The ethics of archive in documentary filmmaking

Abstract

Although documentary ethics is a fairly well discussed subject, there is a need for discourse on the ethics of working with archives, particularly film-based archives. This paper seeks to encourage discussion as to the ethical ramifications and responsibilities of working with archive material. Arguments on the nature of archive and what archive represents are explored, and the delineation between documentary, journalism, and archive is investigated. Examples of what might be considered ethical and unethical usage of archive material are investigated for insight into what any code of archive ethics might need to consider. The Ethics of Archive in Documentary Filmmaking explores the use of archival materials and the ethical responsibilities inherent in using such a resource, including the challenges posed by the blending of historical truths with artistic representations. It discusses the tension between objectivity and artistic licence, reflecting on the role of documentary as a mediator of reality. By raising these ethical questions and emphasising the importance of understanding the meaning and purpose of an archive, Ethics of Archive in Documentary Filmmaking prompts media practitioners to consider the broader implications of their work in a world where the line between fact and fiction can become blurred.