Not all documentaries are heavy or emotionally demanding. The short films across the Aeon and Psyche archives inspire wonder and open windows onto lives and places far beyond our own. Here, Aeon Media’s video curator, Tamur Qutab, shares a selection of his favourite uplifting films buff.ly/vtQn524

At Aeon, we publish essays on the existentially significant questions, alongside carefully curated short documentaries spanning philosophy, science, psychology, society and culture. Our archive is rich and inexhaustible – a place where every curious mind can find something to enjoy aeon.co

What shapes the way we see the world? In this reel, the neuroscientist and Princeton professor Asif Ghazanfar reflects on his essay, which examines Dale Purves’ research and the ways our perception is shaped not just by the world around us, but by our bodies, senses, and experiences buff.ly/DTV8iBu

Assistant professor of political theory Kevin D Pham argues that Vietnam’s potent and storied anticolonialism is founded upon a unique sense of national shame. Read his insightful Aeon Essay to learn more buff.ly/fcz4CWV

Discover how virtual reality is reframing and shedding new light on some of philosophy’s most enduring questions about cognition, epistemology and the nature of reality in this instalment of Aeon’s In Sight series with the renowned philosopher and cognitive scientist David Chalmers buff.ly/7xSFD1m

In this layered portrait, an artist reflects on the complex reality of living with VOR, short for ‘voice of reason’ – a presence that grew louder and increasingly hostile, putting her life at risk. Directed by Nina Ross and Meg Barrett buff.ly/dCkbWhr

In a seaside village in England, memories flicker to life through the voices of neighbours and friends. This short film by Anna Snowball is a gentle portrait of community, belonging and the stories that linger long after the streets fall silent buff.ly/sDCaZZf