FREE Documentary Essays | Best Examples for Academic Success


Another possibility might be to create a documentary about a sociolinguistic survey you have conducted (whether for published research or in the context of a sociolinguistics class), such as a dialectological survey meant to assess variation in the dialects spoken by individuals in different regions or social groups.


On the other hand, as the researchers note, “Because of the small sample sizes used in qualitative research, it is impossible to generalize the results.” As a result, the documentary may not be able to focus as much on the results of the research or possible applications of the research.

The advantage of creating a documentary short about this study is that it would be about a topic of public interest (that is, the study has real-world relevance).

Documentary Free Essay Examples And Topic Ideas

To get you thinking about what sort of topic you might want to cover and what factors or challenges you might need to consider, below are some examples of specific publications or types of research that a documentary could be about.

Imagine embarking on a journey into the wild, not as a human observer but as a part of the wildlife. This is precisely what Joe Hutto, a naturalist and wildlife artist, experienced and vividly documented in his book and the subsequent PBS documentary "My Life as a Turkey." In this essay, we explore Hutto's remarkable journey of raising a brood of wild turkeys from hatchlings to adulthood, uncovering profound insights about nature, animal behavior, and the interconnectivity of life. "My […]

"Blackfish," a term used by Native Americans to describe orcas, became a household name in 2013 with the release of a documentary that would forever change the public's view of marine parks and captive killer whales. This film, directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, delves deep into the world of orcas held in captivity, focusing particularly on Tilikum, an orca involved in the deaths of three individuals, and the practices of SeaWorld, a major player in marine entertainment. At the heart of […]

In the vast expanse of documentary storytelling, "Red Dog" emerges as a poignant narrative that transcends the typical canine tale. At the core of this heartfelt documentary lies a remarkable ensemble—both human and canine—that collectively paints a vivid portrait of resilience, companionship, and the unbreakable bond between man and his four-legged friend. Narrated against the stunning backdrop of the Australian Outback, "Red Dog" captures the spirit of the legendary kelpie who became an icon of loyalty. The documentary, much like […]


Essay Example on a Documentary by Ava Duvernay

The question "What year was America founded?" seems straightforward, but the answer is complex and layered. To understand the founding of America, we must consider several key dates and events, each contributing to the birth of the United States as we know it today. The most commonly cited year is 1776, the year the Declaration of Independence was adopted. On July 4th, 1776, the Continental Congress officially declared the thirteen American colonies free and independent states, no longer under British […]

Essay Example on a Documentary by Ava Duvernay ..

Michael Moore, an American filmmaker and author, is famous for his bold documentaries that stir up big questions and tackle social issues head-on. His films don't just entertain—they provoke and challenge viewers worldwide. Moore's style mixes humor, personal stories, and a gutsy approach to uncovering truths, making his documentaries both eye-opening and controversial. One of Moore's standout works, "Bowling for Columbine," dives deep into America's gun violence problem. Released in 2002, it digs into the tragic Columbine High School shooting […]

Sample Documentary Essay - Download as a PDF or view online for free.

Whether friendly, professional, neutral, or intimate, this connection ultimately skews the product’s position upon its’ subject matter and poses difficulties in exploring the subject matter in the manner intended by its’ documentarian.

[PDF] The Cinematic Essay: Argumenative Writing and Documentary Film

The Columbine High School massacre, which occurred on April 20, 1999, in Littleton, Colorado, is one of the most harrowing events in American history. This tragedy, in which two students opened fire on their peers and teachers, resulted in 13 deaths and over 20 injuries, deeply impacting the nation. The event has been the subject of numerous documentaries, each striving to understand, analyze, and present different perspectives on the tragedy. This essay explores the importance of documentaries on the Columbine […]

Free Essay Example for Students

The Netflix series Explained, co-produced by Vox and Netflix, embarks on a fascinating journey through the complexities of modern issues and intriguing topics that are sure to ignite conversations. In the episode titled "Music," Vox delves into the profound significance of music within human society, examining its historical roots and its pivotal role in shaping cultural identities. The documentary posits that without music, the essence of humanity as we know it might have evolved quite differently. Music's Role in Human […]