documentary films

Expanding Animated Cultural Storytelling Headline News

Keith White Expands Animation Education Initiatives, Sets AfroAnimation Summit 6.0 Talks

Peter Ramsey, Carl Jones and Jorge Gutierrez are among the speakers set for upcoming April 23-26 event; co-founder is also taking his ‘Margin to Mainstream: The Evolution of Black Animation’ lecture series on a national college tour and developing a documentary film.

In Business, Community Outreach, Digital Media, Diversity and Inclusion, Education and Training, Event, Guilds/Unions/Organizations, People | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Dept. of Can’t Wait Headline News

‘Animation Mavericks: The Forgotten Story Of UPA’ Documentary to Debut in 2026

The feature film project aims to reveal the origin, rise, fall, and legacy of the innovative and iconoclastic animation studio.

In 2D, Business, Films, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

You Know How Brothers Can Be Headline News

Obscured Releasing to Premiere ‘Endless Cookie’ In New York, Los Angeles

Watch the official trailer - the multi-award-winning animated documentary from Seth and Peter Scriver, a colorful depiction of the many overlapping episodes of their lives, will release on December 5.

In 2D, Event, Films, People, Writing | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Make Beautiful Films to Inspire Generations ANIMATIONWorld

Don Bluth Talks ‘Somewhere Out There’ Documentary and Future Production Dreams

The famed director, filmmakers Dave LaMattina and Chad Walker, and Lavalle Lee discuss the new film, which recently premiered at SAVFF 2025, that takes an unvarnished look at the career highlights and lowlights of the man who bravely left Disney to make films like ‘The Secret of NIMH.’

In 2D, Acting, Books, Event, Festival, Films, People | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

A Raconteur’s Raconteur Headline News

Exclusive Clip: ‘The Donn of Tiki’ ‘Marlene Dietrich’ Story

Filmmakers Alex Lamb and Max Well’s new documentary mixes 2D, stop-motion, archival footage, and expert interviews to tell the incredible story of Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt, better known as Don the Beachcomber, creator of the Tiki bar.

In 2D, CG, Films, People, Stop-Motion | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

A Lifetime Fighting for the First Amendment Headline News

Exclusive Clip: ‘Oddly Compelling: The Denis Kitchen Story’

All-new documentary film highlights the long, strange trip of the underground cartoonist, publisher, activist and troublemaker who founded the Comic Book Legal Defense fund and for 30 years has been one of fiercest First Amendment advocates.

In Art, Business, Cartoons, Comics/Manga/Webcomics, Films, Guilds/Unions/Organizations, People | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Don't Miss This Incredible Virtual Story ANIMATIONWorld

The Truly Incredible ‘The Remarkable Life of Ibelin’

3D animator and DP Rasmus Tukia talks about Benjamin Ree’s ‘must see’ live-action / animated documentary about the vibrant, expansive, but secret virtual life of a young Norwegian, Mats Steen, who died at age 25 of a degenerative disease, and whose ‘World of Warcraft’ game exploits and incredible legion of friends were only discovered upon his death, debuting today, October 25, on Netflix.

In 3D, CG, Digital Media, Films, Games, People, Technology | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

Business Headline News

‘Gainsbourg’ Animated Documentary in Development at Logical Pictures

Based on a 1989 interview with French pop poet Serge Gainsbourg, the ‘ballpoint pen style’ film chronicles the famed Parisian’s decades-long career peppered with controversy, affairs, and abusive relationships.

In 2D, Business, Films, People, Writing | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: Europe

People ANIMATIONWorld

Léo Favier Talks ‘Miyazaki, The Spirit of Nature’

The new documentary explores the life and influential works of celebrated, Oscar-winning Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, focusing on his passion for animation and advocacy for the natural world; U.S. premiere set for October 19 at the Animation is Film festival in Hollywood.

In 2D, Event, Festival, Films, People | ANIMATIONWorld | Special Events: Animation is Film | Geographic Region: All

Why We Love 2D ANIMATIONWorld

‘Pencils vs Pixels’ Celebrates the Eternal Magic of 2D Animation

Producer Tom Bancroft, who worked as a Disney animator for many years, talks about the making of his new documentary, which looks at the Disney renaissance of the 1990s and the changes wrought by the rise of CG.

In 2D, Acting, Business, CG, Digital Media, Films, People, Technology, Television | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

Highlighting Children’s Strength in Overcoming Adversity ANIMATIONWorld

Albie Hecht: Going from SpongeBob to Sundance with Shine Global

The former Nickelodeon President of Entertainment talks about his non-profit documentary studio’s second annual Children’s Resilience in Film Awards, which recognizes films and filmmakers that highlight children’s strength in the face of adversity; ceremony set for October 3, with supportive events and screenings beginning today, September 28.

In 2D, 3D, Awards, CG, Event, Films, People | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

Why We Love 2D Headline News

Trailer Drops for ‘Pencils vs. Pixels’ Documentary

Bay Dariz and Phil Earnest’s film celebrates the 2D hand-drawn animation renaissance that began in the late 1980s that was quickly upended by the computer animation explosion that followed; narrated by Ming-Na Wen, the film features Pete Docter, John Musker, Floyd Norman, MacFarlane and many others.

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Diving Deep into DC Headline News

Leslie Iwerks’ ‘Superpowered: The DC Story’ Now Streaming on Max

The Academy Award and Emmy-nominated filmmaker discusses her 3-part DC docuseries that features over 60 new and archival interviews with the industry’s most prolific creators.

In 2D, Art, Comics/Manga/Webcomics, Digital Media, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

animated documentaries Headline News

‘Aurora’s Sunrise’ Animated Doc on Armenian Genocide to Hit North American Theaters

Inna Sahakyan’s harrowing film tells the story of Aurora Mardiganian, who escaped the Armenian Genocide before embarking on an odyssey that took her to the heights of Hollywood stardom.

In 2D, CG, Films, People | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Diving Deep into DC Headline News

‘Superpowered: The DC Story’ Heads to Max This Summer

The three-part docuseries, co-directed by Leslie Iwerks and Mark Catalena, and narrated by Rosario Dawson, debuts on the streamer July 20.

In CG, Comics/Manga/Webcomics, Digital Media, Films, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News, VFXWorld | Geographic Region: All

Witnessing the Horrors of War ANIMATIONWorld

‘The Siren’ Revisits the Bloody Iran-Iraq War Through a Teenager’s Hopeful Eyes

Filmmaker and Iranian activist Sepideh Farsi’s new animated feature, about a 14-year-old boy’s resistance to war and a revolution stolen by clerics, opens the 73^rd Berlinale on February 16.

In 2D, Event, Festival, Films, People | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

Portrait of Incredible Courage ANIMATIONWorld

‘Aurora’s Sunrise’ Marks a New Era in Armenian Storytelling

Inna Sahakyan’s animated documentary, integrating pieces of Aurora Mardiganian’s harrowing account – and lost 1919 film adaptation – of surviving unspeakable horrors as a teenager during the 1915 Armenian Genocide, shares one woman’s incredible courage, and how telling, and retelling, such a painful story is the strongest step forward a person can take.

In 2D, 3D, Books, CG, Films, People, Technology | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

People Headline News

Suzanne Guèvremont Takes the Reigns at the NFB

Succeeding Claude Joli-Coeur, the new Government Film Commissioner begins her 5-year appointment, bringing decades of domestic and international experience in digital media, culture, and education to her new position.

In Business, Films, Jobs & Recruiting, People, Short Films | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: North America

Promoting Indie Filmmakers Headline News

‘Only in Theaters,’ The History of Laemmle Theaters, Opens Today

The documentary chronicles the history, impact, and challenges of the 84-year-old arthouse cinema chain, which has elevated the art of filmmaking and brought foreign films to Los Angeles while popularizing independent films, documentary films, and their makers.

In Films, People | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: North America

Happy Birthday Mickey Headline News

Disney+ Drops ‘Mickey: The Story of a Mouse’ Teaser and Art

The Disney Original Documentary film examines the cultural significance of the nearly century old icon; movie includes new short, 'Mickey in a Minute,' and will hit the streamer on Mickey’s birthday this November 18.

In 2D, Business, CG, Digital Media, Films, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

exhibitions Headline News

Academy Museum Launches Isao Takahata Film Series

The two-week showcase features such treasured classics as ‘Grave of the Fireflies’ and ‘The Tale of Princess Kaguya,’ as well as rarities, including the director’s first and only documentary.

In 2D, Event, Films, People, Places, Theme Parks - Installations | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: North America

Animated Documentary Shorts ANIMATIONWorld

Animation’s Vital Role in Documentary Short Films

Last month’s special Academy Museum screening and discussion, ‘Animating Realities: Documentary Social Impact Shorts,’ shared six films that show the emotional impact animation can bring to real-life stories.

In 2D, CG, Digital Media, Diversity and Inclusion, Event, People, Places, Short Films | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

Adapted Works Headline News

‘Kapaemahu’ Expands with Book, Exhibition and Documentary Film

A series of projects will soon arrive based on the celebrated, award-winning 2D short about the long-suppressed, centuries-old story of Waikiki’s mysterious four-boulder monument to the gentle people, both male and female in mind and body, who brought science and healing to the island.

In 2D, Books, Business, CG, Digital Media, People, Short Films, Theme Parks - Installations | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Live-Action / Animated Documentary Headline News

‘The Witches of the Orient’ Hits Theaters July 16

Check out the trailer for Julien Faraut’s fascinating live-action / animated documentary about Japan’s 1964 Olympic gold medal women’s volleyball team, the direct inspiration for Chikako Urano’s ‘Attack No. 1’ manga and subsequent anime series.

In 2D, Acting, Anime, Films, People | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Peanuts Returns ANIMATIONWorld

The Legendary Charles Schulz Explored in ‘Who Are You, Charlie Brown?’

New Apple TV+ documentary paints a compelling picture of the iconic cartoonist and his beloved characters through animation, film clips, cartoon clippings, family photos, and audio commentary from the artist himself.