This month, Good News Wants to Know… What’s the most interesting documentary you’ve ever watched?

My attention was amazingly arrested by the documentary/movie “ENEMIES WITHIN: THE CHURCH” (2021). The film powerfully calls the church to purge and purify itself from the poison of Marxism and the Social Justice Gospel.

Bernard King Sr., Pastor, Cornerstone Bible Fellowship

Michael Moore’s “Bowling for Columbine” forever changed the way I thought about gun control.

Bob Denison, President, Denison Yachting

A tough one for sure! To me a good documentary is measured in part on the impact it has on those who view it. I’ll go with a recent one in “My Octopus Teacher.” My wife and I haven’t viewed certain seafood the same way since!

Brian Mudd, Program Director and Host of The Morning Rush & The Brian Mudd Show, iHeartMedia 

My response is more about a “compelling” documentary as it was a heart connection to sex trafficking and the redemptive power of Christ: “Nefarious-Merchants of Souls.”

Char Talmadge, Executive Director, Rescue Upstream

The most interesting documentary that I have watched is the three-episode series about “Abraham Lincoln” by Doris Kearns Goodwin on the History Channel. This story about the 16th President of the United States depicts President Lincoln and his leadership and dedication during the most challenging time in our nation’s history and its bloodiest war.

Chip LaMarca, State Representative, Florida House District 100

Growing up in South Florida and being a football fan, I would have to say “Catholics vs. Convicts” an ESPN 30 for 30 documentary about Notre Dame vs. Miami.

Chris Lane, President, First Priority of South Florida

National Geographic’s “Secret Service Files: Battlefront Colombia” fascinated me. I had just finished a five-year assignment as the USSS Diplomatic Attaché to Colombia, where much of the footage and all of the operations depicted were actually my cases! Seeing so many of my Colombian team’s hardworking men and women recognized for years of dedicated and dangerous work was incredibly satisfying!

Chris Simpson, President & CEO, CBMC International

“The Social Dilemma” on Netflix.

H. Collins Forman, PA

Many exceptional documentaries have been done. One of the more interesting and educational is “The Social Dilemma.” It raised our awareness and radically altered our online activity for the good. 

Craig D. Huston, Huston Consulting Group, LLC

The most interesting and faith building documentary I’ve ever watched is Darren Wilson’s “Father of Lights.” Originally a skeptic, Darren became convinced of God’s presence and power while documenting reported miraculous events around the world. A must see for anyone wanting to experience more of the Truth of Who God is – the same yesterday, today and forever!

Deborah Cusick, FAU Campus Volunteer, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship

The most interesting documentary I’ve watched recently is “The Most Reluctant Convert: The Untold Story Of C.S. Lewis.” Matt Walsh’s “What Is AWoman” is another recent good one. “The Offer” about the making of “The Godfather” movie is a winner too.

Dennis DeMarois, Executive Director and CEO, Gathering Palm Beach County

A documentary I watched a couple years ago that affected my husband and I deeply was about “The Negro Motorist Green Book.” This was a travel guide published by Victor Hugo Green to help Black families know where they were safe to travel and safely find gas, food and lodging along a road trip and was used until the Civil Rights Act passed in 1964. This documents just one of the daily racist lifestyles facing the Black community at that time.

Dolores King-St. George, President, King Communications and GraceNet Radio

“Free Burma Rangers” is a documentary of the most unconventional and risky humanitarian work I have ever seen. A group of ex-military soldiers and journalists capture the raw and gritty reality of persecuted people groups and put their lives in harm’s way to lead them to freedom.

Doug Sauder, Pastor, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale

There are so many fascinating documentaries I’ve seen it would be tough to pick a favorite. Although I would not say favorite but definitely most interesting would have to be a solid tie between “Clinton Cash” and “Hillary’s America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party.” It changed my view of 21st century politics in America forever!

Eddie Vega, Pastor, Fuel Life Church

The documentary which I write about was more tragic than interesting. I was filled with tears as I watched and at times anger at what I saw. This documentary was on the atrocities done to the Jewish people at the time of the Holocaust. Having personally visited the Dachau prison camp in Munich and the Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem a few years ago made the documentary so much more real. Lord, in spite of this tragic and traumatic event, I still believe that Your plan is still good. I believe Romans 8:28 is still a reality as well as Jeremiah 29:11. Jesus, looking forward to Your return. Luke 21:28

Fidel Gomez, Pastor, Calvary Chapel Hollywood

“America; Imagine a world without her” by Dinesh D’Souza. It was a heartfelt defense of our nation and how we were founded!

Fred Scarbrough, DVM, Founder, Scarbrough Animal Hospital and HOPE South Florida

The documentary “The Social Dilemma” really caught my attention by showing how manipulative and destructive social media is and how dangerous it can be, especially to the younger generation. 

Gregg Wallick, President, Best Roofing, Inc.

One of the most powerful yet completely heartbreaking documentaries I’ve seen many times is “Schindler’s List.” With the chaos in our beloved country now, everyone should view this story and pray! History is rearing its ugly head and as a country, we need to turn back to God. 

Helen Wayner P.A., Century 21 Hansen Realty 

“Ends of the Earth” is a new documentary including stories of missionary pilots with Mission Aviation Fellowship. See what it takes to get the Gospel to the Ends of the Earth. BTW: Many of these missionaries came out of Moody’s Aviation School.

Jesse Carroccio, Station Manager, WRMB Moody Radio

I recently watched and then read “The Unseen Realm,” which presents the historical indices in the Bible that remind us of the unseen spiritual battle. The documentary depicts spiritual warfare practically in what is seen in our communities and emphasizes the knowledge that we know who has, is, and will win the battle. It also shows God’s desire to use men and women to restore the original vision of Eden and the influence of free-will agency. It was an intriguing and thought-provoking documentary. 

Dr. Jessica Vera, President and CEO, Elite Foundation

“The Star of Bethlehem,” a documentary by Rick Larson. I first learned about this film via the Good News. Larson is an attorney who researched the Bethlehem Star in order to create proper Christmas decorations for his home. As he researched the Bible and science, it’s absolutely extraordinary to see what he learned about this bright star signaling the Birth of Christ. I’ll never look at Christmas décor the same!

Karen Granger, Director of Community Relations, 4KIDS Palm Beach

The most interesting was “This Is Baseball” on PBS! 

Larry Lacy, Pastor, The Answer Church

Well, it may not be the most interesting documentary I have ever watched but the most memorable!  My brother, Larry Mann, in the 1970’s used to ride with a motorcycle stunt group called the “Death Riders Motorcycle Thrill Show.” My brother broke a lot of Evel Knievel’s records and Hollywood heard about my brother, and they did a documentary on the group. The documentary was released in 1976.

Dr. Mary Drabik, President, South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary

I’m not sure if it is considered a documentary but the most interesting non-fictional film I have ever seen is the “Jesus” film. Their ability to communicate the Gospel message so impactfully with minimal dialogue is just masterful. 

Dr. Michael Rozenblum, Genesis Physical Medicine & Chiropractic

Years ago, probably in the 70’s, they showed “The World at War” on television. It carried us through the events leading up to and through World War II. It was both horrifying and fascinating at the same time.

Let’s hope history does not repeat itself.

Mike McDermott, PA, Seniors Real Estate Specialist, The Keyes Company

I love documentaries and history! So, this is a difficult question to answer. However, one of the most enjoyable and interesting documentaries I watched recently was the one on Netflix called “Muscle Shoals.” It’s about a small town in Alabama that has had a huge impact on the music industry. I recommend it!

Milan Stefanovic, Chief Operations & Personal Lines Officer, Bass Underwriters

I wish I could tell you something deep, but I love almost all documentaries that focus on nature, the arts and rock and roll. Recently released, “Our Great National Parks” was amazing!!!!! “Free Solo” and “14 peaks” fascinating. Steven Tyler “Country As I See it” very fun and uplifting. 

Nancy Robin, President and CEO, Habitat for Humanity of Broward

The most interesting documentary I have ever watched was “Created Equal: Clarence Thomas in His Own Words.” Delivered entirely by Justice Thomas, this is the story of his journey from growing up in abject poverty in the south to navigating his way through the massive cultural and social changes that rocked the nation in the sixties and seventies. All of which lays the foundation for his ability to withstand the withering personal and professional attacks he endured as a nominee for a Supreme Court Justice, attacks over which he ultimately prevailed. In the end, regardless of one’s personal opinion of Justice Thomas, it’s an inspiring story of a life marked by tenacity and faith.

Oksana Horton, Artistic Director, Torch and Trumpet Theatre Co.

The most interesting documentary I have ever watched was “The Emancipation Proclamations,” which revealed the main reason why President Abraham Lincoln drafted and issued the emancipation proclamation. The documentary revealed that the emancipation proclamation was a military strategy for the purpose of ending the Civil War and to save the Union. The documentary went on to reveal that President Abraham Lincoln was not an abolitionist, although he believed that slavery was morally wrong. The documentary also stated that Abraham Lincoln did not believe that Black people were equal to white people and that Black people should always live separate from white people because of their inferiority to white people. The documentary also revealed that Abraham Lincoln believed that slavery was protected by the constitution. Notwithstanding the above, as an African-American, I praise God for using Abraham Lincoln to free the slaves.

O’Neal Dozier, Pastor, The Worldwide Christian Center

I have studied and written about indigenous peoples throughout the years and continue to do so today. I am currently watching “The First Alaskans,” which gives great insight into the fortitude and creativity of a group of people that work hard to preserve the oral traditions and history. I love learning by watching this documentary how they have chosen to keep some of the new technology and yet have been able to maintain their identity. Their lives are difficult, and for so many of us, we could never imagine living in such a challenging environment. Yet, they are strong, resilient and manage to provide for their families and maintain a higher social connectivity with them than most of us are able to accomplish.

Patricia Colangelo, EdS, Lecturer, Professor, Trinity International University – Florida

The most interesting documentary I have ever watched has been The Life of Billy Graham… His humble beginnings in Montreat, North Carolina to reaching the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ… amazing life!!!

My second favorite (even though you only asked for one) is the life of Neil Armstrong, first man to step foot on the moon… ”One small step for man…one giant leap for mankind.”

Coach Rick Andreassen, Founder and President, Saints Homeschool P.E. and Saints International Sports Ministry

Recently on the History channel there was a documentary on moving a historic New England Lighthouse away from the eroding shoreline. It was a monumental task that involved expert engineers and movers and the cooperation of governmental bodies and much of the town where the Lighthouse stood. It was really an engineering feat that required art and science and lots of good fortune. It reminded me how a community works best when there is a worthwhile project to address and the right people are in place to accomplish the task! 
Romney C. Rogers, Managing Partner, Rogers Morris & Ziegler, Llp

I love documentaries. In fact, I watched a documentary about the 50 best documentaries. That said, I am still fascinated by a film I saw when I was a kid.  It’s called “The Salesmen” and is about Bible salesmen in South Florida.  

Samuel Lamerson, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Biblical Studies, Knox Theological Seminary

The most interesting documentary that I’ve ever watched was “The Jesus Music.” It is about how contemporary Christian Music became accepted in the church during a time when it was unheard of to have instruments like guitars and drums in the church. It wasn’t until great leaders like Chuck Smith and Billy Graham opened the door to this type of music to be played in their church or crusade type events that it became popular and has been used to touch lives and draw people closer to Jesus. Sometimes it only takes one to spark a flame that could create a life changing culture. Very inspiring for us all. 
Steve Daigle, Campus Pastor, Calvary Chapel Parkland

Growing up in the NYC area, baseball was truly the #1 sport for fans. It was always us Met fans vs. those dreaded Yankee fans!!!  With that in mind, my “Baseball-a film by Ken Burns” was the most interesting documentary I’ve ever watched. This 1994 classic was originally nine episodes aired on PBS and started at the early history of baseball to modern times. I was fascinated by the impact Babe Ruth had on the game, the story and courage of Lou Gehrig and his challenge with ALS, the story of Jackie Robinson-his courage and his personal story that changed baseball and more importantly this country forever, and of course, The 1969 Miracle Mets. Interwoven was the story of the United States from the 1850s to current era. It made me glued to the TV for all 9 episodes and I have watched it repeated many times!!!!

Steve Solomon, Area Director, CBMC South Florida

One of my favorite documentaries has been on the Hubble Space Telescope. I have always been interested in astronomy and this program provided background information about the telescope and included gorgeous imagery captured by Hubble. When I think about the vastness of our universe and the power of almighty God, I stand in awe! (Psalm. 8:3-9)

Susie M. Cohen, PhD, Associate Dean, Trinity International University-Florida

Read last month’s GNWTK at: https://www.goodnewsfl.org/good-news-wants-to-know-absolutely-great/