Whether it’s Michael Moore or Al Gore, documentaries aren’t just about boring old English guys narrating footage of slow-moving animals anymore. Hard-hitting and often controversial in nature, these documentaries have become a source for heated talking points about what’s going on around the globe—from politics to the environment and even a candid look at the lives of people from all over the world.

The 2nd Singapore Indie Doc Fest (2SIDF) brings together works from some of the most acclaimed independent documentary filmmakers around, as well as insightful talks by established author and filmmaker Andrea Richards. Here’s some of the stuff that you should check out.

Andrea Richards: Focus on Female Directors. As part of International Women’s Day, Richards goes back as far as the 1920’s to take a look at the female pioneers in filmmaking and their invaluable contributions to the craft. Mar 9, 7:30pm. Objectifs Centre for Photography and Filmmaking. (12A Liang Seah St., 6339-7535) $5-7.

That Paradise Will Be Mine. In these religiously sensitive time, this film focuses on the lives of three Dutch women who made the difficult choice to convert to Islam. Mar 9, 8:30pm. The Substation Theater. (45 Armenian St., 6337-7535) $5-7.

Andrea Richards: Directed by Women–Female Filmmakers Today. Continuing the celebration of International Women’s Day, Richards will focus on today’s most talented female filmmakers such as Sofia Coppola, Tamra Davis and Miranda July. Mar 10, 1:30pm. Objectifs Centre for Photography and Filmmaking. Free.

Searching for Sheila. The filmmakers of this film go on a quest throughout Jogjakarta, Indonesia, to find the elusive Indon rock band Shelia on 7. Mar 10, 8:30pm. The Substation Theater. $5-7.

Surviving Beijing. Follow Malaysian Chinese music label Huang Ho, as the this film focuses on the group’s journey to China to break into the international market. Mar 10, 8:30pm. The Substation Theater. $5-7.