Documentary Film – The Very Short Introductions Podcast – Episode 44
Apr 14, 2022
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Patricia Aufderheide, a renowned professor at American University and founder of the Center for Social Media, dives into the world of documentary film. She discusses its evolution, particularly its rise in popularity during the pandemic. Aufderheide examines the balance between authenticity and manipulation in narratives, emphasizing the ethical responsibilities filmmakers bear. She encourages appreciation for the genre’s diverse styles and rich history, shedding light on what makes documentary filmmaking a powerful medium for storytelling.
The documentary film genre is enjoying a renaissance, significantly increasing in viewership and diversity during the pandemic's streaming boom.
Ethical challenges in documentary filmmaking are complex, requiring filmmakers to navigate integrity in their relationships with subjects and audiences.
Deep dives
The Golden Age of Documentaries
The genre of documentary film is currently experiencing a renaissance, characterized by a significant increase in viewership, especially during the pandemic when streaming documentary content rose by 120%. This surge has led to a proliferation of documentaries across various platforms, challenging traditional notions about what constitutes interesting content in the genre. Filmmakers are now creatively exploring the medium, utilizing various formats, such as animation and hybrid styles, to tell compelling true stories. This growing abundance calls for a better understanding of the diversity within documentary filmmaking and encourages audiences to engage with the wealth of innovative works available.
Ethical Considerations in Documentary Filmmaking
Ethics in documentary filmmaking is a complex and evolving topic, as filmmakers grapple with maintaining integrity in their relationships with subjects, sponsors, and audiences. The dialog around ethical guidelines is ongoing, particularly in light of controversial examples, such as the use of artificial intelligence to replicate voices without acknowledgment, as seen in a film about Anthony Bourdain. Additionally, documentaries like 'Jihad Rehab' illustrate the ethical dilemmas faced when external influences, like government oversight, complicate the portrayal of sensitive subjects. As documentaries gain greater trust among viewers compared to traditional media, it becomes imperative for filmmakers to navigate these ethical challenges thoughtfully and transparently.
In this episode, Patricia Aufderheide introduces documentary film, a diverse genre that encompasses films from March of the Penguins to Fahrenheit 9/11 but is always rooted in the desire to represent reality.
Patricia Aufderheide is a professor in the School of Communication at American University in Washington, D.C., and founder-director of its Center for Social Media. She received the career achievement award for scholarship from the International Documentary Association in 2006 and has served as a Sundance Film Festival juror and as a board member of the Independent Television Service. She is the author, most recently, of The Daily Planet: A Critic on the Capitalist Culture Beat.