Where to watch: The best documentaries to stream this weekend

Alofa is a deeply moving 26-minute documentary that chronicles the journey of Andre Afamasaga, a Samoan ex-pastor who endured 15 years of conversion practices before coming out as gay. Airing on ABC’s Compass, the film captures Andre’s struggle to reconcile his faith, culture, and sexuality within conservative religious communities. Directed by Rachel Lane, Alofa offers a powerful narrative of resilience and self-acceptance, featuring interviews with family and experts.

Filmed in Wellington and Sydney, Alofa provides an intimate look at how Andre navigated the complexities of identity while challenging the divisive rhetoric surrounding LGBTIQ+ issues in religious settings. The documentary not only highlights his personal journey but also sheds light on broader issues of acceptance and human rights within Pacific communities. With its poignant storytelling and insightful interviews, Alofa is a compelling exploration of love, faith, and the enduring struggle for equality.

Teaming up with acclaimed Walkley Award-winning journalist Carrie Fellner and The Sydney Morning Herald, Revealed: How to Poison A Planet embarks on a ground-breaking investigation. From the vast expanses of the United States to the intimate setting of a small Aboriginal community in Australia, this documentary delves deep into a modern-day David and Goliath struggle.

At the heart of the story lies the insidious impact of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – or PFAS for short — a seemingly innocuous product found commonly in fire-fighting foam that has unleashed widespread contamination, touching communities far and wide. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, this documentary sheds light on the far-reaching consequences of unchecked industrial practices.

From hits like Livin on a Prayer to You Give Love a Bad Name, Bon Jovi’s brand of unapologetic stadium rock has dominated the airwaves on our radios, Walkmans, iPods and phones for decades. Now, a new Disney+ documentary – Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story – is giving fans and music lovers an intimate backstage pass to witness the lore behind the iconic ‘80s rock group.

The four-part documentary series chronicles the band’s rise to fame and penning their iconic tracks like Livin on a Prayer, which Richie Sambora describes as, “The best song we’ve written to date.”

This quintessentially Australian true crime story has captured the world’s attention with hit Netflix documentary, Last Stop Larrimah. The tiny town of Larrimah and the unsolved murder that occurred there has become a worldwide phenomenon. And that’s not just thanks to Netflix. It was the work of journalists Caroline Graham and Kylie Stevenson – who created a hit podcast and best selling book – that saw this peculiar Australian true crime go global. 

Steve Martin is undoubtedly an iconic figure in the entertainment industry. A polymath, if you will, whose talents span acting, comedy, writing, and music. STEVE! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces is, as the title suggests, in two parts.

The first episode is titled Then, and covers the early days of Steve’s career. So, his time working as a magician in his hometown of Garden Grove, writing for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour and his stand-up comedy career – characterised by absurdist humour, originality, and the famous “wild and crazy guy” persona.

The second episode, titled Now, explores how Steve transitioned from live performances to the big screen. It also documents his forays into music and writing as well as returning to performing live onstage with Martin Short.