Documental vs. Documentary — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 18, 2024
Documental is an adjective meaning relating to or consisting of documents, while documentary refers to a genre of film or television that provides a factual record or report.
Difference Between Documental and Documentary
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A documentary is a non-fictional film or television program that provides a factual report on a particular subject, often incorporating real-life footage, interviews, and narration to inform or educate the audience about real-world events, phenomena, or individuals. Documental, on the other hand, is used to describe something that pertains to, is supported by, or is derived from documents.
Documentaries are known for their in-depth exploration of topics, ranging from nature and history to culture and social issues, aiming to present facts and perspectives to the viewer in an engaging and informative manner. The term Documental is often used in legal, historical, and academic contexts where the validity, authenticity, or content of documents is of importance. For example, documental evidence refers to information or data that is contained in, or can be obtained from, documents, serving as a basis for establishing facts or truths in various investigations or studies.
While both terms share a root in the word "document," implying a recorded or written material, their usage and contexts differ significantly. Documentary as a genre relies on the visual and narrative portrayal of factual content, often aiming to engage and sometimes persuade or provoke thought in its audience. Documental, however, emphasizes the nature or role of documents themselves as sources of information or evidence.
"Documentary" is primarily associated with the realm of visual media and storytelling, focusing on the depiction of reality, whereas "documental" is an adjective that relates to the function or use of documents in various fields of work or study, highlighting the significance of written or recorded material as a basis for information, evidence, or research.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Relating to, consisting of, or derived from documents
A non-fiction film or program presenting factual content
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Purpose
To describe the nature or use of documents in supporting information or evidence
To inform, educate, or entertain through factual storytelling
Context
Legal, historical, academic research
Film, television, media
Key Elements
Documents, written or recorded evidence
Real-life footage, interviews, narration
Usage
Adjective describing the relation to documents
Genre of visual media
Compare with Definitions
Documental
Involving documents as a source of information.
The historical study was based on documental records from the 19th century.
Documentary
A film or program that presents factual information about a subject.
The documentary on climate change highlighted global environmental issues.
Documental
Pertaining to the use or role of documents.
The investigation relied on documental evidence to build the case.
Documentary
Aims to educate or raise awareness on various topics.
The health documentary explored the benefits of a plant-based diet.
Documental
Relates to the documentary nature of records.
The archive provided valuable documental resources for the project.
Documentary
Can be found across different media platforms.
The streaming service released a documentary series on ancient civilizations.
Documental
Used in contexts where documents are central to the discussion.
Documental analysis is crucial in legal research.
Documentary
Often uses real footage and interviews to tell true stories.
The war documentary featured interviews with veterans and archival footage.
Documental
Describes something supported by written or recorded material.
The argument was strengthened by documental references.
Documentary
Engages viewers with real-world phenomena and narratives.
The nature documentary showcased the diversity of life in the rainforest.
Documental
A written or printed paper that bears the original, official, or legal form of something and can be used to furnish decisive evidence or information.
Documentary
Consisting of, concerning, or based on documents.
Documental
Something, such as a recording or a photograph, that can be used to furnish evidence or information.
Documentary
Presenting facts objectively without editorializing or inserting fictional matter, as in a book or film.
Documental
A writing that contains information.
Documentary
A work, such as a film or television program, presenting political, social, or historical subject matter in a factual and informative manner and often consisting of actual news films or interviews accompanied by narration.
Documental
(Computers) A piece of work created with an application, as with a word processor.
Documentary
Of, related to, or based on documents.
Documental
(Computers) A computer file that is not an executable file and contains data for use by applications.
Documentary
Which serves to document (record and:or illustrate) a subject.
Documental
Something, especially a material substance such as a coin bearing a revealing symbol or mark, that serves as proof or evidence.
Documentary
(of a film, book etc) Presented objectively without the insertion of fictional matter.
Documental
To furnish with a document or documents.
Documentary
A film, TV program, publication etc. which presents a social, political, scientific or historical subject in a factual or informative manner.
Documental
To methodically record the details of
"I had thought long and logically about ... how to document the patterns of dolphin behavior" (Diana Reiss).
Documentary
Pertaining to written evidence; contained or certified in writing.
Documental
To support (an assertion or claim, for example) with evidence or decisive information.
Documentary
A film or TV program presenting the facts about a person or event
Documental
To support (statements in a book, for example) with written references or citations; annotate.
Documentary
Relating to or consisting of or derived from documents
Documental
(obsolete) Of or relating to instruction.
Documental
(archaic) Of or relating to written evidence; documentary.
Documental testimony
Documental
Of or pertaining to instruction.
Documental
Of or pertaining to written evidence; documentary; as, documental testimony.
Documental
Relating to or consisting of or derived from documents
Common Curiosities
Can a documentary be purely documental?
A documentary can be heavily documental, focusing on presenting or analyzing documents, though it typically includes additional narrative elements to engage viewers.
What role do documents play in historical documentaries?
In historical documentaries, documents are crucial for providing authentic evidence and context, helping to reconstruct events and stories accurately.
Is all documental material suitable for documentaries?
Not all documental material is suitable for documentaries as it may lack visual or narrative interest, though it can provide a factual basis for the content.
Can a documentary use documental evidence?
Yes, documentaries often use documental evidence, such as archival footage, documents, and records, to support factual storytelling and authenticity.
How do documentarians research for documentaries?
Documentarians research by reviewing documental materials like archives, documents, and interviews, alongside field research and expert consultations.
How important is documental authenticity in documentaries?
Documental authenticity is vital in documentaries to ensure credibility, accuracy, and trustworthiness of the information presented.
Can fiction films incorporate documental elements?
Fiction films can incorporate documental elements for realism or to base fictional narratives on real events, blending fact and fiction creatively.
Are there any legal implications of using documental content in documentaries?
Using documental content in documentaries may have legal implications regarding copyright, privacy, and accuracy, requiring careful consideration and permissions.
How do documental artifacts contribute to cultural documentaries?
Documental artifacts, like letters, photographs, and recordings, contribute to cultural documentaries by providing personal and historical insights into cultural practices and changes.
Can the effectiveness of a documentary be measured by its documental sources?
The effectiveness of a documentary can be partly measured by its documental sources' relevance, authenticity, and how well they support the narrative and factual claims.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
