Doccie drama

Showmax has loads of new documentaries added to its catalogue and they’ve got important messages to deliver.

- CRAIG FALCK

Documentaries have become an increasingly popular way to tell stories, especially when there’s an important social awareness message being conveyed. Streaming platform Showmax has a serious collection of doccie specials for you to binge that cover everything from politics, to race, to the desperate fight for survival.

TRAFFIC STOP

2017 Academy Award-nominated documentary Traffic Stop exposes US police prejudice against people of colour that was again highlighted by the recent conviction of former police officer Derek Chauvin. He was found guilty of using excessive, undue force after arresting George Floyd in 2020, which led to George’s death.

While it’s the few who’re causing trouble, US law enforcement has a reputation for being racially biased and it’s shown in graphic detail as unassuming 26-year-old teacher Breaion King comes under attack from cops. This film incorporates dramatic re-enactments with interviews and actual police camera footage that tell a harrowing tale of survival as Breaion is pulled over for a minor traffic infraction that turn into a bloody beatdown and physical assault simply for being the wrong colour.

Breaion’s story isn’t isolated. The cops in the video go out of their way to be cruel. They exert force and physical power and domination over someone who didn’t deserve it, says journalist Hank Stuever. “There’s a futility that gnaws at your conscience. Could Breaion have handled herself differently? Perhaps. Could (the arresting officer) Richter have handled himself differently? Absolutely. What should have been a routine encounter has instead left a deep emotional wound.”