Sure, a lot of the time, movies inspired by true events are just Oscar-bait, and are hard to enjoy when all you can focus on is how "method" the male lead just "had" to go. But when they aren't made with solely the Academy in mind, they can be some of the most compelling stories of all time - our fellow man and the true stories they lived! The trials they faced! What could possibly be more moving?
Here are each of our team members' picks for our favourite films inspired by, or based on, true events.
Komal’s Picks
Amar Singh Chamkila (2024)
directed by Imtiaz Ali
Once known as the “Elvis of Punjab”, this film follows the journey of Amar Singh Chamkila from his decision to break the mould and pursue a musical career, until his eventual downfall at the hands of his community, who found his music to be too provocative. Despite not being the only artist to sing about suggestive topics in his time, he faced a disproportionate amount of backlash, by the very same community that rose him to fame. The film utilises a mixed-media style of storytelling, making it all the more dimensional and a truly artistic film, all while bringing to light the true story of a Punjabi man and his wife who wanted nothing more than to fill people’s hearts with music, and did so until the very end.
Available on: Netflix
Pad Man (2018)
directed by R. Balki
Pad Man follows Lakshmikant "Lakshmi" Chauhan, a newlywed who is head over heels for his other half, Gayatri. He finds himself inventing solutions to any and every trouble in her life. Soon after marriage, Lakshmi discovers that Gayatri and the other women in their community do not use sanitary pads due to their inaccessibility, and instead rely on reusing cloth rags, leaving them susceptible to infection and disease. He sets out to develop a low-cost sanitary pad for Gayatri and the other women in his life, but is faced with severe backlash for “interfering in women’s issues”. Pad Man is inspired by the real trials faced by Arunachalam Muruganantham, and his journey to changing the face of period poverty in India forever. A truly moving film, showcasing the lengths some will go to for love - invention.
Note: Objectively, this isn't a perfect film. It nearly misses the mark, lacks a bit of empathy, and is quite male-saviour-ish at parts. But I believe Arunachalam Muruganantham's story coming to light is what matters. And it's nice to see a Hindi movie about something like this.
Available on: Netflix
Danis' Picks
Quo Vadis, Aida? (2020)
directed by Jasmila Žbanić
Aida, a translator for the UN lives in a small town called Srebrenica. The year is 1995, the Serbian army wants to take over Srebrenica, and the entire town is now seeking refuge in the UN camp. Aida’s family is among those people seeking refuge. This movie recounts a forgotten horrific moment in our history, seeking to remind us of it. This story is for the lost and damned, the survivors, the ones who lost their lives and for us to be warned of our unforeseen future if we were to blindly shut our eyes against these evil acts again.
Available on: Amazon/ Google Play (To rent)
Canoa: A Shameful Memory (1976)
directed by Felipe Cazals
A group of university students arrive in a small village called Canoa during a hiking expedition. The locals are dubious of their presence, the village priest falsely accusing these university students of wanting to spread Communism in the town and are seeking for them to be lynched. Canoa: A Shameful Memory speaks of a time where anyone who was a Communist was either killed, tortured, or exiled from their country and this movie seeks to address a truly devastating event that actually took place in which a small town in Mexico. It is a cruel reminder of how simple it is for a whole town to be convinced into committing horrifying acts just from the words of a cult figure leader.
Available on: The Criterion Channel
Sophia’s Picks
Salt Fat Acid Heat (2018)
Netflix
Directed by Caroline Suh
“Salt Fat Acid Heat” is a Netflix docuseries based on Samin Nosrat's bestselling book. The show brings us on an international gastronomic tour to explore the four main components of cooking - salt, fat, acid and heat. From northern Italy, Japan, and Yucatan before finally returning to her home in California, Samin brings us along as she explains the scientific and cultural significance of each component that manages to enhance every dish. This docuseries shows us the beauty of cooking and the universal love language that is food.
Available on: Netflix
Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams (2020)
Directed by Luca Guadagnino
“Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams” is a Prime Video documentary directed by Luca Guadagnino that chronicles the life and legacy of Salvatore Ferragamo, the renowned Italian shoemaker. The film delves into Ferragamo's rise from impoverished origins in Bonito, Italy, to becoming a legendary figure in the fashion industry. Through archival footage, interviews, and Ferragamo's own writings, the documentary explores his innovative designs, craftsmanship, and the impact he had on Hollywood's golden age. This exquisitely detailed film gives us a insightful look at Ferragamo's extraordinary skill and vision while showcasing his passion for shoes and his lasting impact on fashion.
Available on: Prime Video
Shekinah’s Picks
Tick, Tick… Boom! (2021)
directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Set in 1990, this compelling musical holds an interesting insight on cinema's most prominent role - the director. Tackling existential questions that a struggling artist and creative may ponder on, as they near the "daunting" age of 30, this film is certainly a musical like no other, based on the life of Jonathan Larson leading up to Rent. With its upbeat, and sometimes moonshine diner-esque tunes, Tick, Tick… Boom! dares to take a stab at the mid-life crisis in a refreshing way; one that is bound to stay with its viewer for a long time afterwards.
Available on: Netflix
The Imitation Game (2014)
directed by Morten Tyldum
If you've ever wondered if the calculus you've dreaded learning would have an impact on your life - or anyone's - The Imitation Game is the movie for you. This movie tells the story of Alan Turing, who aided the British government in deciphering the German Enigma code. Having also invented a machine that could assist in cracking the code efficiently, this film explores the painful depths of his personal life - what it means to be set apart from your peers - and how this led to his groundbreaking, mathematical success.
Available on: Netflix
That's the end of this round-up! Tell us what you think of our picks, and then tell us yours!
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