Why Solution-Oriented Documentaries Are Hard to Make, Part 1

Why is it so hard to make a social issue documentary that delivers solutions? It’s a delicious question that that I’ll tackle in two parts. Today is Part 1.

Here’s a theory I recently came across on the podcast “Pure Nonfiction with Thom Powers” (episode 124). It especially applies to progressive makers who see solutions in congressional action.

Unfortunately, says director Jeff Orlowski (“The Social Dilemma,” 2020), legislative scenarios  may strike many viewers as “propaganda”.

“If you believe the solution to climate change is legislation, if you say that in a film, it very quickly will rub some audiences the wrong way,” said Orlowski, who also directed “Chasing Ice” and “Chasing Coral”.

But “this can be frustrating for a documentary viewer,” responded Powers. “You’ve just made me really angry at something, now what do I do?”

One answer is to partner with existing organizations to create follow up campaigns. For example, after story consulting with Josh Tickell on “Kiss the Ground,” I was deeply inspired by the film’s Impact Fund, which supports their Media Program, Farmland Program, Stewardship Program, and Educational Outreach.

Another answer is to let a business or non-profit handle solution-oriented action campaigns. Groups that specialize in this include Working Films, Firelight Media’s Impact Campaign Fund, and Jon Reiss’s 8 Above.

Is outsourcing the only choice for filmmakers who want to make documentaries that are more solution-oriented?

Stay tuned for the surprising answer in Part 2 of this newsletter!