Blogging COM 231: Documentary Research

December 13, 2023 When considering topics for a documentary on belonging, I began thinking about situations in which there was a lack of belonging– places that made people uncomfortable, exclusive places, places where maybe I belonged but recognized that others may not feel the same. I thought through all of the various activities I’m involved…

I was really struck by the section in Marco Williams’ documentary in which he traveled to Harrison, Arkansas, a town with a deep history of banishment. He notably visited a church there, who prided themselves on their race relations. The pastor, Wayne Kelly, stated that he was confused on how to proceed, asking, “How do…

Oct. 5, 2023 When initially considering places that I belonged, I struggled. I immediately began thinking of my hometown, and whether or not I belong there. Ultimately, I felt that it’s impossible for that to be a place I belong, as it’s the only place I’ve ever known. I’ve never moved houses, stayed in my…

Sept. 7, 2023 One of the numerous ways Coles describes documentary in his book “Doing Documentary Work” is: “What is, what can be noted, recorded, pictured; and that of presentation– how to elicit the interest of others, and how to provide a context…” (Coles 20). This selection struck me as it breaks down documentary into…