Its a surprisingly large figure.

And the Academy Award for best documentary feature goes to…. Theyre all lumped into the same bracket.

Artistically speaking, probably not.

But from a distribution point of view?

So, quick maths, thats 1.5 best documentary feature nominations per year of operation.

Name me one other distribution company that can boast that!

OK Dave, I hear you say, arent you getting a bit carried away?

I mean, Dogwoof didnt make all those films, did they?

Well, as the company has grown they have produced many a documentary too but I hear your point.

They are essentially collectors, finding product they believe will sell and getting a license to distribute it.

I would argue that this role becomes much more vital when dealing in documentaries.

This is why I believe they deserve a shout out.

This company has standards.

In a realm where they are distributing true-life content, that becomes very important.

Dogwoof are an umbrella.

They dedicate themselves to cataloguing truth.

So, where to start?

Well, narrowing down the Dogwoof smorgasbord into a comprehensive list is a daunting task.

Frankly, only an idiot would attempt such a thing.

So here is my list of essential Dogwoof documentaries!

For me, the most essential film in the Dogwoof catalogue is this extraordinary work from Joshua Oppenheimer.

The results are astonishing.

This difficult, challenging, inventive documentary really has to be seen to be believed.

It is hard not to be moved by his personal struggle.

Possibly the most famous film on the books,Blackfishhas made headlines for having a direct effect on reality.

It remains a gripping account of man vs. nature.

Her follow-up filmRisk(2016), showcasing Julian Assange, is anything but a cosy portrait.

Joyce Vincent died in her flat in 2003 but her body was not discovered for three years.

Profoundly affecting, youll want to call everyone you love afterwards just to say hey.

Deeply personal and yet identifiable and relatable, it is small, but will make a huge impact.

A must see for anyone who doubts the effects an individual can have on global concerns.

Hows this for a meta-documentary?

A film about a film critic!

Even as you watch his health decline, he remains a likeable, opinionated gent.

Rather pleasingly, the critics loved it too.

This meticulous account of the story of O.J.

Simpson is nearly 8 hours in length but like dont let that put you off.

Trust me, you will not be watching the clock.

For anyone who is unfamiliar with the story, it is enough to make your head spin!

Of course you didnt, and that is what makes this such a delightful documentary.

An uplifting account of girl power in action.

A charming thesis engagingly presented.

IfUndefeatedwas the synopsis for a fictionalised film, you would probably give it a wide berth.

A real shot of punch-the-air happiness caffeine.

Playing out like a real-life version ofThe Thick Of It, you really couldnt make it up!

So those are my choices.

Feel free to recommend your favourite Dogwoof documentaries too.

But c’mon give due to the company themselves.

Dogwoof, we salute you.