Final answer:
A documentary is a form of visual storytelling that often includes photographs, video clips, and firsthand accounts. It is used to tell personal or communal stories and can engage with social issues, prompting discussions and fostering understanding within communities. Documentaries also serve as a platform for citizen journalism, bringing attention to overlooked subjects.
Step-by-step explanation:
A documentary is usually a short video with images and sounds that allows the filmmakers to tell their own stories about their lives and communities. These projects often include photographs, short film clips, first-hand accounts, and even musical performances. For example, one might create a photographic documentary of a social event, such as a class, a meeting, or a community gathering, preserving the memories and experiences of those participants.
Students are encouraged to make a documentary of their own by capturing a meaningful moment in their lives through a 3-5 minute multimodal video. This video may incorporate various elements like video footage, still images, and textual explanations that delve into the significance of the chosen moment. The documentary genre is a potent form of visual storytelling that employs various rhetorical devices to engage and persuade the audience, much like NPR's 'The Picture Show: Photo Stories' or thought-provoking films such as 'Food, Inc.'
Another aspect of documentaries is their ability to promote discussion and advocacy on important issues. For instance, the movie screening for the film 'Wretches and Jabberers' provided a platform for discourse on autism by showcasing the lives and advocacy messages of individuals with the condition. This form of artful storytelling offers not just entertainment but also education and can lead to life-changing impacts, such as increased acceptance and understanding within communities.
In some contexts, locals use documentary films to reflect on social identities, concerns, and values that are significant to their community. This is evident in places like Ghana where local video films, despite technical criticisms, remain popular for their relatable stories. Citizen journalism further extends the power of documentary filmmaking, allowing people to report on topics typically overlooked by mainstream media, thus giving visibility to diverse issues and perspectives across the globe.