Chances are you’ve seen a documentary on a famous painter, or indigenous tribes in Australia, or a tour movie of a pop star. Movies about different cultures offer a deep dive into unique ways of life, showing you traditions, struggles, and experiences you wouldn’t typically encounter in your day-to-day life.
In this blog, we go through UVOtv’s broad catalog for indie-produced movies that show you experiences and crafts you’ve never imagined, ignite curiosity, and inspire a deeper sense of empathy for foreign cultures.
Amazônia Groove (2018)
#Music #Documentary
Directed by: Bruno Murtinho
Amazônia Groove takes you on a captivating journey through Brazil’s northern Amazon, especially the state of Pará, where the heart of its rich musical traditions beats strong. This documentary introduces us to local musicians like Dona Onete, Sebastião Tapajós, Waldo Squash, and Manoel Cordeiro, offering an intimate glimpse into their lives and performances. Through their stories, the film explores how their music is deeply rooted in the region’s indigenous, Afro-Brazilian, and colonial pasts. It also delves into the concept of encantaria, a spiritual belief that influences both the music and everyday life of the people in the Amazon.
Before Amazônia Groove, director Bruno Murtinho had already gained recognition with music videos, working with top Brazilian artists. His transition into documentary filmmaking allowed him to dive deeper into the cultural richness of Brazil’s northern regions. The film’s stunning cinematography, led by Jacques Cheuiche, was so impactful that it won the Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival.
Lucknow, India (2020)
#Documentary #History #Urdu
Directed by: Farooq Argali
Unlike the well-known documentaries focused on major Indian cities like Delhi or Mumbai, Lucknow, India takes a different approach by shining a light on the city of Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh. While it may not always make the headlines, Lucknow is a city rich in history, culture, and architecture, with a story that deserves to be told.
This documentary offers an authentic and thoughtful exploration of the city’s evolution. Argali’s focus is on capturing the essence of Lucknow, with its unique blend of Mughal and Awadhi influences. The Mughal Empire, which reigned over much of the Indian subcontinent from the 16th to the mid-19th century, left a profound impact on Lucknow’s architecture, cuisine, and cultural practices. Notably, Mughal rulers introduced the art of Chikankari embroidery to the region, a delicate form of hand embroidery that flourished under the patronage of Empress Nur Jahan.
The film offers a window into the city’s traditions, festivals, and the ways different communities have shaped and continue to shape its identity.
Nothing but the Sun (2021)
#Documentary #Spanish
Directed by: Arami Ullon
Directed by Arami Ullón, a Paraguayan filmmaker based in Switzerland, Nothing But the Sun presents an unobtrusive view of the Ayoreo’s fight for cultural survival. The film’s title, Nothing But the Sun, is a reference to the Ayoreo worldview, where the sun symbolizes the continuation of life—both spiritual and physical—amidst the harsh environment of the Chaco. The Chaco is a vast, semi-arid region in South America, characterized by dry forests, thorn-bush savannas, and seasonal wetlands, and is home to diverse wildlife and indigenous communities, including the Ayoreo.
This documentary follows Mateo Sobode Chiqueno, an indigenous member of the Ayoreo, as he travels. Armed with his tape recorder, Mateo captures the voices of his people, preserving stories passed down through generations, stories of a nomadic existence in the forests before colonial forces intervened. The movie offers a raw, intimate portrait of the Ayoreo community’s ongoing struggle to preserve their cultural identity and pass down traditions that have been nearly lost to modern society.
Known for her focus on indigenous issues, Ullón’s vision is clear: to honor the stories of the Ayoreo while allowing their voices to take center stage, preserving the essence of a way of life that’s rapidly vanishing.
Road To Boston (2023)
#Drama #Sports #Korean
Directed by: Kang Je-gyu
In 1936, at the height of Japan’s occupation of Korea, Sohn won the marathon gold at the Berlin Olympics—but under Japan’s flag. More than just a retelling of a historical event, Road to Boston is a deep dive into Korea’s experience during the Japanese occupation.
Fast forward to post-liberation Korea, where Sohn takes on the role of mentor to young runner Suh Yun-bok. They aim for the 1947 Boston Marathon, where Yun-bok’s race is a symbolic battle to restore national pride.
Sohn Kee-chung’s 1936 victory, while achieved under Japan’s flag, was a key moment in the fight for Korean independence. It was a quiet, yet powerful, protest against Japan’s imperial control. The film highlights how a single moment in sports can be a rallying cry for a nation’s freedom and dignity.
The film is directed by Kang Je-gyu, known for his emotionally rich historical dramas. His 2004 film Taegukgi: The Brotherhood of War powerfully examined the trauma of the Korean War. In Road to Boston, Kang blends his passion for historical storytelling with sports cinema.
Harada: Sculpting for Peace (2020)
#Biopic #FineArt #Japanese
Directed by: Jean-François Even
Step into the serene world of Tetsuo Harada, a Franco-Japanese sculptor. Harada is particularly celebrated for his “Earth Weaving” series, monumental sculptures symbolizing the fraternal bond among countries through interwoven granite rings. These works have been installed in various locations worldwide, including the Tazawako dam in Japan.
Celebrating his 70th birthday in 2019, Harada reflects on a lifetime spent transforming stone into symbols of peace and unity. From his workshop in France, he crafts monumental pieces that connect cultures and honor nature. This documentary offers an intimate glimpse into his creative process and the philosophy that drives his work. It’s a peaceful, thought-provoking, intimate journey into the mind and creativity of Tetsuo Harada.
Shaolin Temple (1982)
#Action #MarticalArts #Chinese
Directed by: Cheung Yam-Yim
What’s more reflective of Chinese culture than a good old martial arts movie?
Shaolin Temple is a classic that marked Jet Li’s debut and set the stage for his career. The story is set in ancient China during the transition from the Sui to the Tang dynasty. The film follows Jue Yuan (Jet Li), a young man whose father is killed by a treacherous general. Seeking refuge and revenge, Jue Yuan escapes to the Shaolin Temple, where he trains in the art of kung fu under the guidance of the monks.
You have all the genre perks in one movie: rigorous kung fu training and discipline of the Shaolin, self-discovery, action with elements of comedy, and, of course, some romance blended in. As Jue Yuan’s skills grow, he faces moral dilemmas and the temptation of vengeance, all while navigating the peculiarities of the temple life and his feelings for Bai Wu Xia, the shepherdess daughter of his master.
Four Strings Good: A Celebration Of The Life And Music Of Mo Foster (2024)
#Biopics #Music #Documentary
Directed by: Alan D Boyd
If you haven’t heard his name before, Mo Foster’s career spanned over five decades, during which he played on more than 400 albums with artists such as Jeff Beck, Phil Collins, Joan Armatrading, Gerry Rafferty, and Gary Moore. His versatility as a bassist and his warm, engaging personality made him a beloved figure in the music industry.
Four Strings Good is a heartfelt celebration of friendship, music, and the enduring impact of one of the UK’s most revered session musicians, who passed away in 2023. The film captures a special evening dedicated to Mo’s legacy, featuring live performances by his friends and collaborators, including Ray Russell, Simon Phillips, Tony Hymas, Judie Tzuke, Deborah Bonham, Jimmy Helms, Kim Goody, Moon Williams, and Phil Hilborne. Feeling like an evening with close friends and a tasty dinner, it is a nice performance movie to celebrate the affection, respect, and the enduring impact of a man who helped shape the sound of an era.
See the World in a New Light with Movies About Cultural Differences on UVOtv
If you’re curious about international films, UVOtv is your go-to destination — bringing global cinema straight to your home. You’ll find biopics, movies about music and arts, and of course, powerful stories about different cultures — all available to stream for free.
