Documentary's vast history unveiled in 16-hour epic.

Filmmaker Mark Cousins has unveiled "The Story of Documentary Film," an expansive 16-hour series produced by John Archer. This encyclopedic exploration delves into the history of documentary cinema, focusing on innovative and boundary-pushing works from its inception to the present. The series examines films from diverse global locations, including Palestine, Spain, Soviet Russia, Africa, and India, challenging nationalistic narratives by highlighting interconnected influences across cultures.

Cousins aims to provide audiences with a broader understanding of how films fit into a larger historical and political context. He contrasts early "roving eye" perspectives from Western filmmakers with the subsequent emergence of voices from previously underrepresented regions, enriching the art form. The series also addresses documentary's complex legacy, acknowledging its use in promoting ideology, such as Leni Riefenstahl's Nazi propaganda films, while also showcasing humanistic counter-narratives.

Reflecting on the current socio-political climate, Cousins chose not to attend the Sundance Film Festival due to concerns about U.S. travel policies. He noted that while he values Sundance, the U.S. has become a challenging environment for internationalists. Producer John Archer highlighted the difficulties in distributing such a large-scale series in the current media landscape, but expressed confidence in its international appeal and Cousins' unique vision.