postdocumentary

Postdocumentary refers to a broad category of media that engages with the conventions and concerns of documentary filmmaking but moves beyond traditional approaches. It often questions the very nature of truth, representation, and objectivity that have historically been central to documentary. This can manifest in various ways, including the incorporation of fictional elements, the explicit acknowledgment of the filmmaker's subjective perspective, or the use of experimental techniques in both form and content.

One key aspect of postdocumentary is its self-reflexivity, where the film draws attention to its own construction and the processes involved in creating it. This might involve showing the crew at work, interviewing the subjects about their role in the film, or foregrounding the editing and manipulation of images and sound. The aim is not necessarily to deceive the audience but to highlight the constructedness of any representation of reality and to encourage critical engagement with the material presented.

The term also encompasses works that blur the lines between documentary and other genres, such as fiction, essay film, or even performance art. These films might utilize actors, staged scenes, or elaborate narrative structures while still drawing upon real-world events or individuals. The focus shifts from presenting a singular, authoritative account of reality to exploring multiple perspectives, questioning established narratives, and opening up space for interpretation and dialogue. Postdocumentary, therefore, is less a specific genre and more a critical stance that interrogates the possibilities and limitations of documenting the world around us.