Best Travel Documentaries: Encounters at the End of the World, Faces Places & More

In recent years, there has been a surge in the popularity of travel documentaries among viewers. These documentaries offer a temporary escape from monotonous routines for many individuals. Moreover, they provide an opportunity to immerse oneself in diverse cultures and traditions. Additionally, viewers can partake in thrilling adventures without ever needing to leave the comfort of their homes.

Travel documentaries serve as a window into new locales and offer insights on how to access them for extraordinary experiences. They showcase the world’s beauty and diversity, piquing viewers’ curiosity. Moreover, they inspire exploration of untouched places, fostering a spirit of adventure among audiences.

This article looks at some of the best travel documentaries available for streaming right now.

Encounters at the End of the World

The 2007 documentary follows acclaimed filmmaker Werner Herzog on a journey to the least-populated continent, Antarctica. In the film, Herzog and his cinematographer go to Antarctica to talk to the people who live and work there. Encounters at the End of the World is different from several documentaries on Antarctica. It goes beyond mere surface-level observations via captivating storytelling and stunning cinematography.

One of the exciting aspects of the documentary is how researchers share stories on their survival of the harsh weather conditions that prevail on the continent. Additionally, the filmmaker also takes a tour of the tunnels that have been carved into the ice. Encounters at the End of the World went on to garner universal acclaim and received a nomination at the Academy Awards.

Encounters at the End of the World is available for streaming on Prime Video and YouTube.

Faces Places

In this fascinating 2017 documentary, viewers see legendary director Agnes Varda teaming up with photographer JR to explore rural France. Apart from being a photographer, JR is also a street artist. The documentary breaks away from showcasing the typical tourist attractions of France, instead focusing on unexplored villages and towns. The duo engages with the local inhabitants, capturing their stories and immortalizing them through large-scale portraits.

Faces Places stands as a testament to Varda’s brilliance, showcasing her enduring creativity even at the age of 89. It serves as a poignant reminder that often, the overlooked places hold the most profound beauty, resonating deeply with audiences.Faces Places received a nomination in the Documentary Feature category at the 90th Academy Awards.

Faces Places is available for streaming on Kanopy and iTunes.

The Salt of the Earth

There are many places in the world where tribes refuse to establish any kind of communication with the outside world. As a result, documentary filmmakers set out to visit such places to learn more about these tribes. The Salt of the Earth follows one such man who left his home country to travel to different parts of South America, Africa, and Europe to learn about marginalized communities. The documentary, directed by Wim Wenders and Juliano Ribeiro Salgado, chronicles the work of Sebastião Salgado.

The creators of the documentary have accomplished a commendable feat in bringing Sebastião’s work to life. Furthermore, they emphasize the photojournalist’s dedication to shedding light on the challenges confronting people in overlooked regions. While it may prove unsettling for some, the film stands as a pivotal and indispensable piece of cinema.

The Salt of the Earth is available to stream on YouTube.