Documentaries are increasingly popular with moviegoers, and that means more of them are receiving theatrical releases. You're likely to find films made by celebrity directors like Michael Moore and Barbara Kopple widely distributed in local Cineplexes.
In theaters
Like most films, documentaries are best seen on large screens in theaters. Being in the company of other people who are watching and reacting as the film reveals it's subject and point of view adds to your enjoyment. Seeing a documentary in a theater rather than in your home also spares you the distractions of incessant phone calls, the temptations behind the refrigerator door and interruptions by children who want to claim your attention. So, whenever possible, see a documentary in a theater, as you should and would a narrative feature.
Other Screens
If your local Cineplex doesn't yet feature documentaries, ask for them. And, while you're waiting for them to catch the wave, you may find large screen showings of documentaries at museums or universities that have film programs or film societies. Check with these institutions to see what they have to offer.
Festival screenings
Some museums, universities and local film societies sponsor documentary film festivals, which are wonderful events at which to see recent and premiering films and connect with other people who find nonfiction films fascinating. Festivals also often present documentary filmmakers in moderated conversations about their work, so you might get that chance to ask your pressing question about their subject matter and filmmaking technique. Try volunteering for a documentary film festival to get an inside track to the films and filmmakers.
On TV
By no means let the absence of large screen venues or local festivals deter you from enjoying documentaries and the view they present of the real wide world around you. Many documentaries are made for TV as stand alone films or in a series. Cable channels like HBO, IFC and others produce and air documentaries on a regular basis. So, consult your local TV listings for titles and times.
On DVD
Fortunately, many documentaries are distributed on DVD shortly after their theatrical release or TV broadcast dates. DVDs are great for watching recent films you've missed or had difficulty finding elsewhere. And, classic documentaries like Nanook of the North and Harlan County USA, that are no longer showing in theaters and are rarely aired on TV are available on DVD. New and used copies are sold in retail stores and online at Amazon.com and other retailers. They're also available for rent from NetFlix and for loan free of charge from your library.
Make watching documentaries a regular part of your movie viewing. Your world will be much richer for it.
