Best 20 Documentary Movies Editor's Choice from 1963

Set in a leper colony in the north of Iran, The House is Black juxtaposes ugliness, of which there is much in the world as stated in the opening scenes, with religion and gratitude. Learn about The House Is Black / IMDB / YouTube

A photo montage of Cubans filmed by Agnes Varda during her visit to Cuba in 1963. The film explores Cuban society and culture post-revolution. More about Salut les Cubains / IMDB / YouTube

A travelogue of Valparaiso, Chile, a city built on steep hills. Life is a constant struggle against geography. Neighbourhoods are reached by series of ramps, staircases, and funicular railway elevators. The poorest residents on the hilltops have trouble obtaining water for drinking and washing. There are community dances, a travelling circus, a race course. Boys feed . Info on Valparaiso / IMDB / YouTube

The official sequel to the original shockumentary, presenting new and bizarre behavior from around the world, including cruelty, graphic gore, and strange rituals. Check out Mondo Cane 2 / IMDB / YouTube

La Rabbia employs documentary footage (from the 1950s) and accompanying commentary to attempt to answer the existential question, Why are our lives characterized by discontent, anguish, and fear? The film is in two completely separate parts, and the directors of these respective sections, left-wing Pier Paolo Pasolini and conservative Giovanni Guareschi, offer the v. Explore Anger / IMDB / YouTube

This bicycle-safety film shows children what can happen when bicycles are driven carelessly and recklessly. See more about One Got Fat / IMDB / YouTube

An ethnographic documentary with allegorical undertones about the Dani people of Papua Barat and their social values based on an elaborate system of tribal warfare and revenge. Find out about Dead Birds / IMDB / YouTube

Acclaimed poet Robert Frost reminisces on his career. He is also seen giving lectures at Amherst and Sarah Lawrence Colleges, in daily life at his rural Vermont home, and receiving the Congressional Gold Medal from President Kennedy. Info on Robert Frost: A Lover's Quarrel with the World / IMDB / YouTube

Young people talk about the past, present and the future, dreams and trends, in front of Blier's camera. Read about Hitler, connais pas / IMDB / YouTube

The first signs of autumn are seen in a landscape along a river. Some villagers are stacking a bed of stone blocks on the river-bank to avoid more eroding. Others are occupied by plowing, fishing or repairing. A small steamboat passes by. In the engine room a stoker is shoveling coal into the oven. Further down the river a small town is passed by the water. A rowing-t. Check out Tisza-öszi vázlatok / IMDB / YouTube

A modern geisha travels through Japan trying to find a job as entertainer, and ends up by finding love and a job as ama, a pearl diver. Look into Violated Paradise / IMDB / YouTube

War documentary directed by Maria Slavinskaya. Get info on The Great Battle of the Volga / IMDB / YouTube

Hilariously bogus documentary on the film capital of the world inspired by the Italian mondo movie genre. A look at adult book stores, grindhouses, strip joints, Figure Model Photography Studios and midnight pool parties. This is more cynical sexploitation from director Lee Frost and producer Bob Cresse, the loveable hucksters. Info on Hollywood's World of Flesh / IMDB / YouTube