The documentary film genre has undergone a significant transformation, with a shift away from independent journalism and towards access-driven projects. In the past, individuals in positions of power or influence would willingly grant access to journalists, allowing them to tell their stories. However, the current landscape is dominated by hagiography, where subjects have the final say over the content of the film. This shift has led to a decline in journalistic integrity and independence, as subjects now have the power to dictate the narrative and control the message. The New Yorker editor David Remnick and Emmy Award-winning documentarian Ezra Edelman expressed their concerns about this trend, highlighting the loss of journalistic independence and the impact on the quality of documentaries. Remnick shared a personal experience where he was denied access to LeBron James' story due to the desire to control the narrative and maintain a specific 'voice'. Edelman added that athletes and celebrities now have the power to dictate the terms of their stories, often choosing to work with ghostwriters or production companies that align with their interests. This shift has resulted in a decline in the quality of documentaries, as they are no longer products of a rigorous journalistic process. Instead, they have become vehicles for subjects to tell their stories however they choose, with filmmakers focusing more on entertainment than information. While some documentaries still manage to be both entertaining and informative, the opportunities for independent journalism have diminished significantly. The industry has evolved, and the traditional role of the journalist has been challenged, leaving a void that needs to be filled to restore journalistic integrity and independence.
