what is documentary

A documentary is a non-fictional motion picture intended to "document reality, primarily for instruction, education, or maintaining a historical record". It is a broad term used to describe a non-fiction movie that captures or documents reality, often revealing unusual, interesting, or unknown angles. Documentaries can cover a wide range of topics and are intended to inform, educate, and enlighten viewers about important subjects or events. They are based on real-life events, real people, and real issues, and can provide new perspectives that may not be prevalent in traditional media such as written publications and school curricula. Documentaries can take various forms, such as expository documentaries that aim to explain or inform the audience about a particular topic, often using a combination of interviews, narration, and archival footage. Overall, documentaries are a significant aspect of cinematic culture, offering diverse perspectives and knowledge, and empowering audiences to change the world around them.