DiMS-RG – In an era dominated by short videos and fast information, documentary films still hold a unique power: they help audiences understand the real world. Unlike fictional films, documentaries are grounded in reality, presenting real people, events, and social experiences. Through careful storytelling and visual representation, documentary filmmakers do more than record reality; they interpret it, giving audiences new perspectives on social life.
One remarkable example of this practice appears in the film Cameraperson (2016), directed by documentary cinematographer Kirsten Johnson. The film is a collage of footage captured over twenty-five years of Johnson’s career working on documentaries around the world. Through fragments of memories, encounters, and social moments, the film reveals how the act of filming itself becomes a reflection on humanity.
A scholarly study examining this film is titled “The Practice of Bill Nichols’ Documentary Approach in Kirsten Johnsons Cameraperson (2016)”, published in the journal Discursos Fotográficos by Universidade Estadual de Londrina on 12 December 2023. The article analyzes how Johnson’s documentary style reflects the theoretical framework of documentary scholar Bill Nichols, particularly his six approaches to documentary: expository, observational, participatory, reflexive, performative, and poetic.
According to the study, these six approaches appear throughout Cameraperson. For example, the participatory approach—where the filmmaker interacts directly with subjects—appears most frequently, with 33 scenes identified. Meanwhile, the observational approach occurs in 20 scenes, showing moments where the camera simply witnesses events without interference. The reflexive approach highlights the filmmaker’s presence and emotions, while the expository approach provides a direct explanation to the audience. Smaller portions of the film also employ performative and poetic storytelling techniques.
What makes this documentary particularly powerful is its ability to connect personal memories with global realities. Johnson’s camera captures scenes from different countries, cultures, and social situations. These images—ranging from everyday family moments to scenes of conflict or hardship—encourage viewers to reflect on the ethical responsibilities of both filmmakers and audiences.
From a global development perspective, documentary films like Cameraperson contribute strongly to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education. Education today is not limited to classrooms or textbooks. Visual media, including documentaries, play a crucial role in expanding public understanding of social issues, cultural diversity, and human experiences.
By presenting authentic stories from different parts of the world, documentaries help audiences develop critical thinking, empathy, and global awareness. They allow people to “learn through seeing,” making complex social realities easier to understand. In this way, documentary films function as informal educational tools that support lifelong learning.
Moreover, the documentary approach demonstrates how communication media can transform raw experiences into meaningful narratives. Through editing, framing, and storytelling, filmmakers create a bridge between reality and public understanding. This process turns documentary film into an important form of public communication—one that informs, educates, and invites audiences to reflect on the world around them.
Ultimately, Cameraperson reminds us that a camera is not just a recording device. It is a medium for witnessing history, sharing knowledge, and fostering understanding among people across cultures. When used responsibly, documentary filmmaking becomes more than art—it becomes a powerful tool for education and social awareness.
Reference
Sonni, A. F., & Mardhani, W. A. (2023). The Practice of Bill Nichols’ Documentary Approach in Kirsten Johnsons Cameraperson (2016). Discursos Fotográficos, 20(35), 76–94. Universidade Estadual de Londrina.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5433/1984-7939.2023v20n35p77
Contact
Dr. Alem Febri Sonni
Phone: +62 811-4117-677
