Studies in Documentary Film

Scope & Guideline

Uncovering the Impact of Documentary on Contemporary Society

Introduction

Welcome to the Studies in Documentary Film information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Studies in Documentary Film, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1750-3280
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2007 to 2024
AbbreviationSTUD DOC FILM / Stud. Doc. Film
Frequency3 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Studies in Documentary Film' focuses on a broad spectrum of documentary practices, exploring the intersection of film, society, and emerging technologies. It aims to contribute to the understanding of documentary as a dynamic form of cultural expression that addresses contemporary issues, engages with diverse narratives, and employs innovative methodologies.
  1. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Documentary Studies:
    The journal promotes interdisciplinary research, incorporating perspectives from media studies, sociology, cultural studies, and more, to analyze documentaries as complex cultural artifacts.
  2. Exploration of New Media and Technologies:
    There is a consistent focus on how emerging technologies, such as virtual reality and interactive media, are reshaping documentary filmmaking and audience engagement.
  3. Cultural and Political Contexts:
    The journal emphasizes the examination of documentaries within their socio-political contexts, addressing themes such as migration, identity, and the representation of marginalized voices.
  4. Ethical Considerations in Documentary Filmmaking:
    A critical reflection on the ethical dimensions of documentary practices is a recurring theme, with attention to agency, representation, and the responsibilities of filmmakers.
  5. Innovative Narrative Techniques:
    The journal highlights innovative narrative structures and aesthetics in documentary filmmaking, exploring how these techniques affect viewer perception and engagement.
The journal has shown a clear evolution in its thematic focus, with several emerging trends highlighting the changing landscape of documentary filmmaking and scholarship. These themes reflect current societal issues, technological advancements, and innovative narrative strategies.
  1. Empathy and Audience Engagement in Documentaries:
    Recent papers emphasize the role of empathy in documentary filmmaking, particularly in how immersive technologies, like virtual reality, can foster deeper connections between the audience and subject.
  2. Documentary as a Tool for Social Justice:
    There is a growing trend of analyzing documentaries as instruments for social change, focusing on how they address issues such as migration, identity, and human rights.
  3. Speculative and Experimental Documentary Practices:
    An increase in interest in speculative documentaries and experimental forms suggests a shift towards innovative storytelling that challenges traditional narratives and realities.
  4. Interactivity and Audience Participation:
    Emerging themes highlight the importance of interactivity in documentaries, with a focus on how participatory approaches can redefine viewer roles and experiences.
  5. Digital and Data Activism:
    The exploration of data activism and the use of documentary as a medium for political engagement in the digital age is a significant emerging theme, reflecting broader societal concerns.

Declining or Waning

While 'Studies in Documentary Film' has been at the forefront of many contemporary themes, certain areas of focus appear to be waning in prominence. These declining scopes reflect shifts in both academic interest and industry practices.
  1. Traditional Documentary Formats:
    There is a noticeable decline in the exploration of traditional, linear documentary formats, as the journal increasingly emphasizes non-linear and interactive storytelling approaches.
  2. Purely Descriptive Analyses:
    Papers that focus solely on descriptive analyses of documentary content without engaging in broader theoretical frameworks or cultural implications are becoming less common.
  3. Focus on Historical Documentaries:
    While historical documentaries remain important, there is a shift away from solely historical analyses towards more contemporary and speculative documentary practices.
  4. General Audience Reception Studies:
    Research solely focused on general audience reception without a deeper analysis of socio-political implications or technological influences is becoming less frequent.
  5. Conventional Ethics Discussions:
    Discussions on ethics that do not incorporate contemporary issues such as digital rights, privacy, and the impact of technology on documentary practices are diminishing.

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