What is Mark Cousins' new 16-hour series about?

Mark Cousins' new 16-hour series, "The Story of Documentary Film," is an encyclopedic exploration of the history of documentary cinema, focusing on innovative and boundary-pushing works from around the globe.

How does Cousins' series challenge traditional documentary narratives?

Cousins' series challenges nationalistic sub-stories by highlighting interconnected influences across cultures and showcasing boundary-pushing films from diverse global locations, offering a more comprehensive, international perspective.

What are the distribution challenges for "The Story of Documentary Film"?

Producer John Archer noted that contemporary broadcasters are hesitant to take on such a large project, and while streamers show interest in biographical films, they may deem this series too serious and international for wider distribution.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Documentary's vast history unveiled in 16-hour epic.

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

30 Jan

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Summary

Mark Cousins' 16-hour series explores documentary film history.
The series examines boundary-pushing films globally.
Cousins critiques celebrity docs, advocating for deeper narratives.

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.