A documentary is a nonfictional film or video that aims to document reality to primarily educate, instruct, or maintain a historical record. It presents facts, real events, and real people, often using actual footage like interviews, archival materials, and observational videos. Documentaries typically have a narrative structure and are purpose-driven to inform, persuade, entertain, or spark action. They reveal truth, investigate, and inform viewers about real-life stories, people, and events, often shaped by the filmmaker's perspective.