Mockumentary

A mockumentary (a portmanteau of the words mock and documentary) is a type of film or television show in which fictional events are presented in documentary style to create a parody. These productions are often used to analyze or comment on current events and issues by using a fictional setting, or to parody the documentary form itself. They may be either comedic or dramatic in form, although comedic mockumentaries are more common. A dramatic mockumentary (sometimes referred to as docufiction) should not be confused with docudrama, a fictional genre in which dramatic techniques are combined with documentary elements to depict real events.

Mockumentaries are often presented as historical yet witty documentaries, with B roll and talking heads discussing past events, or as cinéma vérité pieces following people as they go through various events. Though the precise origins of the genre are not known, examples emerged during the 1950s, when archival film footage became relatively easy to locate. A very early example was a short piece on the "Swiss Spaghetti Harvest" that appeared as an April fools' joke on the British television program Panorama in 1957.

Latest News for: History documentary

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‘Folktales’: Sundance Review

Screen Daily 26 Jan 2025
The documentary wobbles when it tries to explain the history of these folk high schools — which have existed across Scandinavia for approximately two centuries, their approach drawing on aspects of Norse mythology — but simply showing the teens interacting with the dogs ......
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'American Pickers' is coming back to Ohio. Here's what they want to find

Times-Gazette - Ashland 26 Jan 2025
The "American Pickers" is again looking for some great stories and cool items in the Buckeye State. The long-running documentary series — which has been broadcast for 26 seasons and 398 episodes on the History Channel — plans to film episodes in Ohio in March ... well ... just about anywhere....
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What's on? Top 10 TV and streaming tips for Sunday

RTE 26 Jan 2025
There's a Room to Improve special with former DWTS judge Julian Benson, It’s movie week on Dancing with the Stars, new arrivals on Call the Midwife, and plenty of GAA action . ... Documentary exploring the enduring history, folklore and science of the legendary Loch Ness monster, with contributions from believers, sceptics, tourists and locals alike ... ....
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Questlove Breaks Down Iconic Breakbeats Of All Time

Vibe Magazine 25 Jan 2025
Naturally, we segued to Sly & The Family Stone’s hit single “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin.” With Sly as the main subject and inspiration behind his upcoming documentary, SLY LIVES!, it was no surprise that Thompson would bring the music history....
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'American Pickers' is coming back to the Buckeye State. Here's what they hope to find

Times Reporter 25 Jan 2025
'American Pickers' star Mike Wolfe wants to save small towns. 'American Pickers' star Mike Wolfe's advice on saving American heritage. Zach Boyden-Holmes, DesMoines ... The long-running documentary series — which has been broadcast for 26 seasons and 398 episodes on the History Channel — plans to film episodes in Ohio in March ... well ......
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A tearful Michelle Satter, whose home burned in Palisades fire, brings Sundance to its feet

The Los Angeles Times 25 Jan 2025
... documentary presents enough 'new, convincing evidence' to change the history (and future) of 'The Terror of War' will be in the eye of the beholder, but it culminates in a forensic analysis of still images and video from that day in Trang Bang that left this viewer gobsmacked....
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Bill seeks to create a working group to guide wild horse management at Theodore Roosevelt ...

Grand Forks Herald 25 Jan 2025
The bill follows a tumultuous time in the history of the herd, which roams the park’s south unit ... North Dakota's wild horses to be featured in book, documentary on rich history, cultural heritage. The documentary, now in production and set for release in 2026, is a partnership between Wild Horses Wild Lands and Fargo-based Click Content Studios....
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Boulder-area events for Saturday, Jan. 25: Laurie D at Zeal Food for Enthusiasts

Daily Camera 25 Jan 2025
Today. Laurie D at Zeal Food for Enthusiasts. 6 p.m. Saturday, Zeal Food for Enthusiasts , 3101 Pearl Parkway, Boulder ... Free. Vintage Valentine’s at the Museum of Boulder ... Head to the museum at noon or 4 p.m ... 2 p.m ... A short documentary about the history of the theater will be premiered as a lead up to an entertaining performance by Face Vocal Band ... ....
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My heart-thumping terror on the day I came face to face with a huge polar ...

The Daily Mail 25 Jan 2025
I remember saying. 'Hey, bear' – as if this were just another magical moment in the Arctic wild ... Its nose looked like a fist-sized lump of coal ... She was hungry ... I've been a wildlife cameraman for over 30 years, most notably on BBC natural history documentaries, so I know I represent pretty easy pickings for any large wild animal that decides to eat me....
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Acclaimed singer-songwriter sues Warner Bros. for $500 million

Penn Live 24 Jan 2025
Award-winning singer and songwriter Chris Brown has announced he is suing Ample LLC, Warner Brothers, and all those involved in producing the documentary “Chris Brown. A History of Violence.” ... The suit claims that the “defendants released the documentary on Oct ... The documentary focuses on the years of allegations made against the singer....
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Chris Brown files lawsuit against Warner Bros Discovery over documentary’s sexual assault claims

NewstalkZB 24 Jan 2025
A History of Violence, a 2024 documentary that explored a string of allegations against the singer that included violent behaviour and sexual misconduct ... They also claimed the corporation had been notified of “the false and misleading narrative” ahead of the documentary’s release late last year....
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B.C. chief wants Oscar-nominated residential school film to be part of curriculum

North Shore News 24 Jan 2025
— An Oscar-nominated documentary about deaths, abuse and missing children at a former British Columbia residential school should be shown in schools across Canada, says a First Nations leader ... Sellars, who has seen the documentary, said it puts the issue of Canada's residential school history and experience on the world stage....
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'Saturday Night Live' has a rich, half-century musical history. Questlove's new documentary digs in

Quad-City Times 24 Jan 2025
For 50 years, music has been a big part of the history of “Saturday Night Live.” A new documentary by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson richly brings some of that history to light, with artists who do the rite of passage by ... ....

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