DISCUSSING DOCUMENTARIES
In addition to providing information about their subjects, documentary films can be a powerful tool
for provoking community dialogue, reflection, and action.
Before You Start
Remind people of the difference between debate and dialogue. In a debate people stake out inflexible positions and the goal is to convince others that you are right and they are wrong. In a dialogue the goal is to listen, explain, and explore in an effort to deepen the understanding of everyone in the room.
Open With a General Question:
Plan for Action
Leave time for brainstorming about how people can translate what they learned from the film and the discussion into actions that improve the lives of people in their community.
Additional resources, including media literacy questions and lessons about documentary film are available from POV.
Remind people of the difference between debate and dialogue. In a debate people stake out inflexible positions and the goal is to convince others that you are right and they are wrong. In a dialogue the goal is to listen, explain, and explore in an effort to deepen the understanding of everyone in the room.
Open With a General Question:
- Describe a scene in the film that you found particularly moving or disturbing. What was it about that moment that was especially compelling for you?
- What did you think about the topic prior to viewing and how did the film affirm or challenge your ideas?
- What did you learn from the film about [insert topic]? What new insights did it provide? What questions did it raise for you?
- If you were going to tell a friend what this film was about, what would you say?
Plan for Action
Leave time for brainstorming about how people can translate what they learned from the film and the discussion into actions that improve the lives of people in their community.
Additional resources, including media literacy questions and lessons about documentary film are available from POV.
Selected Film Guides
Faith Rogow has written more than 150 guides for independent films, including:
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Race and Racism in the U.S. An American Love Story A Class Apart Family Name Farmingville Fire Next Time Frontline: A Class Divided In the Light of Reverence Race: The Power of an Illusion Race is the Place Traces of the Trade Twilight Los Angeles Two Towns of Jasper Health Critical Condition In the Family A Lion in the House Under Our Skin Unnatural Causes The Waiting Room Social Justice, Human Rights & Reconciliation The Betrayal Dear Mandela Discovering Dominga Granito: How to Nail a Dictator The Fall of Fujimori Lost Boys of Sudan No More Tears Sister Nostalgia for the Light Rabbit in the Moon The Reckoning Well-Founded Fear Education American Promise Boys of Baraka Education of Shelby Knox 180 Days: A Year in the Life of an American High School Prison, Justice, and Reconciliation The Farm: 10 Down Fatal Peril Prison Town Red Hook Justice What I Want My Words to Do to You Art Al Otro Lado Patti Smith: Dream of Life Wrestling with Angels |
Politics
An African Election Better This World Chisholm '72 Election Day Iron Ladies of Liberia Labor and Economic Justice Inequality for All Made in L.A. Maquilapolis The Sixth Section Standing Silent Nation Waging a Living Media Frontline: Merchants of Cool Frontline: News Wars Frontline: The Persuaders Reportero War 5 Broken Cameras Armadillo The Most Dangerous Man in America My Country, My Country Promises Regret to Inform Soldiers of Conscience War Feels Like War Where Soldiers Come From Environment The City Dark If A Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front King Corn Libby, Montana Thirst Up the Yangtze Gender, Feminism, Body Image Girl Model Racing Dreams The World Before Her Religion A Dream in Doubt Inheritance The Light in Her Eyes Muhammed: Legacy of a Prophet My Reincarnation New Muslim Cool Biography and Autobiography 49 Up and 56 Up 90 Miles A Lot Like You First Person Plural |
"Faith has a remarkable ability to digest films, mine their core concepts, and author discussion guides clearly and quickly." -- Larry Adelman, California Newsreel "Fantastic discussion guide. I've never had to do so little editing in my life!" -- Kimberly Sevcik, ITVS Director of International Engagement "The speed with which Faith can absorb information and understand what works astounds me! Her guide was thoughtful, comprehensive and perfectly fulfilled our goals." -- Steven Loring, Filmmaker, The Age of Love TO CONTACT FAITH:
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