In this difficult time, azureazure is here for you. We are committed to helping both our readers and the industries that have been most impacted by the pandemic. Until the crisis is over, we will be publishing relevant content alongside our regular stories, which we hope offer you a few moments of escape. We would like to hear from you. Email us at azure@azureazure.com

How many times during quarantine have you just wanted to go outside and enjoy your day? Although we can’t go out just yet the films listed below have become a popular way to escape the stress of COVID-19. Check out these films and documentaries below and enjoy the wonders of nature from home.

Earth: A Disney Nature Documentary (2007)

The authors of the film Deep Blue embark on a fascinating journey across the Arctic, Antartica and Africa in this Disney Nature documentary, depicting the movements of a polar bear, a humpback whale and an African bush elephant.

Directed by filmmakers, Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield, from BBC Planet Earth and the Discovery Channel, the film was shot over 5 years, in more than 200 locations across 26 different countries with 250 days worth of aerial photography. As a result this film manages to show the beauty of the animal kingdom from all kinds of angles, while explaining the very real danger of extinction of these animal species.

The Land At Night: A Shot In The Dark (2020)

While humans sleep night, the animal world comes alive as depicted in this documentary, filmed in tropical and urban jungles, the article and the African bush. Recently released and narrated by actress Samira Wiley (who also stars in “The Handmaid’s Tale”, “Orange is the New Black” and “Detroit”), this film reveals the hidden lives of wild animals with never-before-seen images thanks to high definition cameras that capture color using only moonlight.

Wild (2014)

Directed by Jean-Marc Vallée, this film depicts the adventure that Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon) undertakes after suffering several tragic events in her life. Motivated by the desire to heal her wounds, the protagonist walks along the famous Pacific Crest Trail, alone, for more than 621 miles, crossing the United States from north to south, from the Mexico border to the Canada border. While walking along this trail Strayed views impressive landscapes and as she embarks on a once in a lifetime journey.

Maidentrip (2013)

The documentary focuses on Laura, a 14 year old girl, who wants to fulfill her dream of discovering the world by sailing the sea aboard a 12-meter sailboat. No one can stop her from achieving her dream not even the government of New Zealand, who tries to stop her from leaving her home.

Despite all the opposition towards her dream, she finally sets sail on November 10, 2013 on a trip from Gran Canaria (Spain) to Cape Verde, the northwest coast of Africa. The images of the trip, taken by her with different cameras during her journey, allow her to feel the experience all of the discoveries she makes, along with her fears and her enormous desire for freedom.

Pedal The World (2014)

This hour and a half film is loaded with adrenaline. The protagonist, Felix Starck, travels 11,184 miles by bike, for a full year, passing through 22 countries. Starck begins his adventure in Germany by asking himself an existential question: “What is the meaning of life?” This question motivates him to visit nations and cities with diverse cultures such Thailand, Sigapur, New York, Cambodia, Norway and France.

Into The Wild (2007)

This film, adapted by Sean Penn and directed by the best-selling writer John Krakauer, tells the story of the young idealist Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch) who, is fed up with a consumerist society. As a result, he decides to leave his life behind and go on an adventure. After embarking on his trip the main character changes his name to Alexander Supertramp, donates all of his belongings and savings, and sets out on a journey through various places in the United States such as California, Arizona, Oregon and South Dakota, ending in the inhospitable cold outskirts of Alaska.

Daughters Of The Dust (1991, restored in 2016)

Julie Dash’s 1991 classic film is a poignant portrait of African Gullah culture. The film tells the story of women in the Peazant family, who are former slaves that now live on an island out at sea. Described as a masterful cinematographic work, full of impressionist images and African symbolism, the country’s traditional rituals, cuisine and dialect is well represented. While preparing to migrate North in search of better opportunities, the family goes through the hard process of leaving their land and legacy behind, resulting in various conflicts. Enjoy this exciting story complemented by stunning images, depicting gorgeous sunsets, birds flying towards the horizon and coursing rivers.

Under The Tuscan Sun (2003)

This film tells the story of American writer Frances Mayes (Diane Lane) who, at 35, is recently divorced and depressed. She receives a great gift from a friend: a ten-day trip to Tuscany, Italy that radically changes her life.

There, she falls in love with the tuscan landscapes and decides to buy an old farm house that needs some TLC (tender, love, and care). As she begins to restore the farm house she meets local people from around the area, discovering Italian customs and going on new adventures. This film transports you to the vineyards and beautiful cypress-covered hills of this Italian region. Enjoy these films! ■