About

My name is Lou Mindar and I’m the publisher of Documentary Film Blog.  I love documentary films, but what qualifications do I have to tell the world which films are good and which films aren’t?  Truth is, I really don’t have any qualifications other than knowing what I like.  However, I do have a few general rules I use when viewing/reviewing a documentary film.

First and foremost, the story being told must be interesting and it must be told well.  Documentary filmmakers are storytellers.  If they are good storytellers and they are telling an interesting story, chances are I’ll like the film.  If the story isn’t interesting and/or it isn’t told well, I probably won’t like it.

The story being told should be real.  It should be true.   If the film is overly scripted and the people in the documentary become actors, then it is a work of fiction, not a documentary.

I prefer films that tell a story in an even-handed way.  Propaganda turns me off regardless of whether I agree or disagree with the cause.

I don’t care for wild, experimental filming methods.  A good storyteller who is telling an interesting story shouldn’t have to resort to such methods.

Music should be used (if at all) to enhance the story being told, not cover up shortcomings in the story or the storyteller.

If you don’t agree with one of my reviews, let me know.  Post your thoughts in the comments section.  You may not change my mind (or I yours), but discussing documentary films is always fun.