DOCUMENTARY FILM Meaning and
Definition
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A documentary film refers to a non-fictional motion picture that attempts to inform, educate, or provide an in-depth analysis of real-life events, people, or subjects. Its primary purpose is to document reality and present an objective portrayal of the chosen subject matter. Unlike fictional films, which are often scripted and created for entertainment purposes, documentary films focus on presenting facts, real-life stories, and genuine experiences.
Documentary films employ various techniques such as interviews, narration, voice-overs, photographs, archival footage, and re-enactments to present a comprehensive and realistic account of the chosen topic. These films can be investigative, historical, biographical, or exploratory, covering a wide range of subjects including social, political, environmental, cultural, scientific, or historical issues.
A fundamental aspect of documentary films is their commitment to representing the truth and providing unbiased information. However, it is important to note that some documentary films can adopt a more subjective approach, expressing the filmmaker's personal perspective or opinion on the subject matter. Therefore, critical thinking is essential when engaging with documentary films, as viewers must assess the credibility and reliability of the presented information.
Documentary films have the power to raise awareness, provoke critical thinking, stimulate dialogue, and inspire social change. Their ability to shed light on important subjects and highlight untold stories makes them a valuable medium of communication and an essential form of art in the filmmaking industry.
Common Misspellings for DOCUMENTARY FILM
- socumentary film
- xocumentary film
- cocumentary film
- focumentary film
- rocumentary film
- eocumentary film
- dicumentary film
- dkcumentary film
- dlcumentary film
- dpcumentary film
- d0cumentary film
- d9cumentary film
- doxumentary film
- dovumentary film
- dofumentary film
- dodumentary film
- docymentary film
- dochmentary film
- docjmentary film
Etymology of DOCUMENTARY FILM
The word "documentary" is derived from the word "document", which comes from the Latin word "documentum" meaning "example" or "evidence". The "-ary" suffix is often used in English to form adjectives or nouns indicating "pertaining to" or "related to". Therefore, "documentary" can be understood as something related to or pertaining to a document.
The term "documentary film" emerged in the early 20th century to describe a cinematic genre that aims to document real-life events, people, or subjects using moving images and sounds. The first known use of the term "documentary" in this context was by Scottish documentary filmmaker John Grierson in his review of Robert Flaherty's film "Moana" in 1926. Grierson used the term to express the idea of filmmaking that is rooted in truth, reality, and documenting actualities.
Similar spelling word for DOCUMENTARY FILM
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