Vol. 2 (2024)Issue 2 — Issue 2 (2024)English

Documentary Films in India: Challenges and Opportunities

Dr. Priyanka Sarkar· SNDT Women's University Mumbai

Published 11 May 2025

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Abstract

Documentary films in India represent a profound intersection of reality and storytelling, offering a lens into the country’s social, political, and cultural fabric. Historically, these films have served as a critical tool for awareness and advocacy, shedding light on issues ranging from social justice to environmental concerns. The genre has often been instrumental in challenging the status quo, pushing for reform, and giving voice to marginalized communities. However, documentary filmmaking in India has not been without its struggles. Filmmakers frequently encounter obstacles such as censorship, limited funding, and distribution challenges, which can hinder the reach and impact of their work. Despite these hurdles, the landscape for documentaries in India is evolving. Technological advancements and the rise of digital platforms have begun to mitigate some of these issues, enabling filmmakers to distribute their work more widely and engage with global audiences (Kishore, 2018). Dr. Asif Husain , Assistant Professor, School of Liberal and Creative Arts (Journalism and Mass Communication), Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab

Keywords

Documentary FilmsIndian CinemaMedia CensorshipDigital DistributionFilmmakingSocial AdvocacyIndependent Cinema

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