Documentary: The Six Modes

Participatory

     Participatory documentaries rely heavily on the relationship between the filmmaker and the subject(s). Occasionally, the filmmaker can also play a significant role in the story, and might discover a revelation through his/her own filming. For example, in Chico Colvard’s Family Affair he spent five years trying to get an answer from his father concerning the sexual relations/abuse between his father and his three sisters. At some point during the filming Chico realizes that his father’s response to why he did what he did is not important. However, the mere action of asking him is of the greatest significance. 

Film Cover

The Parents

The father's mugshot 

Chico and sisters

     





     
     Additionally, interviews are used to gather the history of the story in participatory documentary. The interviews also give light to the dynamics between the filmmaker and the subject(s), and the filmmaker and his/her place in the story. This type of encounter between the filmmaker and the subjects amid the interviewing process is called cinéma vérité in French. It means the “truth,” not referencing the absolute truth, but to the truth in the encounter between the two.


Alternative Film Examples: Roger and Me, Sherman’s March