DOCUMENTARYFILM Meaning and
Definition
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A documentary film, also known as a documentary, docu-film, or nonfiction film, is a genre of filmmaking that aims to present reality in an objective and factual manner. It is a medium through which filmmakers seek to document and explore real events, issues, people, or subjects of social, cultural, scientific, or historical importance. The primary purpose of a documentary film is to inform, educate, and provoke thoughtful discussions among viewers.
Unlike fictional films that include scripted dialogue and fictional narratives, documentaries rely on actual footage, interviews, photographs, historical records, or expert testimonies to present an accurate and authentic depiction of the subject matter. The content of a documentary can range from investigations, political exposés, biographies, sociocultural commentaries, environmental concerns, to scientific explorations among other topics, providing a wide variety of formats and styles within the genre.
Documentary filmmaking involves extensive research, careful planning, and thorough fact-checking, as filmmakers strive to maintain a high degree of objectivity and impartiality. However, it is important to note that documentaries can still carry a particular perspective or bias due to the subjective choices of the filmmaker or the limitations of the available information.
Overall, documentary films play a crucial role in documenting reality, offering valuable insights, and shedding light on important topics that might otherwise go unnoticed or unaddressed. They have the power to influence public opinion, raise awareness, and contribute to the ongoing discourse on various significant issues.
Common Misspellings for DOCUMENTARYFILM
- socumentaryfilm
- xocumentaryfilm
- cocumentaryfilm
- focumentaryfilm
- rocumentaryfilm
- eocumentaryfilm
- dicumentaryfilm
- dkcumentaryfilm
- dlcumentaryfilm
- dpcumentaryfilm
- d0cumentaryfilm
- d9cumentaryfilm
- doxumentaryfilm
- dovumentaryfilm
- dofumentaryfilm
- dodumentaryfilm
- docymentaryfilm
- dochmentaryfilm
- docjmentaryfilm
- docimentaryfilm
Etymology of DOCUMENTARYFILM
The term "documentary film" originated from the combination of two words: "documentary" and "film".
1. "Documentary" comes from the Latin word "documentum", which means "lesson" or "evidence". It first appeared in English in the mid-19th century and initially referred to written documents or records that supported or proved a fact. However, by the early 20th century, it began to be associated with non-fictional visual or audiovisual recordings that provide an informative or educational account of reality. The term "documentary" gained popularity with the rise of filmmaking techniques aiming to capture real-life events and social issues.
2. "Film" has its root in the Latin word "filum", meaning "a thread" or "a thread-like structure". In the context of cinema, "film" refers to a thin strip or negative treated with light-sensitive chemicals that records visual images.
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