Policyflix | November-December 2014

Documentary films have always played a role in shaping public policy, using the form’s advocacy powers to raise awareness around social issues and inspire change. The November-December issue of Policy Options looks at several recent documentaries that articulate new approaches to global issues, such as artistic alternatives to how we respond to dementia (Alive Inside), the fallout from gold mining in Colombia (Marmato), and the slum as a cure for urban population growth (Slums). The magazine also features a photo essay of 19th century Canadian mugshots that, in the context of the documentary Mugshot, implores us to see the humanity in the law and order debate.