A number of excellent documentaries join the extensive selection of docos already on Neon – browse and watch all the titles in their Documentary Spotlight section. Liam Maguren is here to guide you through the latest additions.
In the age of streaming, documentaries are more prevalent than ever. In honour of this powerful form, Neon‘s delivering a smattering of eye-catching docos as part of their Documentary Spotlight series, from white-knuckled COVID survival stories to retirees revolting against Elon Musk. Take a gander at what’s coming this month and have a browse at Neon’s full library of docos.
Rescued Chimpanzees of the Congo with Jane Goodall
Available 1 August
This series explores the journey undertaken by the Jane Goodall Institute to save and rehabilitate Chimpanzees who have fallen victim to illegal wildlife trafficking.
See also:
* Everything new coming to Neon
* All new streaming movies & series
The Last Cruise
Available 2 August
Using actual footage recorded by those trapped inside, this HBO documentary pieces together the nightmarish story of the passengers and crew aboard the ill-fated Diamond Princess cruise ship during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
VICE Versa – Between Musk and Mars
Available 3 August
VICE documentary exploring the tensions between Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX and third-richest person in the world, and the retirees of Boca Chica, who claim his ruthless mission to Mars comes at the cost of residents and local wildlife.
Obama: In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union
Available 4 August
This three-part docuseries pairs together the upbringing of 44th United States President Barack Obama with the country’s racial history of the time.
The Legend of the Underground
Available 5 August
In 2013, Nigeria introduced the anti-LGBTQ Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill. This HBO documentary explores the battle fought today as seen through the eyes of non-conformist youths leading the charge against discrimination.
VICE Versa – Chyna
Available 6 August
Joanie “Chyna” Laurer was a one-woman sensation in entertainment wrestling. Then, she was erased from the history books. This documentary tells her rise and fall story.
The Day Sports Stood Still
Available 7 August
Filmmaker Antoine Fuqua (The Equalizer) directs this documentary on two radical moments in college and professional sports that happened simultaneously in America: the COVID-19 disruption and players fighting for social justice.
VICE Versa – HIV: The Neglected Pandemic
Available 8 August
Queer Eye’s Jonathan Van Ness hosts this exploration into the 40-year global history of the HIV and AIDS pandemic, relaying the experiences of those who survived it.
Keas: New Zealand’s Witty Daredevils
Available 13 August
This short documentary highlights the extraordinary cunning of the Kea, New Zealand’s native mountain parrot considered to be one of the most intelligent birds on the planet.
The Dark Side of Football
Available 20 August
The network behind The Dark Side of the Ring turns its gaze to the contentious crimes and salacious scandals lurking in the lockers of American football.
David Attenborough’s Light on Earth
Available 20 August
Specifically designed cameras help David Attenborough, the man who has no equal, to explore the curious world of bio-luminescence—the wondrous natural light produced by certain creatures of the wild.
Doug to the Rescue
Available 24 August
Armed with a next-gen drone, this docuseries follows RC pilot Doug Thorne as he uses his eye in the sky to help pets and wildlife stranded in the aftermath of natural disasters—from hurricanes to Australian bushfires.
