Documentaries not only inform viewers about complex topics, but they also tell us stories that could spark emotions and further our thoughts.   In an age where we continue to doomscroll—clicking and reading posts and headlines, we can often lose sight of the receptive themes and messages we enjoy from the narratives in full length films.

Now– everything is fast-paced and easily forgotten, and the internet has reshaped how we experience time and engage with the world.

A Brief History of Time was a feature that brought Stephen Hawking’s life to the big screen and his fascination with cosmology became our fascination; we became intrigued with scientific discovery, and we learned the importance of committing to a featured film. Everything was purposeful and unhurried.

Investigative Documentarian, Billie Mintz’s knowledge of technology as a filmmaker and in filming real-world subjects helps us experience different perspectives where we are expected to question and reflect. With many of his films, we can learn more of the injustices and tragedies of the world, and mystically, he empowers us to conduct research and build upon our curiosity.

For instance, the topic of guardianship. It is often established to ensure the well-being and safety of aging parents who may no longer be able to care for themselves, and losing this role might occur due to legal disputes, disagreements among family members, or court decisions prioritizing alternative arrangements.

Mintz’ film, The Guardians; discloses how the elderly are stripped of their assets and freedom; he explores the corruption in the guardianship system in Clark County, Nevada.

Also, his film, Here I Am,  gives the audience insight into individuals with dementia who live in a nursing home. We take a journey in the life of those with disjointed thoughts and who feel lost. In being this close—making these connections, Mintz takes residence in the home where he bonds with patients, trying to share their fragmented stories. 

One of Mintz’s visionaries of investigative documentaries is Errol Morris—known for his films: A Brief History of Time,  A Thin Blue Line, and Mr. Death: The Rise and Fall of Fred A. Leuchter, Jr.

And, interestingly,  just like Mintz–Errol Morris has a Manson film, Chaos: The Manson Murders which is adapted from Tom O’Neill’s book, that explores the CIA program involving mind control can be seen on Netflix.

However, Mintz’s film, Making Manson, which can be seen on Peacock explores the background of Charles Manson. The film features interviews with some of Manson’s cult members and phone conversations with Manson, recorded by John Michael Jones.  With these conversations, we learn more about Manson’s troubled life– from childhood to the Tate-LaBianca murders.

While watching the footage, we question how society has depicted Manson based on media coverage over 50 years; the intentions of the documentary are not to exonerate him, but to recognize his criminal behavior.

Now, imagine auditioning to play the role of Jesus Christ for a theater company running the performance for 88 years in a small town in Oklahoma…

Mintz’s  film Jesus Town, follows amateur actors and members of the church annually, where they present Passion Play, reenacting the life of Jesus. Not only does Mintz capture what happens behind the curtains and what happens at rehearsals, but he also informs us of the history of the Easter Pageant started in the 1930s in Holy City, Oklahoma.  

Along with learning the history of the pageant, we learn more about the citizens of the city and the lives of the actors.

Other films directed and produced by Mintz to consider are: Potrayl, Gold Bars: Who the F*ck is Uncle Ludwig?, and Selena and Yolanda.