Documentary is fast changing: with the digital revolution and the enormous
increase in Internet usage, the range of information and outlets for
distribution continues to become more diverse. In this context, are the
traditional themes and frequently irreconcilable critical positions of study
still valid - or are they changing, and if so, how? In short, what are the
issues for documentary studies now? The starting point of "Issues in
Contemporary Documentary" is that although documentary history cannot be
ignored, the genre needs to be understood as complex, multi-faceted, and
influenced by a range of different contexts. Jane Chapman brings to life the
challenges of contemporary documentary in an