Music, Sound, and Documentary Film in the Global South

The book Music, Sound, and Documentary Film in the Global South, edited by Christopher L. Ballengee, explores the role of music and sound in documentary films from the Global South, challenging the European-American milieu. The ten essays provide fresh evaluations of the place of music and sound in documentary films, highlighting their impact on memorializing traumatic histories and critiquing everyday lived experience. Close readings of documentary soundscapes offer new perspectives on ways of hearing and being heard in the Global South.

Format: Hardback
Length: 194 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Music, Sound, and Documentary Film in the Global South, edited by Christopher L. Ballengee, is a significant contribution to the study of the production and analysis of documentary film soundscapes. This book explores a wide range of social, cultural, technological, and theoretical issues relevant to current trends in Global South studies. Written by a diverse group of authors, including filmmakers, academics, and cultural critics, the ten essays in this collection offer fresh perspectives on the role of music and sound in documentary films beyond the European-American milieu.

The authors of this book shed light on the historical origins of documentary film, revealing how it was initially shaped by colonialist projects. However, as access to filmmaking technologies improved, documentary films began to reflect local communities and national identities. In essence, documentary film in the Global South can be defined as a mode of storytelling that is personally or politically mediated, serving as a valuable tool for memorializing traumatic histories and critiquing everyday lived experiences.

The essays in this volume demonstrate the power of close readings of documentary soundscapes by offering fresh insights into ways of hearing and being heard in the Global South. Through their analysis, the authors highlight the complex interplay between sound, music, and visual imagery in shaping the narratives and identities of documentary films in this region.

This book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the intersection of music, sound, and documentary film in the Global South. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex dynamics of these media forms and their impact on society. By examining the contributions of a diverse range of authors, this book contributes to the growing body of literature on Global South studies and offers valuable insights into the ongoing debates and discussions surrounding documentary film and its role in shaping cultural identities.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666902952