Documentary Filmmaking: Sharing Real Stories and Issues Through Non-Fiction Cinema

The art of documentary filmmaking began in 1922 with the very first “original” documentary film called Nanook of the North by American filmmaker Robert Flaherty. However, the word “documentary” did not exist until Scottish film director John Grierson used it in his review of Robert Flaherty’s film Moana (1926). The basis for this unique form of storytelling was that the ‘original’ actor and ‘original’ scene captured raw, in their truest form, is more authentic than any fiction could be. This form of non-fiction cinema has been an inspiration for a generation of filmmakers to share real stories and issues that can captivate audiences through their cameras. The goal of a documentary film is to maintain the authenticity and educational value of the content. Join us at APAC today to learn about this unique form of filmmaking, the types of documentaries, how to start your own projects, get some practical tips and understand the post-production process. 

What is documentary filmmaking? 

Documentary filmmaking is a complicated art of storytelling where filmmakers use motion pictures to document reality. Non-fiction films are either made to share impactful stories, add educational value, or as a form of historical preservation. Great documentaries inform, inspire, and engage their audiences by presenting diverse narratives from real life. Unlike fictional films, documentaries focus on real events, people, and problems, often with the aim of highlighting unrepresented stories, perspectives, and sections of society. 

What are the different types of documentary films? 

Like different genres in fictional films, there are also different types of documentaries. Let’s look at the most common form of documentary films. 

1. Poetic documentaries

These documentaries focus on capturing visual aesthetics and mood to show the audience different aspects of life through different eyes. They often do not have structured stories because the goal is to capture the feeling of the moment rather than focus on the truth. One such impressive documentary is Man with the Movie Camera by Gigi Vertova. This silent Russian 1929 documentary uses a wide range of cinematographic techniques to capture urban life. 

2. Expository documentaries

Expository documentaries are films that are heavily researched for the purpose of informing or persuading the audience. Exhibition documentaries often use the so-called “Voice of God” narrative technique, in which an impactful narrator provides arguments or perspectives on a specific topic. An Inconvenient Truth (2006) by Davis Guggenheim, March of the Penguins (2005) by Luke Jake, and Our Planet (2019) by David Attenborough are some examples of this creative art form. 

3. Observational documentaries

Originating in the 1960s, observational documentaries are non-fiction films in which the director focuses only on observing and capturing real people and events with minimal interference. Sometimes called Cinéma vérité or fly-on-the-wall, these films get somewhere between poetic and exhibition documentaries, capturing a sense of the moment and showing a specific point of view. Examples of some of the most famous observational documentaries are Armadillo (2010), Salesman (1969), and Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment. (1963). 

4. Participatory documentaries

In participating documentaries, filmmakers interact directly with the subjects and often include the narrative of the film. The cinema not only becomes part of the film, but their presence can influence or change different situations. These documentaries allow filmmakers to have a certain degree of control over events and power, which helps them foster a deeper connection with the audience. Some famous participatory documentaries you can watch to understand various techniques are Chronicle of a Summer (1961), Paris Is Burning (1990) and The Danube Exodus (1998). 

5. Reflexive documentaries

Reflexive documentaries highlight the filmmaking process and the relationship between the filmmaker and the audience. Just like participatory documentaries, the filmmaker plays a role within the film and uses the Brechtian technique where they try to interrupt the story to make you think about what you’re seeing instead of just feeling something about it. Some examples of this highly self-conscious and sceptical of ‘realism’ form are Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends (1998), …No Lies (1973) and Biggie & Tupac (2002). 

6. Performative documentaries

Performative documentaries are subjective and opinionated, focusing solely on the subject’s personal experience. Filmmakers use a wide array of techniques to create a film where the audience can experience certain perspectives about the world. This is a form of factual storytelling where the subjects talk about themselves and events from their lives. Examples of this type of documentary filmmaking are Drifters (1929), The Thin Blue Line (1988) and Catfish (2010). 

Tips to become a successful documentary filmmaker 

Documentary filmmaking is a complicated process. By following the practical tips given below, you can begin your creative adventure. 

1. Understand your subject: Conduct thorough research to find out everything about your subject. It will help you make informed decisions and improve the storytelling process.  
2. Build trust with your subjects: Confidence is the key to capturing authentic and impactful moments when it comes to demonstrating reality in its genuine form. Try to build relationships to promote openness and honesty.  
3. Be flexible and adaptive: Be prepared for any unexpected changes and challenges that may come your way. It will help you capture spontaneous and meaningful images.  
4. Adopt a narrative style: Even reality needs a strong storytelling approach. Focus on creating a convincing and structured narrative with which your audience can engage with. 

Understand the post-production process in documentary film 

Post-production is an important part of the filmmaking process. Like feature films, documentaries also have a post-production stage. When filmmakers have completed the initial shooting, they use various editing software to organise raw footage in a coherent narrative. After editing comes sound and music, where they add various audio elements to the movie in the form of voice-over and music to improve the overall viewing experience. During the review stage, when they feel like the edits made meet the vision and reflect the initial idea on screen, they make the final cut and prepare it for distribution. 

Documentaries can be short films or elaborate movies that run for three to four hours, depending on the storyline. If you want to master the art of documentary filmmaking and bring real stories and issues to life using your creative skills, enrol in the Bachelor of Screen & Stage (Screen Production) at APAC. With our course, you can realise your dream of becoming an aspiring filmmaker and create impactful documentaries that inspire and educate audiences around the world! 

Frequently asked questions

Q1. Is a documentary film non-fiction? 

A1. Yes, documentaries are a form of non-fiction films because, unlike feature films, the focus is to capture and showcase real-life stories and issues of real people in their original environments. 

Q2. What are the ethical issues in documentary filmmaking? 

A2. When making a documentary, you will face ethical issues like ensuring informed consent, respecting privacy, and avoiding exploitation or misrepresentation of subjects. 

Q3. How is documentary different from fiction filmmaking?  

A3. Documentaries focus on real-life events and factual storytelling. On the other hand, feature films are fictional movies with fictional narratives and storylines. 

Q4. What are the challenges of documentary filmmaking? 

A4. When making a documentary, there are a lot of challenges that you will have to face. They can be: 

• Finding the right subject/idea. 

• Securing funding for film production. 

• Dealing with unpredictable real-life events. 

• Getting access to your intended subjects. 

Q5. How long does it take to make a documentary? 

A5. The timeline for creating a documentary depends on the subject and the level of production. It can take several months to years. Check out our Bachelor of Screen & Stage (Screen Production) in Brisbane to learn everything about documentary filmmaking.