Purpose, Objectives of Documentary Filmmaking, Challenges

What is the Purpose of Documentaries?

As Master of Suspense Alfred Hitchcock so eloquently says, documentaries are story-driven visual documentations of the real world: “In feature films the director is God; in documentary films God is the director.” 

1. Inform and Educate
• Present factual information on social, cultural, political, environmental, or historical topics.
• Raise awareness about underrepresented or marginalized issues.
2. Advocacy and Activism
• Act as a catalyst for social change by highlighting injustices, inequalities, or human rights violations.
• Encourage viewers to take action or reconsider their perspectives.
3. Preservation of Culture and History
• Document cultural traditions, oral histories, and significant events for future generations.
• Capture fleeting moments, rituals, or ways of life that are at risk of being lost.
4. Exploration of Human Experience
• Provide insight into personal journeys, emotions, and struggles.
• Showcase universal themes such as love, resilience, and hope through individual stories.
5. Challenge Power and Authority
• Question dominant narratives, expose corruption, and critique systems of power.
• Encourage critical thinking and dialogue about societal structures.
6. Artistic Expression
• Use creative storytelling, visuals, and sound design to present reality in an engaging way.
• Blur the lines between art and documentation, offering innovative perspectives.

---

Objectives of Documentary Filmmaking

1. Representation of Truth- Tell Real Stories
• Share authentic human experiences and personal journeys to foster empathy and understanding.
• Give a voice to those who might otherwise remain unheard.
• Strive for authenticity and accuracy while recognizing the filmmaker's subjectivity.
2. Building Empathy
• Bridge gaps between different cultures, communities, or viewpoints.
• Foster understanding and compassion for others.
3. Empowering Voices
• Amplify the stories of individuals or communities often ignored by mainstream media.
4. Encouraging Dialogue
• Serve as a platform for debate and discussion about pressing global or local issues.
5. Creating a Historical Record
• Provide an enduring visual account of events, people, and societies.

Challenges

Most researchers are not documentary filmmakers and may lack experience in visual arts and in using the video camera. Learning to use the camera and microphone, techniques to frame shots and filming in real time can prove to be very challenging. Data analysis/video editing phase can be very time consuming and challenging as well. Since the video captures moving real time images and shares with the viewers more evidence than static images or text, researchers have to be reflexive and make ethical decisions about video clips that are included or excluded from the film.