While documentary is in itself an art form, often called "informational art," documentaries that focus on other art forms or artists working in various art milieus are uniquely positioned as works that examine art via art.

In recent years many such "art docs" have been produced in Canada, yet these films and videos remain mostly relegated to specialized festivals or special sections within festivals - ultimately diminishing their audience reach and their impact toward an understanding, appreciation and support of independent media arts and visual arts in Canada and elsewhere.

For the last decade (2003-2013) Cinema Politica has built a strong reputation for connecting audiences to important, under-represented, independent film and video. While the films we program tend to focus on issues, topics and subjects that revolve around social justice, identity and the environment, we have decided to seek out, program and disseminate titles that specifically highlight the intersection of social justice, the economy and the environment, in a special program called "The Commons."