Ethnographic film is a documentary genre that focuses on the study and representation of cultures and communities. It aims to provide an in-depth look at the lives, traditions, and practices of specific groups, often through immersive storytelling and visual documentation. This type of film often emphasizes the perspectives of the subjects being filmed, allowing their voices and experiences to be highlighted.
These films can serve as valuable resources for anthropologists and researchers, as they capture social behaviors, rituals, and daily life. Notable examples of ethnographic film include works by Robert Flaherty and Jean Rouch, who helped establish the genre in the early 20th century.