11 Awe Inspiring Travel Documentaries By Sameer Gupta

“We realized that the important thing was not the film itself but that which the film

provoked.”- Fernando Solanas ("Cinema as Gun")

For those with a curious nature, documentaries are a way of living. And I especially mean this for

travelers. The explorers, the free willed men & women of the world end up spend hours trying to

capture their journey's essence & beauties through the lens. For those who've thought

documentaries are just plain boring, I reckon these films can change your perception…for good.

They have been made with a lot of heart & of course, unforgivably back-breaking dedication &

patience to do something no one else will probably dare to.

Here's a list of 11 awe inspiring & thought provoking travel documentaries

that will make you want to leave home (in no particular order)

1. Between Home- Odyssey of an unusual sea bandit:

When the young, Nick Jaffe living in Berlin decided to sail solo from UK to Australia, treading the

waters of Pacific & Atlantic Oceans, no one really thought he would actually be crazy enough to

do it. Guess what? He did it and he also made a film while at it. An exciting, brave & poetic

adventure documentary that captures two years worth of footage of Nick on a boat is scintillating

in every unique way. Of the 3 travel documentaries I bought this year, this one will stay. A must

watch for those who've wondered where the spirits of travelers lie. This is it, Between Home.

Watch the trailer:

You can also buy the film here.

2. Made In Iceland:

Iceland is beautiful, we all know it. But no one can see through the beauty of it like Klara Harding

probably did. Her proof is the self made short travel documentary, shot over a 25 day solo-hike in

Iceland. It captures the magical mists of Icelandic landscapes, the glaciers, the . The journey as

you can imagine must have been tough (the fear of being prey to a rabid Arctic Fox) but the final

result of it was a wonderful documentary, all shot on foot by herself. Why it's important for this

film to be on this list is because Karen did this without the help of any friends or family, with a

Canon 550D and did not miss a single beautiful moment that was worth putting on film. Realizing

that a car traveling at 70 kmph will reach the same destination as hers in 1 hour, for what will

take her 3 days is not really a morale booster. But then, where's the fun of it all. Her message:

"Pack your stuff, buy that ticket and live, explore, discover! It’s always worth it!"

Watch the film:

3. Love Madrid:

More like a colorful clip of sights & sounds of Madrid than a full fledged documentary, Love

Madrid is true to it's title. It's about love, Madrid & everything else that makes the city's visitors

fall in love with it. I strictly believe if a a travel documentary can steal the spirit & sense of a city's

culture, history & it's inhabitants, it's a celluloid success. Love Madrid get's just that without being

pretentious. Shot superbly with a Panasonic GH-1 & featuring the timeless classic, Shree

420's "Mera Juta Hai Japani" played by a street entertainer on an accordion, there's no reason

why you wouldn't want to be on the next flight there. You can follow the makers on Twitter: @

Watch/Download the film:

4. National Geographic Megastructures Angkor Wat:

National Geographic's Megastructures was always a mesmerizing montage of splendidly shot

details of some of the biggest man-made structures across the globe. One of the best episodes

of the series I have caught till date is the one based on the largest Hindu temple complex &

largest religious monument in the world, Angkor Wat (even bigger than any European cathedrals).

The temple was built in 12th century by King Suryavarman II & has attracted massive groups of

tourists from all over the world after being declared a World Heritage Site. It has survived for

centuries & has a breathtaking historical significance. This free online documentary explores the

art & science of the ancient structure which is soon losing itself in the forests of Cambodia. A

must watch!

Watch the film:

5. Flying with Vultures- Path Into The Future

Flying with Vultures is a magnificent look into one the flamboyance of one of the rarer species of

vultures, Cape Vultures. There are no more than 2900 pairs of these birds left all over the world.

Two paragliders decide to take this trip in South Africa to feel & better understand how it must be

actually fly with them. This one will leave you wanting more, not to forget another excuse to take

that long awaited paragliding trip. Breathtaking!

Watch the film:

6. Tobias- A World Traveler Since 3 Years

Tobias’s short travel documentary shows us what it really means to be a free traveler. Tobias

has been living out of his backpack for the past 3 years, covering everything from Denmark to

Thailand, Poland, Indonesia & a ton of other sweet spots. How does it really feel to be baggage

free and be on the road, hotels, tents & sometimes even couches. Tobias and his friend, Steve

shot this travel documentary during his couchsurfing days in Poland & Ukraine.

Watch the film:

7. Discovery Atlas: Brazil Revealed

If you want to taste Brazil in a unbiased & strong flavor, you need to sit and watch this film. It not

only highlights the common clichés of Brazil like soccer, shanty towns & beaches, but also

focuses deeply on what the foreign tourists love about the one of the most wanted party capitals

of the world. The travel documentary also gives an overall perspective of the average Joe

survives there. Watch this one for the picturesque scenes from many parts of Brazil.

Watch the film:

8. Kilimanjaro: To the roof of Africa

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world and documentary film

maker David Breashears after making Everest thought there was no way he could not get down

to shooting this one. A group of hikers (aged 12 to 64) are led by a local mountain guide who

shows to them the beautifully striking landscapes during various passing climates. One of the

most well made and produced travel documentaries you will ever find. Armchair traveling at its

best, Kilimanjaro promises to deliver a spellbinding experience you never thought you could catch

at home. Do not miss it!

Watch the film:

9. A Life In Japan

A Life in Japan is an extraordinary, independent film made by a Finnish filmmaker who dives

deeply into the lives of people living in Japan. The film rather than focusing entirely on Japan’s

economic success touches upon the personal experiences of the foreign residents who have

actually lived in the country since decades. The view of the island nation is left upto the

audiences to derive instead of shoving down the throat, Japan’s cultural attitudes. Great insights

for anyone willing to relocate to Japan.

Watch/Download the film:

10. Into The Wind

Into The Wind is Chris Page’s masterpiece that managed to stir quite a buzz at the time of it’s

release among enthusiastic paragliders. A year long tale of paragliding adventures shot in

panoramic locations of Colarado, Florida, Texas & Mexico, you get to see everything from the

eyes of a man who hung in the air. The documentary is a take on the self journey of two new

pilots who take up the challenge to learn paragliding. What kept me glued is the beautiful

cinematography and unforgettable soundtrack & wittiness. Mark this one for a must have!

Watch the trailer:

11. Sacred Planet

You can only imagine what it must be like when Walt Disney Pictures plans to make an itinerary

for you to see the world’s most awesome places in flat 40 minutes. It’s a spectacle indeed. With

narration by Robert Redford, this is a breathtaking journey across the globe, shot aesthetically

that can provoke any armchair traveler to take a sabbatical & run for the wild. Preachy at times,

Sacred Planet at its best is visually entertaining & thought provoking.

Watch the trailer:

My advice: If any of these films, leave you even a little mesmerized, plan a trip instantly.

These films were handpicked because these & a few more were the only films I could catch in my

country. I would love to hear back from you on the ones that I might have missed out. Feel free to

share thoughts or comments.