Research Symposium

BIO

My name is Gabriel Martinez and I am originally from Miami, Florida. I am currently a sophomore studying as a Theatre BA, emphasizing performance and design. My research interests have to do with the creative arts, specifically storytelling and constructing designs for an audience. My career goals intertwine with my interests, in which I am striving to hopefully perform in numerous environments, film and stage, and have closer ties to the performing arts. I am also interested in creative design, including graphic and technical design such as carpentry and lighting design.

Incorporating Documentary Filmmaking into the Fundamentals of Research

Abstract

Documentary filmmaking is an essential tool for informing, educating, and sparking thought by revealing raw, unfiltered truths, allowing audiences to explore the world beyond fiction. By focusing on stories that deepen the understanding of larger-scale events, constructing these informative videos through captured footage, interviews, and referenced images benefits both the audience and researchers, who collectively learn from the process. Using the program Da Vinci’s Resolve, we’ve created three documentaries that demonstrate this, utilizing technical strategies and detailed analysis to offer commentary on historical narratives surrounding WWII and intermarriage, a locally renowned weeping angel statue, and current LGBT issues and identity. The three carefully crafted documentaries, each exploring different aspects of life, show the impact on both participants and viewers, where those sharing their stories reach a wider audience, and viewers gain a personal perspective on familiar events. The purpose behind focusing on distinct subject matters is to tackle different areas of storytelling as they pertain to engaging an audience. Our participants, who were part of key historical moments often overlooked, allowed us to share their rich histories, enriching the public's understanding while inviting the audience to learn about compelling small-scale stories that highlight broader events, more personalized stories that they may sympathize with. From the struggles of intermarriage during WWII, LGBT issues, and the unique tale of a weeping angel statue, raising awareness of these individual stories is a testament to our team’s editing and scriptwriting, demonstrating the importance of accuracy, time management, and structure in effective storytelling.

Keywords: Documentary Filmmaking, WWII Intermarriage, Technical Strategies, LGBTQ Issues, Public Awareness