DESCRIPTIVE DOCUMENTARY
Documentaries that consist mainly, or even completely, of archival footage and documents. They often reflect on, describe and/or analyze historic events. The recourse to archival docu-ments often gives the (audiovisual) text a sense of authenticity and objectivity (and truthfulness). But that boundaries can be crossed, shows the possibility to use historical, authorized documents to present a ‘documented’ fictive story.
The documentary "The Olympic Games in Antiquity" is a series of five half-hour episodes about the Olympic Games, which combines historical accuracy with an original script and the use of modern technology. It covers the history of the Games from the 8th century BC, their starting point, to their final abolition during the early years of Christianity. Athletic competitions during the Prehistoric Times, such as the bull-leaping in Minoan Crete and the games of wrestling and boxing in Mycenaean Greece -which were the forerunners of the Olympic Games-, the temple of Olympia and ancient Elis form an important part of the series. However, the larger part deals with the analytical description of an Olympiad, and specifically its ritual and the program of the Games. The series, the unique one in the whole world that deals with the subject, brings to light unknown and rare archaeological material from the greatest Greek and foreign museums. In addition, it presents scientific information about the way that Olympic Games were conducted and their influence to the ancient world, and particularly to the social life, art and culture. Of course it is not a typical descriptive documentary, but a dramatised production, for the script is based on the spiritual "journey" of a new actress, who seeks the true meaning of the Olympic Games, since she is about to play the part of the head priestess in the lightning of the Olympic flame. In addition, actors represented people who were connected with the Games, such as Diagoras of Rhodes and the runner Ageas.
SOURCES:
http://www.fhw.gr/fhw/en/projects/film/olimpiakoi.html
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/kees.bakker/docufiction.htm