Week one was an interesting introduction to documentary making. In class we had multiple discussions and explored ideas related to the broad topic of documentary making. The class discussion really tapped into my general knowledge of documentaries that I have watched in the past. Through various questions and responses my perception of documentaries has slightly changed. The series of activities during class gave me perspective of the reality of this style of film.

A general response to what a documentary is by the common person would most likely be a historic account of events to serve some kind of educational purpose. However, there is so much more to it. The context of the film does not necessarily have to draw from past events, it can look to the future and draw on certain contexts. Obviously when we think about the future, it would also have the draw on the past to give contrast or support a case.

It would be easy to think that most documentaries are there to unveil the absolute truth. However, through the series of talks in class, most documentaries are far from it. It is undeniable that a lot of the films of this nature, draw on actual events, but we have to questions ourselves”

“Is there a bias?”

Most documentaries have an argument, a view point, and the people who are behind making these films manipulate these real events in the favour of the underlying argument. I do understand that it is not a complete lie, but with every film there is some degree of bent with real events. So to say that documentaries tell the truth, form what I have noticed, is a big stretch.