The Docbuster Era (2000 to 2007)

Abstract

Abstract Chapter 5 details the “docbuster” era, a time of heightened visibility and popularity for documentary films. The years 2000 to 2007 saw a higher concentration of documentaries succeeding in theaters than ever before, with standouts like Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004), March of the Penguins (2005), and Capturing the Friedmans (2003). At the same time, the growth of the DVD market provided a new ancillary market for documentary films, and more cable television channels began funding the production of documentaries. While film festivals are often seen as a haven from the hypercommercial concerns of Hollywood, major film festivals became more imbricated with the industry than ever during this time.