Documentaries and the Experience of Collective Engagement

A beautifully captured documentary in the midst of towering super trees.

That was the sight to behold last Saturday when BBC Earth held a special screening at Gardens by the Bay of Seven Worlds One Planet presented by Sir David Attenborough that juxtaposes the magic of the natural world with climate change.

If you have never watched a documentary amongst a large crowd before, here’s how I would describe it. There was an electrifying energy buzzing around the place that amplified the emotions on screen. As “circle of life” stories such as predator versus prey, coming-of-age, colony and environment, played out scene by scene, the experience of watching them unfold was enhanced by the crowd’s reactions around me.

A curious child asking variations of “why” in response to the events that occurred on the big screen. A collective gasp by a group of friends as a giant leopard seal pursued a tiny penguin to an inch of its life. A grand applause when an albatross chick reunites with its parent following a brutal storm.

These reactions may seem like needless disruptions to some – after all, doesn’t it prevent you from becoming completely immersed in the film? Fair point. However, I would argue that the benefit of immersion is trumped by that of collective engagement. If the objective of a documentary is to extend the stories beyond the screen to encompass thoughts, conversations and decision making around policies that impact the world – an objective that I assume Seven Worlds One Planet aspires to achieve – then there is no better way than to watch such works in a group.

The photo above should give some indication as to the amazing 1,800 people turnout on a cooling Saturday night. Some came with loved ones, others alone, but collectively as a group, we didn’t know each other – a status that was unlikely to change. However, in the span of 60 minutes, all of us engaged in a conversation with the film serving as the frame.

Observing people’s reactions, I believe, complemented the film. This was most apparent in the children who came with their parents. Some stood up in awe as two bull seals duked it out, inflicting wounds on each other’s already scarred bodies. The thunderous body slams punctuated by their eyes of ruthless aggression. Others hugged their parents and looked away as the cycle of life and death were portrayed honestly. These are not easy topics. They certainly would not make the cut in any “family-friendly” movies.

But documentaries can, for they have earned this privilege to ignite such conversations regardless of age. Done with dignity and respect to the many facets of life and the world at large, I am personally reminded once more of why I was so engrossed in documentaries ever since I could remember.