishment is ever warranted. In conversations with inmate Michael Perry and those affected by his crime, Herzog delves deep into the state of the the prison system, for an unflinching look at life, death and the value of a humanity, as impacted by a search for justice.
"The Institute"(24 of101)
The impact of "The Institute" on its viewers is, at least for the duration of the film, that of the Jejune Institute on its inductees. As it follows the story of participants in an two-year alternate reality experiment designed as "a citywide art project and living game," it will leave you questioning what is "real" and whether our experiences matter any less, once we discover that they have been contrived.
"Life 2.0"(25 of101)
Examining the world of virtual reality, "Life 2.0" depicts the consuming nature of the site called "Second Life" (which, for many in the film, is given priority over what we might call "first life"). One of many stunning portraits tells the story of two married-in-real-life people who commit "emotional adultery," when they meet and fall in love within the confines of "Second Life." Overall, this is a haunting look at the need for human connection and clever ways in which we are willing to garner a sense of acceptance.
"Marwencol"(26 of101)
In 2000, Mark Hogancamp was beaten senseless outside a local bar. He had to have his entire face rebuilt, and finally emerged from a nine-day coma, brain damaged and forced to re-learn how to walk and eat. After 40 days in the hospital, he was dismissed, because he could no longer pay for care. With nowhere else to turn, he enmeshed himself in the creation Marwencol: a 1/6-scale replica of a WWII-era town. This is not only his story, but that of finding unexpected beauty in tragic events; Jeff Malmberg's documentary is (almost) as intricate as Hogancamp's tiny town.
"Terms and Conditions May Apply"(27 of101)
The title sounds about as boring as, well, reading the terms and conditions of nothing in particular, but this documentary is more eye-opening than it may seem. There's a lot going on with all that fine print, and there are plenty of industries that rely on the fact that we do not realize it. For example, it would take approximately 180 hours per year to read all of the terms and conditions agreements at each of the various sites you likely hold an account, and consumers lose about $250 billion dollars annually as a result of what they simply do not know.
"Maxed Out" (28 of101)
"Maxed Out" mulls over the American reliance on credit cards and the resulting debt problem. Cut with standup bits from a young Louis C.K., it uses a smattering of personal stories and focuses on predatory lenders to help craft a narrative about the way unsavory business practices seek to profit off of the most vulnerable segment of society.
"The Pervert's Guide to Ideology"(29 of101)
Admittedly this one might be a bit hard to digest for those of us who are not psychoanalysis and philosophy nerds. "The Pervert's Guide to Ideology" plays like a trippy college course taught by Slavoj Žižek, but if you can wade through his discussions of dialectics (and extremely heavy accent), the overriding messages about subconscious influences and our best strategy for a satisfying life are certainly worth the effort.
"Solitary Confinement" (30 of101)
This National Geographic feature paints a chilling portrait of the deeply tortuous effects of isolation. With a mix of experts and those that have experienced such extreme captivity, it takes on the caveats of a system that reduces violence in the general prison population, but also often leaves its captives too broken to function outside of the cells to which they've been confined.
"The Revisionaries"(31 of101)
The former Chair of the Texas State Board of Education, Don McLeroy, once said of the kind of power he had: "It boggles my mind." After no less than four minutes into the documentary, your mind will also be boggled. "The Revisionaries" explores the inordinate influence of Texas in buying textbooks, which affects the rest of the country and, consequently, its curriculum. Of course, this conflict boils down to the theories of evolution verses intelligent design, with the latter pushed so aggressively by the Texas school board, that it might not be readjusting only what kids are taught in schools, but the future policy that emerges from those lessons.
"Shenandoah"(32 of101)
In depicting the story of four high school boys who murdered a Mexican immigrant, "Shenandoah" dissects the mob mentality of the small town in which their atrocity took place. Whether or not you were familiar with this case when it ran through the news, the objective here is to take on a very specific form of racism, told through the disturbing reality of American life for those who don't fit into the mold of "tradition."
"Bigger, Stronger, Faster"(33 of101)
Using himself and his brothers as the subject, director Chris Bell examines the conflation of steroid subculture and the more ambitious aspects of the American dream. Dealing in the dangerous effects of steroids, Bell also takes a look at what he identifies as "the side effects of American culture." Obviously, both Hulk Hogan and Sylvester Stallone make cameos in the film.
"Whores' Glory"(34 of101)
This exploration of prostitution looks at the act of selling sex across three different countries, languages and religions. Director Michael Glawogger views his subjects through an unflinching yet compassionate lens, for a disturbing look at the crossover between sexuality and politics, and its impact on women from vastly different cultures.
"The House I Live In"(35 of101)
"The House I Live In" takes on the tangible effects of drug abuse as just one aspect of a much larger issue. By delving into the workings of America's criminal justice system -- notably the "jailingest" one on the planet -- director Eugene Jarecki investigates the impact of the war on drugs: an effort that has cost more than $1 trillion, led to more than 45 million arrests and left illegal drug use essentially unchanged.
"Wal-Mart: The High Cost Of Low Price"(36 of101)
When "Wal-Mart: The High Cost Of Low Price" came out in 2005, according to the New York Times, Wal-Mart reacted by setting up "a public relations 'war room' to deflect and respond to criticism." Through mistreated former employees and small-business victims, director Robert Greenwald skewers the chain's unsavory practices in a way that would be completely infuriating, if it wasn't also quite sad.
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'In Bed With Madonna'(38 of101)
Long before selfies took over the world, Warren Beatty watched Madonna, bemused, saying, "she doesn't like to do anything if it's not being filmed."
Justin Bieber's 'Believe' (39 of101)
How does a teenager cope with worldwide fame and adulation?
'Tantrums and Tiaras'(40 of101)
The roof flew off Elton John's unique world in this documentary produced by his partner David Furnish. Elton's flying off the tennis court in a sulk was a highlight. The relationship somehow survived and flourished.
'Springsteen and I'(41 of101)
By the fans, for the fans, as thousands of Bruce's most devoted followers videoed themselves sending messages to Bruce, and summing up their love for him in three small words each. Fascinating.
'Kylie - White Diamond'(42 of101)
Post-cancer renaissance. Fresh triumph for the Aussie songbird.
Geri Halliwell's 'Look at Me'(43 of101)
A study in solitude, post-Spice Girls - with her monologues and midnight musings, Geri successfully cured anyone of believing that pop stardom = happiness.
Blur 'No Distance Left To Run'(44 of101)
Charting the build-up to Damon Albarn and pals' Hyde Park reunion concert of 2009.
'Katy Perry: Part of Me'(45 of101)
Hits and heartbreak - all are documented in this intimate but impossibly polished look at the world of Katy Perry.
'20 Feet from Stardom'(46 of101)
Oscar-winning look at life as a backing singer to the greats.
'Anvil: The Story of Anvil'(47 of101)
Unbelievable but true story of what happened when Anvil got back together to see if they could find success second time around. Trust me, you don't need to have the band's records to find the story a superior tale of touring, tantrums and comradeship.
'Stone Roses: Made Of Stone'(48 of101)
Shane Meadows' impossibly one-eyed look at the Manchester favourites and their return to their own hallowed soil.
'Abba The Movie'(49 of101)
What happened when Abba visited Australia and were mobbed, and canny execs decided to turn the experience into a film, but one without a script? Lou from Neighbours, that's what.
'Metallica: Some Kind of Monster'(50 of101)
Another film to cure any viewer of the illusion that with impossible amounts of money, album sales coming out of your ears and fans the world over, you MUST be a happy human being able to get on at all times with your fellow guitarist or, in this case, drummer. Bonkers.
This is... Spinal Tap'(51 of101)
'Art is a lie that helps us make sense of the truth,' said Picasso. So does the fictional world of Spinal Tap shed possibly more light on life in a real band than anything else we've been shown. This is old now, but still perfect. We give it 11/10, of course.
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Senna(53 of101)
Spanning the decade from his arrival in Formula One in the mid-80’s, 'Senna' follows the monumental career and tragic death of Brazilian motor-racing champion, Ayrton Senna, taking in his myriad successes and intense rivalry with French driver, Alain Prost.
The Class of '92(54 of101)
This Man-United mega-doc takes a look at the sporting achievements and global superstardom of six superbly talented young Manchester United footballers (David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Phil and Gary Neville). Spanning 1992 to 1999, 'The Class Of ’92' covers the players' highs and lows in this golden age of football.
Bigger Stronger Faster(55 of101)
'Bigger, Stronger, Faster' is an astute look at the world of performance-enhancing drugs, and the athletes that rely on them. The film follows three brothers, all either current or recovered users of steroids. Director Christopher Bell explores America’s win-at-all-costs culture and the hypocrisies that pave the way to success
Beyond The Mat(56 of101)
Director Barry Blaustein explores his passion for professional wrestling, leading him on a three-year homage to the United States, on a quest to unravel the mind-set of participants of this extreme sport. With the focus fixed on wrestling stars, Mick Foley, Terry Funk and Jake Roberts, 'Beyond The Mat' is a heartfelt look at a sport at odds with its contemporaries.
Bobby Fischer Against The World(57 of101)
'Bobby Fischer Against The World' offers a fascinating insight into the world of competitive chess. At the centre of this gaming documentary is the captivating life of Bobby Fischer, the first rock star of chess and later a tragic figure.
Deep Water(58 of101)
In 1968, the Sunday Times ran an ambitious competition, challenging amateurs and professionals to complete the Golden Globe Race, a singled handed, round-the-world yacht race, for a cash prize of £5,000. Only one man made it to the end. 'Deep Water' takes us on a journey through the catalogue of disasters that made this one of the most catastrophic boat races in history.
Desert Runners(59 of101)
A complex story of endurance and will-power amongst a team of diverse non-professionals, 'Desert Runners' witnesses a group of amateur athletes as they complete an ultra-marathon across some of the World’s most brutal landscapes.
Dogtown & Z Boys(60 of101)
Narrated by Sean Penn, award-winning 'Dogtown and Z-Boys' tells the story of 8 Santa Monica teenagers, who, shunned by their contemporaries, go on to define a generation of skating during the 1970s.
Fists Of Freedom(61 of101)
One of the most political moments in sporting history.'Fists of Freedom' is a documentary that examines the events leading up to and during the 1968 Summer Olympic Games in Mexico City that led to that moment on the podium. With interviews from athletes including John Carlos, Tommie Smith and activist Dr. Harry Edwards, explaining their motivations and the consequences.
Hoop Dreams(62 of101)
This engaging and, at times, heart-breaking documentary follows two inner-city Chicago natives, Arthur Agee and William Gates, as they follow their dreams to become basketball superstars. As one climbs the ladder of success, the other’s dreams are quashed. This is a suspense story with top notes of joy and an underlying stream of tension.
Murderball(63 of101)
Warriors in wheelchairs, 'Murderball' documents the rough and tumble world of Para Rugby. Through the eyes of the US Olympic team, Murderball combines the high adrenaline of this hardcore sport, with a candid look at disability.
On Any Sunday(64 of101)
1971’s 'On Any Sunday' is a classic for fans of motorcycling. With interviews with some of the sport’s most recognisable practitioners, including the legendary Steve McQueen, the documentary takes an adrenaline-fuelled look at the riders who devote their lives to the racing tracks and off-road courses across the globe.
Pumping Iron(65 of101)
The 1977 doc follows a musclebound young Austrian, Arnold Schwarzenegger, on his quest for glory in the 1976 Mr Olympia competition. The villain of the piece, Schwarzenegger, is filmed psyching out junior rival, Lou Ferrigno, to secure victory.
The Endless Summer(66 of101)
Cult classic 'The Endless Summer' sees Bruce Brown follow two young surfers on their quest for the perfect wave. The journey trails the intrepid surfers as they scale the unchartered waters of West Africa, shark-infested seas of Australia and the tropical tides of Tahiti.
The Other Dream Team(67 of101)
'The Other Dream Team' covers the incredible triumph of a Lithuanian basketball team who, despite numerous hurdles at the hands of Soviet rule, go on to triumph at Barcelona’s 1992 Olympics, and in the process provide a symbol of hope for the Lithuanian independence movement.
Touching The Void(68 of101)
Tyson(69 of101)
Mike Tyson takes on his detractors by painting himself as a misunderstood outsider in this self-narrated documentary made up of original interviews and archival footage.
Undefeated(70 of101)
Another Academy Award winner, 'Undefeated' is the ultimate underdog story about a school football team who, against all the odds, and with a record number of losses stacking against them, go on to become champions under the guidance of coach Bill Courtney.
Venus And Serena(71 of101)
'Venus and Serena' offers an intimate look into the lives of two of tennis’s most controversial players during one of the most difficult years of their lives.
When We Were Kings(72 of101)
This Academy Award-winning look at the infamous ‘Rumble In The Jungle’ between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman (he of the grills) with 1974 feature celebrity interviews from James Brown, Jim Brown, B.B. King, Norman Mailer, George Plimpton, Spike Lee and Thomas Hauser.
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Grace and Noah(79 of101)
From "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill" (credit:Mark Bittner / PBS)
Ma di Tau and Cubs(81 of101)
From "The Last Lions" (credit:National Geographic Films)
Parrots(86 of101)
From "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill" (credit:Mark Bittner / PBS)