Documentary Films Are Engaging And Offer Interesting Topics

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Documentary Films Are Engaging and Offer Interesting Topics By Cookie Maxwell Expert Author Cookie Maxwell

Documentary films are non-fiction video creations designed to spark debate, inform viewers, capture insider information or behind-the-scenes moments, and provide entertainment to viewers. Historical documentaries are among the most popular and sometimes controversial. Rare footage of past world wars and political history never fail to invoke various feelings of anger, appreciation, respect, and pride amongst viewers. Many of today's documentary films are without boundaries. They often take on the view of the documentarian or creator and persuade viewers to expand their knowledge or opinions on various topics. In recent years, the large number of political and economic documentary films has risen exponentially. Filmmakers from all sides of the political debate poignantly, and sometimes humorously, express their views on environmental and economic issues by interviewing politicians and citizens alike. Some documentary films are created to intentionally invoke controversy and create upheaval. Openly criticizing or mocking an authority figure in a documentary may create controversy, but it is a great way to gain media attention and raise awareness towards the cause or issue at hand. Most documentaries are designed to be educational and informative. Many documentaries become future reference materials for students of all ages. Many science and history-based documentaries are incorporated into a learning environment as part of a course curriculum or outline. Many of the best documentaries are of historical nature. It can take a documentarian decades to gather information and footage from past wars and other historical events. Locating survivors and war veterans and having them recount their experiences can take an extensive period of time, but often makes the documentary a wild success. Professional historians and history buffs alike become engrossed with the narration, the story, and the battlefield scenes of the never-before-seen footage contained in the documentaries. Most history-based documentaries narrate from a third-person account, including interviews and showing footage throughout the documentary, always in chronological order. While each historical documentary


may take a different approach in presenting the information and facts, the ultimate goal is to inspire and educate viewers by providing a more in-depth look at life during the time period. Political documentary films of past and present quickly become a piece of historical reference. Presidential debates and oval office footage during past terms are often influential and popular. Many of today's leaders are scrutinized for their policies and action or inaction. These days a large percentage of approval or disapproval from citizens stems from comparing leaders of today with leaders of yesterday. The policies, legislature, and procedures of past Presidents resurface during elections and are often compared to the policies of today's leaders, even several decades later. While there are many historical and political documentaries, there are also a large number of reality-based documentaries. These documentaries are often designed to give viewers an inside look at special circumstances or lifestyles. Some target teen-related issues, while others give a birds-eye view of what it is like to live in the world with a physical or mental disability. Obesityrelated documentaries have also become popular in recent years. The reason for this is that obesity documentaries touch a chord with individuals in similar situations, but also pique the interest of those in political and economic industries. A vast majority of historical and political documentaries go on to win numerous awards and earn a place among the most elite films of all time. The reason for this is due to the amount of work and number of years spent on putting together the masterpiece. Some of these documentaries provide the only visual proof of the times and conditions during certain periods and wars. It is for these reasons that they are highly treasured, respected, and deemed as authoritative and commemorative sources of history. Documentary films mean different things to different viewers. They are timeless, informative, and educational references that stand the test of time and provide facts and footage of important historical events throughout time.

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