documentary

A documentary is a non-fiction film or television program that seeks to document reality, usually to educate, inform, or preserve a record. It presents real people, events, and environments rather than fictional stories, and it often relies on interviews, archival material, and direct observation. The term comes from the French documentaire; John Grierson is commonly credited with popularizing the concept in 1926.

Documentary practice began with early non-fiction cinema; Robert Flaherty's Nanook of the North (1922) is often cited as among the first feature-length examples. The form was later theorized around social purpose by Grierson, and it developed through movements such as direct cinema and cinéma vérité, which emphasized capturing real life with minimal interference. Notable practitioners include Flaherty, Grierson, the Maysles brothers, and Errol Morris.

Documentaries span several modes. Expository works advance an argument through narration; observational or direct cinema aims for unmediated footage; participatory pieces involve the filmmaker in the process; reflexive works examine the documentary itself; and performative or personal documentaries foreground the creator's perspective. Common techniques include interviews, voiceover, archival footage, and on-location shooting. Ethical concerns include consent, representation, accuracy, and potential manipulation.

Distribution and impact: Documentaries reach audiences through theaters, television, streaming, and festivals. They can inform public debate, highlight social issues, and influence policy, but they also face criticism over bias and selective storytelling. The genre continues to evolve with new technologies, funding models, and platforms that broaden access and engagement.