A documentary film is one of several creative modes, including narrative fiction and the experimental avant-garde. Documentaries have a purpose, a point of view, and a focus, and they evolve from the formative process, either scripted or spontaneous. Documentaries are limited to reality or news.

Most documentary production requirements refer to the fact that there are no sets, no actors are used, and the real people, not the actors, play themselves.

Documentaries have been credited throughout history for having a major impact on cultural meanings. Many film schools around the world teach the art of documentary filmmaking. Schools and classes teach to understand the fundamental aesthetic tools of documentary filmmaking, such as how the camera works, sound, structure and also the interview.

Classes will often include exercises leading up to the production of a documentary film project, so students can learn directing and production skills, as well as learn the various types of documentaries.

There are always issues that both students and teachers face in documentary filmmaking that have to do with idea development, pre-production, and actual production.

students in documentary film classes view video segments that depict major trends in the history of documentary filmmaking. There are usually guest filmmakers who give lectures in the courses to guide and provide further education.

Documentaries are a very challenging form of filmmaking, which is often controversial. Historically, the genre begins with the early films of the Lumière brothers, known as “topical films”, and ends with the latest postmodern explorations. Classics include Flaherty, Grierson, Riefenstahl, Rouch, Vertov, and Wiseman, along with contemporary works. The Documentary The course examines how changing social and political realities, changing technology, as well as the personalities and talents of individuals continually redefine what is meant by documentary.

Documentaries often present challenges for cinematographers who often have to work alone or in small teams. They must learn to capture beautifully framed meaningful sequences during the low-budget and often chaotic circumstances that often surround film making. The emphasis is usually on shooting cinema verité and lighting with a very small crew. Some aspects of the digital camera are shared with the students as they work.

Documentaries are also a very popular art form. Award shows have a place for documentaries and many are often covered by film critics, as evidenced as early as 1942, when there were four winners, including: The Battle of Midway; Kokoda Frontline; Moscow strikes back; and Prelude to War. In 2009, a recent documentary on military medicine, Fighting for Life, is expected to win awards.