Documentary vs. Feature Film: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 13, 2023
Documentary is a film that provides a factual record or report. Feature Film is a main film in a cinema program that is typically fictional and entertaining.
Key Differences
A documentary is a non-fictional motion-picture intended to document reality, primarily for the purposes of instruction, education, or maintaining a historical record. Feature films, on the other hand, are often fictional, created with the intent of entertaining and possibly also informing or eliciting emotional responses from the audience.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 13, 2023
Feature films primarily aim to entertain and may present fictional or dramatized events in a narrative format that emphasizes a plot with beginning, middle, and end. In contrast, documentaries focus on presenting factual information and aim to educate or shed light on particular events, issues, or topics.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 13, 2023
When it comes to production elements, documentaries usually involve real people (not actors) discussing real events or issues in their own words. In feature films, actors portray characters following a script, with the events and dialogues often being creations of writers.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 13, 2023
Feature films tend to follow a script, use actors, and are often intended to be more commercially viable, possibly aiming for broad entertainment and appeal. Documentaries, however, are typically more informative, presenting real-life issues, stories, and events with an educational, informative, or advocacy-focused purpose.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 13, 2023
Documentaries utilize a variety of forms and styles, such as interviews, archival footage, and voice-over narration to convey authentic stories and facts. Unlike feature films, they don't necessarily adhere to traditional narrative structures, instead often prioritizing truthful presentation over storytelling techniques.
Harlon Moss
Oct 13, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
To inform, educate, or record real events or facts.
To entertain, often with a fictional narrative.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 13, 2023
Content
Real-life events, people, and facts.
Fictional or dramatized stories and characters.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 13, 2023
Narrative Structure
Often flexible, prioritizing factual presentation.
Structured with a clear beginning, middle, end.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 13, 2023
Viewer Engagement
Intellectual engagement, often seeking to inform.
Emotional engagement, primarily seeks to entertain.
Sara Rehman
Oct 13, 2023
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Documentary and Feature Film Definitions
Documentary
Documentaries often serve to educate viewers on specific topics or issues.
The new documentary educates viewers about the struggles of refugees.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 13, 2023
Feature Film
Feature films typically follow a structured narrative with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
The plot twist in the feature film surprised and delighted viewers.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Documentary
Documentaries can advocate for change, highlighting social, political, or environmental issues.
The award-winning documentary played a crucial role in advocating for criminal justice reform.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 13, 2023
Feature Film
Feature films often employ professional actors to portray fictional or dramatized characters.
In the feature film, the renowned actor played the role of a charismatic villain.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 13, 2023
Documentary
Documentaries use real-life footage, interviews, and data to convey their message.
The documentary featured interviews with prominent scientists and activists.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 13, 2023
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Feature Film
Feature films are crafted to entertain, amuse, and emotionally engage the audience.
Viewers praised the feature film for its heartwarming and inspirational story.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 13, 2023
Documentary
A documentary aims to explore truth and facts, often revealing new or detailed information.
The documentary revealed shocking insights into the political scandal.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 13, 2023
Feature Film
A feature film usually spans multiple genres, such as drama, comedy, action, or thriller.
The feature film effortlessly blended action and comedy, appealing to a wide range of audiences.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 13, 2023
Documentary
A documentary provides a factual and true account of events or subjects.
The documentary on climate change showcased the harsh realities of global warming.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Feature Film
A feature film is a full-length movie intended primarily for theatrical release.
The feature film attracted large audiences during its opening weekend at the cinema.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 13, 2023
Documentary
Presenting facts objectively without editorializing or inserting fictional matter, as in a book or film.
Sumera Saeed
May 04, 2020
FAQs
Do documentaries use actors?
Typically no, documentaries primarily feature real people and events.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 13, 2023
What is a documentary?
A non-fictional film that presents factual information about a particular subject.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 13, 2023
What is a feature film?
A full-length movie, typically fictional, designed to entertain and possibly inform audiences.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Can feature films be educational?
Yes, though their primary aim is usually to entertain.
Sara Rehman
Oct 13, 2023
What is the primary aim of a documentary?
To inform, educate, and/or provide a record of real events or issues.
Janet White
Oct 13, 2023
Can a documentary be a feature film?
Yes, if it has the typical length and production quality of a feature film.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 13, 2023
What defines the genre of a feature film?
Elements like narrative style, themes, and mood determine genre.
Janet White
Oct 13, 2023
Are documentaries typically independent films?
Many are, though they can also be produced by larger studios.
Harlon Moss
Oct 13, 2023
Are all feature films made for entertainment?
Primarily yes, though they can also convey messages or themes.
Harlon Moss
Oct 13, 2023
Can a documentary be made on a feature film?
Yes, it can explore the making, impact, or context of a feature film.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 13, 2023
How long is a typical documentary?
Length can vary widely, from a few minutes to several hours.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 13, 2023
Who typically creates documentaries?
Filmmakers, journalists, or experts in a relevant field.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 13, 2023
What are common styles of documentaries?
Expository, observational, participatory, and poetic are common styles.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 13, 2023
Are feature films based on real stories?
They can be, but feature films often explore fictional narratives.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 13, 2023
Do feature films have a specific structure?
They often follow a three-act structure but can vary.
Harlon Moss
Oct 13, 2023
Can documentaries have fictional elements?
Generally no, as they strive to represent factual information.
Janet White
Oct 13, 2023
Can documentaries be biased?
Yes, they can reflect the perspectives and intentions of the filmmakers.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 13, 2023
Can feature films be based on documentaries?
Yes, a documentary's topic can be adapted into a fictionalized feature film.
Sara Rehman
Oct 13, 2023
What is the typical duration of a feature film?
Usually between 90 and 180 minutes.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 13, 2023
Can feature films win documentary awards?
No, awards are typically genre-specific.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 13, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
