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The Art and Politics of Documentary During Global Crisis

Art Mitchell

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Published in The Migrant Image: The Art And Politics Of Documentary During Global Crisis

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The Migrant Image: The Art and Politics of Documentary during Global Crisis

by T. J. Demos

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	20683 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	360 pages

Documentary film has a long and rich history of addressing global crises. From the Great Depression to the present day, documentary filmmakers have used their cameras to capture the human face of crisis and to challenge the power structures that have produced them.

In this article, we will explore the ways in which documentary filmmaking has been used to address global crises. We will argue that documentary film can be a powerful tool for raising awareness, challenging power structures, and promoting social change.

The Great Depression

The Great Depression was one of the most severe economic crises in modern history. It began in the United States in 1929 and spread to the rest of the world. By 1933, unemployment in the United States had reached 25%. The Depression had a devastating impact on the lives of millions of people around the world.

Documentary filmmakers responded to the Great Depression by producing a number of films that captured the human face of the crisis. These films included The Plow That Broke the Plains (1936),The River (1937),and The Grapes of Wrath (1940). These films showed the devastating impact of the Depression on farmers, migrant workers, and other ordinary people.

The films produced during the Great Depression were not only important for documenting the crisis, but also for challenging the power structures that had produced it. These films helped to raise awareness of the plight of the poor and working class, and they challenged the prevailing economic orthodoxy of the time.

The Vietnam War

The Vietnam War was a major turning point in the history of documentary filmmaking. The war was televised, and the images of death and destruction that were beamed into American living rooms helped to turn public opinion against the war.

Documentary filmmakers played a major role in shaping public opinion about the Vietnam War. Films such as The Battle of Algiers (1966),Hearts and Minds (1974),and Winter Soldier (1972) provided a powerful indictment of the war and the American government's role in it.

The films produced during the Vietnam War were not only important for documenting the war, but also for challenging the power structures that had produced it. These films helped to raise awareness of the horrors of war, and they challenged the prevailing political orthodoxy of the time.

The Global Financial Crisis

The Global Financial Crisis of 2008 was another major turning point in the history of documentary filmmaking. The crisis was caused by a number of factors, including the subprime mortgage crisis, the collapse of the housing market, and the failure of major financial institutions.

Documentary filmmakers have responded to the Global Financial Crisis by producing a number of films that explore the causes and consequences of the crisis. These films include Inside Job (2010),The Big Short (2015),and 99 Homes (2014). These films have helped to raise awareness of the complex causes of the crisis, and they have challenged the prevailing economic orthodoxy of the time.

The Future of Documentary Film

Documentary film is a powerful tool for addressing global crises. It can raise awareness, challenge power structures, and promote social change.

As the world faces new challenges, such as climate change, inequality, and political instability, documentary filmmakers will continue to play a vital role in helping us to understand these crises and to work towards solutions.

The Migrant Image: The Art and Politics of Documentary during Global Crisis

by T. J. Demos

5 out of 5