Graduation Year

2025

Document Type

Campus Only Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Reader 1

Rivka Weinberg

Reader 2

Ruti Talmor

Abstract

Documentaries and the process of making documentaries are usually regarded as a way to capture reality, a medium in which truth is preserved while providing insight into certain stories.1 Yet, in the process of making documentaries lies a complex web of ethical considerations, especially when looking at how documentarians represent their subjects. While the act of documenting someone's life seems relatively straightforward, an artist must understand the constantly evolving dynamics of consent, control, and representation. Consent is a constant negotiation that extends far beyond the moment of filming; it encompasses pre-production, post-production, and the overall reach of the documentary once it is released. The temporal aspect of consent in the world of the film begs me to question the power dynamics we see and ask: Who is in control during the filmmaking process, and how does this affect how the subject is portrayed?

Download

This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.

Share

COinS