New Tendencies in Documentary Film, with Prof. Etami Borjan

The Masterclass titled ‘New Tendencies in Documentary Film’ conducted by Etami Borjan, a renowned film expert and educator offers an in-depth exploration of the latest developments in the world of documentary filmmaking. With her extensive academic background and experience, Borjan provides valuable insights into the history and theory of documentary, ethnographic, European, and world cinema.

Throughout the Masterclass, Borjan shares her knowledge of the emerging trends in documentary filmmaking, including new technologies, storytelling techniques, and modes of distribution. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the documentary genre, its evolution, and how it has changed over time.

The Masterclass covers various topics, such as the impact of digital technologies on documentary filmmaking, the role of the director in shaping the narrative, and the use of different mediums such as animation, archival footage, and reenactments. Participants will also learn about the ethical considerations in documentary filmmaking, including representation, authenticity, and exploitation issues.

Moreover, Borjan draws on her experience as a film curator and publisher to share insights into how to get a documentary film noticed, distributed, and promoted. Participants will learn about the industry’s current state and the different platforms available for screening and showcasing documentaries.

Overall, the masterclass ‘New Tendencies in Documentary Film’ with Etami Borjan is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in documentary filmmaking to learn from a leading expert in the field, gain valuable knowledge and skills, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations in the industry.

Etami Borjan joined the NIFF Forum 2023 on 19th March through a masterclass. The masterclass was titled New Tendencies in Documentary Film and was held at the Nepal Tourism Board. She is a film expert and educator at the University of Zagreb, who has made significant contributions to the field of film studies. She has taught the history and theory of ethnographic, documentary, European, and world cinema for many years and has an impressive academic background, with a MA in Film Studies from La Sapienza University in Rome and a Ph.D. from the University of Zagreb.

“There were some scholars at the beginning who were quite suspicious about using new media. Referring to the concept of indexicality, some of them said that new media would put in danger the true nature of documentary,” opined Borjan. “That didn’t happen. Instead, new media contributed to new aesthetics and realism. I would say that in today’s new media documentaries, we witness a new form of realism-hyperrealism. New media has enabled directors to make reality more real.”