Types of Documentaries

Expository Documentary: This type of documentary presents factual information in a

straightforward and objective manner. It often employs voice-over narration, interviews, and
expert commentary to convey information to the audience. Example: City of Gold (1957) —
Dir. Colin Low and Wolf Koenig

Observational Documentary: Observational documentaries, emphasize a hands-off

approach by filmmakers. They observe and record events as they naturally unfold without
direct intervention. These documentaries aim to capture authentic moments and provide an
unfiltered look into the lives of the subjects. Example: Hoop Dreams (1994) — Dir. Steve
James

Participatory Documentary: In participatory documentaries, the filmmaker actively

engages with the subject matter, often becoming a part of the story. This type of documentary
explores the filmmaker's personal journey or involvement in the narrative, offering a unique
perspective on the subject. Example: Paris Is Burning (1990) — Dir. Jennie Livingston

Reflexive Documentary: Reflexive documentaries are similar to participatory docs in that

they often include the filmmaker within the film. However, unlike participatory, most
creators of reflexive documentaries make no attempt to explore an outside subject. Rather,
they focus solely on themselves and the act of making the film. The best example of this style
is the 1929 silent documentary Man with a Movie Camera by Soviet filmmaker Dziga
Vertov.

Poetic Documentary: Poetic documentaries are very much what they sound like. They focus
on experiences, images, and showing the audience the world through different eyes. Abstract
and loose with narrative, the poetic sub-genre can be very unconventional and experimental
in form and content. Example: Coal Face (1935) — Dir. Alberto Cavalcanti

Performative Documentary: Performative documentaries are an experimental combination

of styles used to stress subject experience and share an emotional response with the world.
They often connect and juxtapose personal accounts with larger political or historical issues.
Example: Drifters (1929) — Dir. John Grierson