What defines a documentary film?

A documentary film is characterized by its commitment to representing real events, people, and issues, often seeking to inform or educate the audience through factual storytelling. This genre prioritizes authenticity and strives to present subjects in a manner that reflects reality, whether through interviews, archival footage, observations, or a mix of these techniques. Documentaries might address various topics, including but not limited to social issues, historical events, cultural phenomena, and personal stories.

In contrast, the other choices describe different cinematic approaches. Films based on fictional narratives and characters fall under the realm of narrative cinema, which creates stories from an imaginative perspective. Animated films focus on bringing characters and stories to life through animation techniques, which may or may not reflect real-life events. Films that primarily feature special effects often belong to the action, fantasy, or science fiction genres, where visual spectacle takes precedence over factual representation. Thus, the distinguishing characteristic of a documentary film lies in its engagement with reality and factual storytelling.