Robert Flaherty's Nanook of the North, released in 1922, is widely regarded as the first documentary film.

Satyajit Ray is often referred to as the 'Father of Indian Documentary Film' for his significant contributions to the genre.

Satyajit Ray's Charulata won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 1965.

Mrinal Sen is known for his documentaries that explore social and political issues.

Mira Nair's Salaam Bombay! won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1984.

Khushboo Ranka and Vinay Shukla directed the documentary 'An Insignificant Man' about Arvind Kejriwal's life.

Rayka Zehtabchi's Period. End of Sentence. won the National Film Award for Best Non-Feature Film in 2019.

Anand Patwardhan is known for his documentaries on environmental issues.

Carol Dysinger and Elena Andreicheva's Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You're a Girl) won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject in 2021.

Rima Das's Village Rockstars won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in 2018.

Mani Kaul is known for his documentaries on the lives of ordinary people.

Ljubomir Stefanov and Tamara Kotevska's Honeyland won the Golden Conch at the Mumbai International Film Festival in 2019.

Shyam Benegal is known for his documentaries on the partition of India.

Rayka Zehtabchi's Period. End of Sentence. won the National Film Award for Best Non-Feature Film in 2020.

Chloé Zhao's Nomadland won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival in 2020.