These documentaries about Argentina show a country rich in history, culture, and diverse landscapes, that has been the subject of numerous documentaries that delve into its unique stories and challenges.
From the bustling streets of Buenos Aires to the vast expanses of the Pampas and the awe-inspiring peaks of the Andes, Argentina’s geography serves as a backdrop for a wide array of narratives.
Documentaries About Argentina
Documentaries about Argentina often explore its political upheavals, economic fluctuations, and the resilience of its people.
Whether examining the country’s turbulent past, its vibrant present, or contemplating its future, these documentaries offer a captivating glimpse into the multifaceted tapestry of Argentina’s identity.
Wild Argentina (2017)
Wild Argentina is a nature documentary series that consists of three episodes, each focusing on a different region of Argentina and its unique ecosystems.
The episodes are:
- “Wetlands”: Explores the Iberá Wetlands, one of the largest freshwater wetland systems in the world, and the diverse wildlife that inhabits this region.
- “Mountains”: Showcases the stunning landscapes of the Andes Mountains, including the wildlife that has adapted to the challenging conditions of high altitudes.
- “Deserts”: Takes viewers to the arid regions of Argentina, such as the Monte Desert and the Valdés Peninsula, and examines how life thrives in these harsh environments.
The series is known for its breathtaking cinematography and its focus on the natural beauty and biodiversity of Argentina. This is one of the best documentaries about Argentina for nature.
The Boers at the End of the World (2015)
The Boers at the End of the World explores the lives of a small community of Boers, descendants of Dutch settlers, in a remote region of Patagonia, Argentina.
The Boers are white South Africans who migrated to Argentina at the beginning of the 20th century seeking a new life and opportunities. The documentary delves into the history and culture of this unique community, examining their struggles and successes as they try to preserve their Afrikaner heritage in a foreign land.
The title of the film refers to the geographical location of the Boer community in Patagonia, which is often considered one of the most remote and desolate regions at the southern tip of South America.
“The Boers at the End of the World” provides insight into the challenges faced by this community as they strive to maintain their identity and traditions in a vastly different environment.
The film offers a glimpse into their daily lives, customs, and the impact of being a minority group in a distant land and is one of the best documentaries about Argentina you can watch.
Our Last Tango (2015)
Our Last Tango is a documentary-drama film directed by German Kral and explores the world of Argentine tango through the lives and careers of two legendary tango dancers, María Nieves Rego and Juan Carlos Copes.
The documentary combines interviews, archival footage, and dramatic recreations to tell the story of María and Juan, who were once dance partners and later became estranged. It provides a personal and intimate look into their lives, the development of their dance partnership, and the impact of their work on the world of tango.
The film not only delves into the passion and artistry of tango but also reflects on the complexities of personal relationships and the challenges faced by the dancers throughout their careers.
Tango is a dance that is a part of the identity of Buenos Aires which makes this one of the best documentaries about Argentina.
Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown: Buenos Aires (2016)
The late chef Anthony Bourdain was one of the best TV presenters for travelling around the world and exploring the cultures and culinary traditions of the places he went to.
In this episode, he explores Buenos Aires where he tries the famed Argentian beef as well as other culinary delights while also discovering some of the local culture of the city.
This is one of the best documentaries about Argentina for the foodies, but also for those who want to learn more about Buenos Aires and the culture there.
The Take (2004)
The Take explores the concept of worker self-management and the struggles of workers in Argentina during the economic crisis of the early 2000s.
The film focuses on a phenomenon known as worker-recuperated enterprises, where workers take over and reopen factories that had been abandoned or closed down by their owners during the economic crisis.
The documentary specifically highlights the experiences of workers in Argentina who, faced with unemployment and economic instability, decided to occupy and run their workplaces themselves.
Naomi Klein and Avi Lewis follow the stories of several such worker-owned enterprises, documenting the challenges and successes they encounter as they attempt to create a more equitable and sustainable form of business. The film also addresses broader issues related to globalization, economic policies, and the role of multinational corporations.
“The Take” is a portrait of a specific moment in Argentine history and an exploration of alternative economic models. It raises questions about workers’ rights, collective action, and the potential for a more democratic and socially responsible approach to business.
World’s Most Dangerous Railway Tracks | Argentina: The Train To The Clouds
They touch the sky and for some they go straight to hell afterwards, leading over extreme heights, across oceans or savannahs and braving hurricanes. A challenge for intrepid engineers and railway builders who have been conquering nature with state-of-the-art technology for almost 300 years.
Railway lines are not only legendary carriers of myths, people and machines. They are also proof of high engineering skills and witnesses to the indomitable will of humankind to open up new routes into the unknown to conquer nature and its treasures. Railway lines on all continents tell the story of industrial culture, progress and the art of travel.
Argentina: Return of the Jaguars
For decades, jaguars were extinct in northern Argentina. Now, a major reintroduction program is bringing about their return. The aim? To restore the equilibrium of the ecosystem of the Esteros del Iberá wetlands.
By the 1970s, Argentina‘s Esteros del Iberá wetlands had no more jaguars, swamp deer, tapirs, giant otters, or anteaters. Farmers and hunters had exterminated the rare animals. Then, in the 1990s, US multimillionaire Douglas Tompkins discovered the extensive swamp area in northern Argentina. He bought it and began a renaturation project.
The vision: to leave nature alone. Today, the reintroduction of jaguars is one of South America’s major projects. However, rebuilding the animals‘ lost habitat faces obstacles. The ecologists’ ideas are met with mistrust and resistance by the region’s indigenous communities.
But the results speak for themselves: The wildlife is back, and the locals are also starting to benefit from newly-developed tourism.
Deadliest Roads: Argentina
From the borders of the Andes Mountains to the jungle in south Buenos Aires, “It’s make… or break” in this new Dicing with Death, where we train on the roads of extreme Argentina.
From lorry drivers in high altitudes, approaching summits and braving precipices, to countryside doctors forced to walk for hours, covering more than 5000 metres, to visit patients, to death-deceiving Gauchos competing in corral arena rodeos, they all show quiet courage and impenetrable resourcefulness.
We will never forget Pablo the farmer, who crosses the rainy-season lagoons on his Mad Max lorry, half bus half tractor, just to deliver milk to his farm.
Maradona by Kusturica (2008)
Maradona by Kusturica is a documentary film about the legendary Argentine footballer Diego Maradona, directed by Emir Kusturica, a renowned filmmaker.
Emir Kusturica is known for his distinctive style, and in “Maradona by Kusturica,” he explores the life and career of Diego Maradona, one of the greatest football players in history. The film combines interviews with Maradona, archival footage, and dramatized sequences to create a unique portrait of the iconic athlete.
The documentary covers various aspects of Maradona’s life, including his rise to fame as a football prodigy in Argentina, his time playing for Napoli in Italy, and his experiences with fame, controversy, and personal challenges. It delves into Maradona’s impact on the sport, his cultural significance, and the adoration he received from fans around the world.
“Maradona by Kusturica” also explores the darker side of Maradona’s life, including his struggles with addiction and health issues. The film provides a multifaceted look at the complex personality of the football legend.
Emir Kusturica’s approach to the documentary is characterized by his artistic and unconventional style, blending elements of reality and fiction. The film is not a traditional sports documentary but rather an exploration of Maradona’s larger-than-life persona and the cultural and social context in which he rose to prominence.
Diego Maradona passed away in 2020, and the documentary serves as a cinematic tribute to his legacy, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the man behind the football legend.
Under the Spell of Horses: Argentina
No other country brings so many foals into the world as Argentina, no other country exports as many horses and nowhere else in the world is there such a rich and diverse horse culture as in Argentina.
The film, which is part of the series “Under the Spell of Horses”, gives you a glimpse of three very different worlds: the gauchos in the pampa, the exclusive polo scene and the daily fight for the survival of the cartoneros, the rubbish collectors in the gigantic city Buenos Aires.
Director Thomas Wartmann recounts a personal story from each of these worlds, each of which ends with a small dream coming true. This is one of the best documentaries about Argentina for learning more about the horses and gauchos of the country.
One extra although it is a documentary TV series:
Carmel: Who Killed Maria Marta? (2020)
Carmel: Who Killed Maria Marta? delves into the mysterious death of María Marta García Belsunce, an Argentine sociologist, who was found dead in her bathtub in her home in the gated community of Carmel in Buenos Aires in 2002.
The circumstances surrounding María Marta’s death were initially thought to be accidental, but as the investigation progressed, suspicions arose, and it was eventually determined that she had been murdered. The case gained widespread attention in Argentina due to its various twists and turns.
The documentary series explores the events leading up to María Marta’s death, the subsequent investigation, the legal proceedings, and the controversies surrounding the case. It also delves into the social dynamics of the exclusive Carmel community and the complexities of the Argentine legal system.
The title, “Carmel: Who Killed Maria Marta?” reflects the central question of the series, as it seeks to unravel the mystery behind her death and the individuals involved. The series combines interviews, archival footage, and reenactments to provide a comprehensive and dramatic retelling of the case.
Watch it on NetFlix.
Argentina
These documentaries about Argentina offer a diverse perspective on the country, covering aspects of its history, culture, music, and societal issues.
As filmmakers unravel the threads of Argentina’s social and cultural fabric, you are invited to witness the complexities and beauty that define this South American nation with these best documentaries about Argentina.
For more on the region have a look at the 10 best documentaries about Brazil.
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