Fairness in subjective documentary storytelling : A reflective essay supporting the documentary film 'Coming Home'
Master Thesis
2014
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
Ever since filmmakers started making non-fiction films, they have been plagued by the question of objectivity. Is it true, is it accurate, and is it fair? Today television consumers have become sophisticated and media savvy. They know that with any documentary, a number of editorial and creative decisions are being made often by a number of people working in a team. The question in this study is how a film can still be truthful, fair and relevant for viewers despite a clear bias on the part of the filmmaker. Michael Rabiger, Stella Bruzzi, and Sheila Bernard gave great insight into the importance of fairness toward participants, while the P.O.V series aired on PBS in the US show how to make films from a particular point of view to stimulate debate. Based on this I will argue that it is possible for a filmmaker to hold a particular view and to still make a film that is fair and accurate.
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Includes bibliographical references.
Reference:
Abrahams, J. 2014. Fairness in subjective documentary storytelling : A reflective essay supporting the documentary film 'Coming Home'. University of Cape Town.