Documentary films are a different world with a different fan base. The short documentaries that we binge-watch on OTT platforms are not a new concept, it has been there for the longest time. Documentaries are the representation of factual material that not only entertain but also educate and inspire, shedding light on the complexities of our world. The history of documentaries is a journey that spans over a century containing interesting facts, controversies, and many past events that are unheard of.
The Inception of Documentaries
The roots of documentary filmmaking go back to the late 19th century when inventors like Thomas Edison and the Lumière brothers were experimenting with motion pictures. However, it was not until the early 1920s that the term “documentary” was coined by Scottish filmmaker John Grierson. Grierson believed that films could be used to document and represent reality, shedding light on the social and political issues of the time. He was one of the influential documentary filmmakers and it was his far-sighted approach that led documentaries to be one of the most popular genres of all time.
The First-Ever Documentary: Nanook of the North (1922)
Officially, especially for Americans, “Nanook of the North” is seen as the first-ever documentary. It was made by a filmmaker named Robert J. Flaherty, and it’s a silent movie that was really important in the early days of the film industry. The movie tells the story of Nanook and his family, who lived in the wild as Eskimos. It is not just an important film; it is like a history book because it shows a way of life that doesn’t exist anymore. However, some people said that Flaherty staged a lot of the scenes in the movie and even asked the people to act like they were living in the past, providing viewers with a glimpse into a remote and unfamiliar world. So, this movie not only marks the start of documentaries but also starts a conversation about how this genre should be made.
Documentaries as a Medium for Activism
Documentaries have always had the power to be the source of change and enlightenment. During World War II, governments recognized their potential for propaganda. Still, after the war, filmmakers turned their lenses toward social and political issues. One standout example is “An Inconvenient Truth” (2006), which was directed by Davis Guggenheim and featured Al Gore. This documentary raised awareness about climate change, inspiring many to take action to protect our planet.
The Evolution of Documentary Filmmaking
As technology advanced, so did documentary filmmaking. In recent years, the rise of streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime has made documentaries more accessible than ever. This has paved the way to be the comeback of this genre, with a diverse range of documentaries becoming popular globally. Notable examples include “Making a Murderer” (2015), which sparked discussions about the justice system, and “Tiger King” (2020), which shed light on the exotic animal trade.
The Recent Docuseries That Garnered Attention
The Bottom Line
Storytelling techniques over time have seen evolution of documentary filmmaking but what remains constant is the gripping storyline to grab the audience’s attention. To this day, documentaries serve as a medium of activism and social change. They allow us to explore the world, uncover hidden stories, and challenge our perceptions. They are not just films but impactful tools to reach the masses and bring in change.