Exploring Intimacy and Authenticity in Greek Folk Music Documentaries: A Hybrid Form of Ethnographic Filmmaking.

Abstract

This research investigates how Greek folk music documentaries can embody intimacy and authenticity through a hybrid ethnographic filmmaking approach. Based on a body of 34 documentary films aired on Greek Television between 2017 and 2020, the study explores the intersection of autoethnography, reflective practice, and formal film craft. It identifies a novel methodological framework that integrates the filmmaker’s personal experiences with formal cinematic techniques, creating documentaries that resonate with cultural authenticity. Guided by the overarching question, how can documentary filmmaking integrate intimate, authentic narratives while preserving cultural heritage? The research articulates how the filmmaker’s autoethnographic lens enhances authenticity. Sub- questions examine the collaborative processes involved in storytelling and the role of technical and narrative strategies in enriching the viewer’s experience. Selected case studies highlight specific formal film craft elements, such as narrative structure, cinematographic techniques, and musician collaboration, that contribute to the intimacy and authenticity of the documentaries. This thesis not only codifies the filmmaker’s methods but also critiques traditional approaches to practice-as-research and autoethnography, offering a refined framework for ethnographic documentaries. By intertwining the filmmaker’s personal reflections with formal techniques, the research advances the field of ethnographic filmmaking and provides a model for preserving intangible cultural heritage through collaborative and reflective practices.