The “cause” documentary has become one of the most influential and artistic forms of informing and persuading viewers about issues of global importance. “Supersize Me” was viewed by millions of people worldwide, was nominated for an Oscar, and won several other awards. Similarly, documentaries like “Bowling for Columbine” and “An Inconvenient Truth” had significant impacts on raising awareness and starting conversations about issues like gun control and climate change in America. These filmmakers are not just using the medium of film for expository communication; they are combining facts and information with creative visual choices to both influence and entertain the minds of millions of consumers.

Now it’s your turn. You and your team of writers, researchers, cinematographers, journalists, and advocates, are setting out to create a short documentary about an important cause, an issue of global importance that you feel deserves more awareness. How can you collect the most persuasive and relevant data? What experts--local, national, and/or international--can you contact to explore your topic? How can you use creative filming, editing, music and sound, research, and interviews to create a piece of film that is informative, persuasive, and creative?

Find an issue of global interest and importance and take stand.

What are the project requirements?  

• The documentary must be 15-20 minutes in length.  
• Students form groups of 4-5 people.  
• An annotated bibliography must accompany the documentary indicating that the project has been researched.  
• The documentary must be an issue of global importance that extends beyond the school community and relate to one of the concepts and/or topics we have studied this year, i.e. Social Relationships, Cultural Diversity, Communication & Media, and Health.  
• Post the final project to your personal media space.  

How will this project be assessed? (35 marks total) 

Paper 2A   

Criterion A- Language (10 marks)  

Criterion B- Message (10 marks)  

Criterion C- Format (5 marks)  

Paper 2B   

Criterion B- Argument (10 marks) 

Your double periods from now until the due date will be your studio/workshop classes. Use this time with your group to discuss, research, outline, and create your documentary.

Due Date: June 10^th