Polarization, misinformation, the rise of the far right… it seems the bad vibes are only increasing. The consequence? Hatred is reignited, creating a climate of intolerance and fear where differences become unbridgeable chasms.
At Implícate, we are a socially committed audiovisual production company in Madrid. Therefore, we are clear: understanding the causes of this hatred and being aware of the damage it causes is essential to effectively combat it. In general, social cinema, and in particular, documentaries about hatred like the ones we bring you today, can help us shed light on increasingly dark realities. All thanks to a thoughtful and deeply human view of the mechanisms that perpetuate hatred and division.
Below, we present the five best documentaries about hatred, which not only inform, but also inspire action and change.
White Right: Meeting the Enemy (2017)
Directed by British filmmaker Deeyah Khan, this documentary offers a unique perspective by exploring the beliefs and motivations of members of the far right in the United States. Khan delves into the heart of these groups and speaks with their leaders and members. Her empathetic and curious approach unravels the reasons behind their hatred, revealing the vulnerabilities and fears that fuel these extremist ideologies. Without a doubt, the documentary is a powerful call for understanding and dialogue. On IMDB.
Under the Wire (2018)
This documentary follows war correspondent Marie Colvin and photographer Paul Conroy as they document the atrocities of the Syrian civil war. “Under the Wire” shows how hatred and violence can devastate a nation, while highlighting the courage of journalists who risk their lives to tell the truth. Through powerful images and firsthand accounts, the documentary captures the horror unleashed and the importance of humanity and empathy in times of conflict. On Apple TV.
Why We Hate (2019)
Produced by Steven Spielberg and Alex Gibney, it explores the causes of hate through science, psychology, and history. The series examines how hate has impacted humanity and seeks to understand why we hate and how we can overcome it. Through interviews and case studies, the documentary offers a broad look at hate, its origins, and its consequences. On Apple TV.
The Social Dilemma (2020)
This is a documentary-drama directed by Jeff Orlowski and released in 2020 on Netflix. It delves into the detrimental effects of social media, especially in terms of mental health, political polarization, and misinformation.
The documentary features several former executives and employees of major technology companies such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest, who reveal how social media platforms are designed to capture and retain users’ attention through algorithms that manipulate human behavior. These experts explain how these tools can lead to addiction, increase anxiety and depression, and exacerbate social division by promoting sensationalist and polarizing content.
One of the documentary’s key points is the discussion of how social media contributes to the spread of fake news and conspiracy theories, which can have serious consequences for democracy and social stability. Through dramatizations, The Social Dilemma illustrates how a family is affected by the influence of social media, showing generational conflicts and the impact on personal relationships. On Netflix.
Outraged (2022)
Outraged is a documentary series released by UEFA in 2022, as part of its ongoing fight against online discrimination, hate, and abuse in football. The series addresses various topics related to these issues and features testimonies from prominent figures in the sport, such as Renard, Jorginho, Lehmann, Vieira, and Carney. These episodes explore the footballers’ personal experiences with hate and discrimination, as well as the measures being taken to combat these injustices on and off the field.
These documentaries not only inform, but also challenge us to reflect on hate in its various forms and manifestations. By understanding the roots and consequences of hate, we can work together to build a more just and inclusive society. On UEFA TV.
+2 documentaries on hate: Oído odio (2022) and Remember My Name (2023)
At Implícate, we are committed to working for a better world. We like to think that every campaign and project we get involved in helps in the task of neutralizing that hate and understanding what drives us to it as a society. That’s why we are so passionate about social cinema.
A good example of this is our participation in the feature-length documentary Oído odio, selected for the Málaga Film Festival and Documenta Madrid. It poses the question: what form does hatred take? But, in addition to contributing to this experimental work, we co-produced the documentary Remember My Name, which received the Audience Award at the Málaga Film Festival in 2023. This piece addresses the situation of migrant children in Melilla, who arrive alone in the city and find a new family in the Nana dance company. Through dance, these children, who represent their families’ hope for the future, struggle to integrate and overcome the challenges of their new environment.
There are many ways to do marketing, make films, and be in the world. At our audiovisual production company in Madrid, we are clear: ours involves getting involved in everything we do. So, if you’re looking for a partner to promote your NGO or social project, but you’re not satisfied with just any social media agency, write to us now. We speak the same language, I promise 😉
