Documentaries with the Longest Production Times: Behind the Scenes of Prolonged Filmmaking

Documentaries, often hailed for their unique ability to shed light on rigorous and compelling stories, are not always the most straightforward to produce. At times, documentary making can be an extensive and time-consuming endeavor. This article delves into some of the longest documentaries in recent times, examining the reasons behind their prolonged production cycles. One of the most notable examples is When We Were Kings, a documentary that narrates the true story of Muhammad Ali and George Foreman's historic 1974 fight in Zaire, a journey that took an entire decade to complete.

When We Were Kings (1996)

When We Were Kings, directed by Leon Gast, was a monumental project in the documentary genre. The film takes viewers through the legendary Rumble in the Jungle event, where Muhammad Ali faced off against George Foreman in Zaire in 1974. The documentary is more than just a straightforward retelling; it delves into the political climate, cultural shifts, and personal transformations that influenced this historical moment. Despite its compelling subject matter, the project faced numerous challenges, leading to its lengthy production time of over a decade.

The long production period was significantly influenced by several factors. First and foremost, Gast was committed to telling the full and authentic story of the fight. This meant immersing himself in the historical context, talking to key figures, and gathering vast amounts of archival footage. Gast worked tirelessly to piece together a narrative that would not only capture the event but also explore the broader impacts of the fight on the African continent and the global fight for civil rights. This meticulous approach ensured that the documentary was not just another boxing story but a significant piece of historical and social commentary.

What Took Them So Long?

Long documentary productions can be attributed to several factors, as illustrated by the making of When We Were Kings.

Extensive Research and Interviewing

The heart of any documentary lies in its research and interviews. For When We Were Kings, Gast spent years conducting extensive research, conducting numerous interviews, and securing the right archival footage. The painstaking process of gathering accurate information and insights ensured that every aspect of the documentary was portrayed accurately and authentically. This time-consuming effort was crucial in building the narrative foundation that would make the film resonate with audiences.

Challenges in Securing Rights and Permissions

A significant hurdle in prolonged documentary production is obtaining the rights and permissions to use footage and interview subjects. In the case of When We Were Kings, Gast encountered numerous bureaucratic and personal challenges in securing the necessary permits and agreements. This process required patience, persistence, and often, enhanced negotiation skills. These delays contributed to the overall length of the production, as each hurdle needed to be overcome before moving forward.

Inclement Weather and Travel Challenges

Documentaries often involve traveling to remote or challenging locations, and this was the case for When We Were Kings. Gast and his team had to navigate the often unpredictable climates and geographic challenges of Zaire to capture the authentic atmosphere of the fight. For instance, filming in such a location during the rainy season could be hazardous and disrupt the production schedule. These unexpected delays underscore the physical and logistical challenges inherent in long documentary production.

Other Documentaries with Lengthy Productions

In addition to When We Were Kings, there are several other documentaries known for their long production cycles. One such example is Michael Moore's The Thin Blue Line, which took over seven years to complete. Another example is ctypes{1}, which required a decade to make. These films highlight the dedication and persistence needed to create documentaries that make a lasting impact.

The Thin Blue Line, directed by Errol Morris, is a complex investigation into the wrongful conviction of a man named Randall Adams for the 1966 killings of a Dallas police officer and his pregnant wife. Morris, known for his innovative and meticulous filmmaking style, spent years researching and gathering evidence to build a compelling case for Adams' exoneration. This process of uncovering the truth and piecing together the narrative took a significant amount of time, emphasizing the crucial role of thorough research and evidence gathering in long-form documentary production.

ctypes{2} is another example of a documentary that required extensive preparation and production time. This film, directed by Claude Lanzmann, chronicles the Holocaust through a series of interviews with survivors and witnesses. The project, titled Shoah, took nearly ten years to complete, with Lanzmann traveling to various locations in Europe to capture the recollections and experiences of those who lived through the atrocities of World War II. The length of this documentary underscores the importance of comprehensive historical documentation and the enduring impact of witnessing first-hand experiences.

Conclusion

Long documentary productions are often a testament to the creators' dedication, persistence, and the complexity of the stories they aim to tell. Documentaries like When We Were Kings, The Thin Blue Line, and Shoah demonstrate that these tales often require years of research, negotiation, and thorough preparation. Despite the challenges, these documentaries leave a lasting impact on audiences, offering profound insights into significant historical events and personal transformations.

Understanding the factors that contribute to the prolonged production of documentaries can provide valuable insights for aspiring filmmakers and documentary enthusiasts. The dedication and hard work behind these films are not just a means to a end, but a reflection of the immense value documentaries can provide in both cultural and historical contexts.