‘We are not doing political films’: Why award-winning documentaries are being frozen out
In a modern David and Goliath tale that captivated audiences at film festivals around the world, the documentary Union has made it to the Oscar shortlist for best documentary feature. The film follows a group of Amazon workers in Staten Island, New York as they fight for their right to unionize against one of the biggest companies in the world.
Despite the critical acclaim and success on the festival circuit, Union has struggled to find a distribution deal in the U.S. Major streaming platforms like Hulu and Netflix have turned down the film, citing a reluctance to distribute social issue and political documentaries. This reluctance has left many filmmakers, including the co-directors of Union, feeling frustrated and blocked from reaching a wider audience.
Similarly, the documentary No Other Land, which sheds light on Palestinian resistance in the occupied West Bank, has also faced challenges in securing U.S. distribution deals. The filmmakers believe that the political nature of their film has deterred potential distributors, leaving them with limited options for reaching American audiences.
Industry experts point to a trend of risk aversion among major companies, leading to a lack of distribution for films that push boundaries and challenge power. This has created a landscape where softer, less controversial films are more likely to secure distribution deals, while politically charged documentaries struggle to find a platform.
The shrinking media landscape, marked by increasing consolidation of media companies, has further exacerbated the challenges faced by filmmakers. With fewer companies controlling what films get seen, there is a risk of important stories being left untold or unheard.
In response to the lack of distribution options, some filmmakers have turned to self-distribution as a way to bring their films to audiences. While self-distribution offers more creative control, it also comes with its own set of challenges and limitations. The burden of promoting and marketing a film can be overwhelming, taking time and resources away from the filmmaker’s ability to work on new projects.
Ultimately, the struggle for distribution faced by films like Union and No Other Land raises important questions about access to diverse and challenging content. When important stories are left untold or inaccessible, audiences are deprived of the opportunity to engage with vital issues and perspectives. As the media landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial to support and promote a diverse range of voices and stories, ensuring that important documentaries can reach the audiences that need to see them.
