MMA Free Elect 1 – Documentary Film is a course that explores the principles, practice, and evolution of documentary filmmaking, with a primary focus on Philippine media and its historical development. The subject examines how documentary film has been used as a tool for storytelling, cultural preservation, social commentary, and historical documentation in the Philippines.
Students study the origins and global development of documentary cinema and how these influences shaped local Philippine documentary traditions. The course highlights key periods in Philippine media history, including pre-war film, post-war documentary practices, martial law-era media, and contemporary digital documentary production. It also discusses how Filipino filmmakers adapt documentary styles to reflect local culture, social issues, and national identity.
Emphasis is placed on research, narrative development, visual storytelling, and ethical considerations in documentary production, such as representation, truthfulness, and subject consent. Students are encouraged to analyze and produce documentary works that reflect Philippine society while applying both traditional and modern filmmaking techniques. By the end of the course, students are expected to understand the role of documentary film in shaping public awareness and cultural discourse in the Philippines.
- Teacher: Joehaima Jul
- Teacher: Jamil Zaiphadin Tando