1. Documentary film and narrative
What do stories have to do with non-fiction factual films?

2. Narrative in documentary film
Narrative is commonly used to describe dramatic fictional films
However the term narrative also applies to any text in which the producer relies on characters, actions, conflict, chronology and more to tell an involving and emotionally compelling story

3. Narrative in documentary film
The facts are presented as a story with a beginning, a middle and an end.
Characters are created through interviews, re-enactments, narration and other techniques
Conflict is established, often simplified into good v evil, nature v manufactured, little v big
Emotive responses are created with visual images, music and emotive language

4. Narrative in documentary film
The issue or subject matter isn’t what makes these films compelling.
It is HOW the subject is presented in a way that involves the viewers and makes them want to know what happens next.