These days people love to watch micro-series in fiction. However, if you explore a little you will find that there are many documentaries that are only 10 minutes long. In short, we are saying that there is no dearth of short format non-fiction content as well.
And, we have curated a list of some of the best short documentaries available on the net. Do have a look at the list of 7 best documentaries that you can watch in under 45 minutes:
1. The Only Girl in the Orchestra
The Only Girl in the Orchestra by Molly O’Brien, traces the career and life of her aunt Orin O’Brien. She was a double bassist in one of the most prominent New York Symphony Orchestra found in 1842. She was the first female musician hired by the Orchestra in 1966 and retired recently. At the age of 87, she reflects on her career and journey.
Where To Watch: Netflix. Duration: 35 Minutes
2. All the Empty Rooms
All the Empty Rooms by Joshua Seftel is an American Documentary. A journalist and a photographer capture the silences left behind in the untouched rooms of students who were killed in school shootings. They travel across America to preserve the last bit of memories of these students. And in those silent space is a truth that unsettles us, what was their fault?
Where To Watch: Netflix Duration: 33 Minutes
3. Armed Only with a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud
An American journalist Brent Renaud was shot by a Russian soldier on March, 13, 2022 as he captures the war in Ukraine. His younger brother Craig, a frequent collaborator, got his body and work back home. He compiled Brent’s work in Ukraine, where he risked his safety for authentic storytelling. The documentary is a tribute to fearless storytellers like Brent.
Where To Watch: Amazon Prime Duration: 37 Minutes
4. Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó
Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó is clearly the best 17 minutes that you can spare for a documentary. It is actually the director Sean Wang’s documenting his grandmothers in their twilight years. It is one of the most joyous, heartwarming and heartbreaking thing to watch as the grandmothers defy age and social norms to have the time of their life.
Where To Watch: Apple Tv+ Duration: 17 Minutes
5. The Barber of Little Rock | Mubi
The documentary traces the real problems faced by a Black neighbourhoods such as lack of banking opportunities and the widening wealth gap owing to racism. Arlo Washington, a local barber understands that mistrust of financial institutions has prevented his community from financial and economic stability. He lays a foundation of a nonprofit community bank, the People Trust, to bring economic opportunities for his community that they cannot expect from the main banking systems.
Where To Watch: Mubi Duration: 35 Minutes
6. Ladies First
It is a documentary on the life of Indian Archer Deepika Kumari. It traces her journey to success as she comes from Jharkhand, where opportunities are limited. And the poverty that she has lives through is a major hurdle to her success. But, despite all she makes it to the Tata Archery Academy and later represents India at major international tournaments. Motivational journey to success.
Where To Watch: Netflix Duration: 40 Minutes
7. Makayla’s Voice: A Letter To The World
Makayla is a black teenage girl who suffers from non-verbal autism, which makes it difficult for her to talk. After years of silence, she learns to communicate using a letter board.This turns out to be a transformative experience for her as she can express her thoughts, dive into poetries, and talk to her parents. The moving documentary shows us how she beats her limitations to create a meaningful life and talk, even without words.
Where To Watch: Netflix Duration:17 Minutes