One of the best things since the internet itself is the Bit Torrent protocol. Most of the articles that you’ll read about bit torrent are generally about the legal aspects of P2P file-sharing. There are many points of view on this issue. Personally, I’m all for it. Recently I’ve downloaded three really good docos off the torrents. What’s different about these docos is the film makers actually encourage you to download the movies. So here’s a quick review of each of them.

Good Copy Bad Copy
This film does a really good job of discussing remix culture, file sharing and distribution methods. Some of the people interviewed include Russian movie pirates, Brazilian techno brega producers, Mash-up maestro Girltalk, a Nigerian film industry guy along with a few lawyers and a big movie studio boss. So both sides of the argument are represented. Overall an excellent film.
link, torrent, donate

Steal This Film
This film was alright, however it came across a little self-serving. It was all about P2P file-sharing networks and how unstoppable they are. The film largely focuses on the The Pirate Bay which was raided by Swedish police under pressure by the US (which has no jurisdiction in Sweden). Following the raid, The Pirate Bay was up and running in very little time. So the film makes a fairly strong argument for file-sharing and highlights how futile efforts are to shut them down.
link, torrent

Steal This Film II
I really liked this film. It nicely builds on the first film and discusses the way file-sharing is having a profound change on society for the better. Comparisons are made with the invention of the printing press. When early literature was able to be duplicated, it meant that culture could then freely spread throughout the world. The same is happing with file-sharing. I’m now listening to music that I like and would otherwise not have access to. I can’t buy it, hear it on the radio or find it anywhere other than on P2P networks. At the same time we have access to cultural works that we haven’t had access to before; prohibitive laws are being introduced that are eroding our freedoms. Again there is some weighty and though provoking stuff in this movie, so I can’t recommend this one enough.
link, torrent, donate

Now if you are wondering how these film makers are getting paid for their awesome work, then wonder no more. They use a donation remuneration model. If you like their film then send a bit of money their way.