15 Devastating Documentaries That Mustn't Be Ignored

14. Jesus Camp (Heidi Ewing & Rachel Grady, 2006)

Possibly the most controversial film on this list, Jesus Camp documents the indoctrination of children at an evangelical summer camp called Kids on Fire. With incredible footage from inside this camp, children are witnessed flailing themselves about the ground in the name of God and crying, afraid of hell and begging for forgiveness. It is a stark image. With interviews with camp workers and the children themselves, this documentary insistently asks one question: whether you're a Christian or of no faith, do you think that it's right to subject such young children to what is, fundamentally, brainwashing? As an indication of people's reactions to this film, Kids Of Fire was closed indefinitely due to the backlash from viewers, which included vandalism and threatening phone calls. Since the release, many people have called for the adults responsible for the running of the camp and the parents sending their children to be prosecuted for child abuse. Whatever your opinion, you can't leave this film behind and not feel profoundly affected in some way. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sC_yzUWIfzs