What is the main goal of a documentary film?

The main goal of a documentary film is to provide factual information about real issues. Documentaries are designed to explore, investigate, and present real-life topics, events, and individuals, often aiming to educate the audience or raise awareness about particular subjects. They draw on real evidence, interviews, and archival footage to create a narrative that informs viewers about the complexities of the world, societal issues, personal stories, or historical events.

In contrast to fiction, which focuses on storytelling through made-up characters and scenarios, documentaries aim to present truth and reality, allowing audiences to engage with and understand important topics. This commitment to factual representation sets documentaries apart as a unique genre in cinema, where the emphasis is less on entertainment through storytelling and more on conveying authenticity and insight.