Beginning with a survey of the contemporary landscape of copyright law, Aufderheide and Jaszi drew on their years of experience advising documentary filmmakers, English teachers, performing arts scholars, and other creative professionals to lay out in detail how the principles of fair use can be employed to avoid copyright violation.
Beginning with an overview of the central issues of documentary filmmaking—its definitions and purposes, its forms and founders—Aufderheide focuses on several of its key subgenres, including public affairs films, government propaganda (particularly the works produced during World War II), historical documentaries, and nature films. Her thematic approach allows readers to enter the subject matter through the kinds of films that first attracted them to documentaries, and it permits her to make connections between eras, as well as revealing the ongoing nature of documentary's core controversies involving objectivity, advocacy, and bias.
The book delves into the rich history and significant impact of Kartemquin Films, highlighting its role in shaping independent documentary filmmaking in Chicago. It celebrates key figures like Gordon Quinn and Jerry Blumenthal, emphasizing their commitment to participatory democracy and social change through media. Patricia Aufderheide's narrative intertwines personal accounts with broader cultural movements, illustrating how Kartemquin has influenced American culture and the documentary genre. This work serves as an essential resource for understanding the legacy and ongoing relevance of independent cinema.
Essays address the nature and impact of multiculturalism on our society and its relationship to "political correctness"