Instructional Video

Experimental and Documentary Films

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This Experimental and Documentary Films instructional video also includes:

Some of the boldest films in history have been documentaries or experimental films. Explore non-narrative cinema and its avant-garde techniques with a short video about a creative faction in film history. Additionally, the video discusses the history of the documentary and the rise of cinéma vérité in the 20th century.

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CCSS: Adaptable
Instructional Ideas
  • See if you can find modern examples of experimental short films to show in class
  • Challenge film students to create their own experimental films about the high school or college experience
  • Have young journalists watch the portion of the video on documentaries to prepare for their own documentary projects
  • Engage learners in a discussion about the various documentary forms, including shorts and long-form, as well as the popular mock-umentary format
Classroom Considerations
  • The first five minutes of the video are about experimental film; the documentary section begins at 5:12
  • The final part of a Crash Course playlist on film history
  • This video is hosted on YouTube
Pros
  • Fans of David Lynch and other surrealist directors will enjoy the discussion of non-narrative cinema
  • Succinctly covers the history and milestones of each film format
Cons
  • None
Common Core