What is the definition of a Documentary film?

A documentary is defined broadly as films that are based on document, documenting reality or facts.

www.education.yahoo presents this definition:

ADJECTIVE:

1. Consisting of, concerning, or based on documents.
2. Presenting facts objectively without editorializing or inserting fictional matter, as in a book or film.

NOUN:
pl. doc·u·men·ta·ries

"A work, such as a film or television program, presenting political, social, or historical subject matter in a factual and informative manner and often consisting of actual news films or interviews accompanied by narration."

If you want to start a debate ask people what a documentary really is. Some will say non-fiction. Some wll say it is reality captured on film. I offer this definition.

The Producer's Definition:
Documentaries are stories with a unique point of view. The documentary you make will be your point of view. Done well, that viewpoint can be a wonderful creation. We can benefit from your take on life when you show us a compelling story. Documentaries are not fiction, but they still are stories.

Here’s what makes a documentary a documentary: a documentary generally needs to be true, because people will believe a documentary more than movies, television or even news. Documentaries are often thought of as being more truthful than other forms of storytelling.

What is “true” can change. Think about it. At the time of Copernicus a statement about the flat earth might have been deemed true but a century later it would not. A documentary on “The Unavoidable Flatness of the World” or “Why Rome is Fireproof” would have been a hit at one stage of history but time has changed that. What is true changes because life changes. But people know “truth." Give them truth.

MAKE AND TELL A GOOD STORY AND YOU WILL HAVE A GREAT DOCUMENTARY!