Journalism and cinema: Possible meeting between the journalism of Realidade Magazine and the sociological model of documentary

Abstract

This article aims to identify possible associations between the journalism made by Realidade magazine, in the period from 1966 to 1968, and the Brazilian documentary production related to Cinema Novo, which is classified by Jean-Claude Bernardet as sociological model. This study has found the existence of instrumental and thematic analogies between these two forms of expression. Socio-historical context was considered a relevant factor, since there was a significant challenging to the pre-established values and forms in the studied period. The elements that promote the proposed dialogue are: (i) critical approach to controversial issues and to national interest subjects; (ii) presence of the authorial voice; and (iii) the choosing of characters that distinguish subject or social group. This study seeks to highlight that the election of characters, to symbolize the treated issues, was  common both in Realidade magazine, through tale-report gender, as in sociological documentaries through the narrative technique classified by Bernardet as private/general.