This book explores key themes in current documentary from a number of perspectives social and political; digital technological and observational / reality. Framed by a substantial theoretical and historical introduction to documentary studies by the editors, the book then comprises a number of essays by practitioners, academics and academic-practitioners working in documentary in Ireland. The book charts key changes in Irish society over the past fifteen years as they relate to documentary practice and explores, through an array of diverse voices, whether documentary initiates and/or reflects these changes. The book situates documentary practice in the wider social, political and cultural context of recent Irish society.While addressing a common set of issues, the book will bring together a diverse range of reflections and comments, embracing issues of craft, art practice and social commentary, relevant to the experience of each documentary-maker as articulated in their work. Through a spectrum of views, "Documentary in a Changing State" questions whether there is a unique Irish tradition and anticipates future directions as the medium changes in response to the ever-increasing globalized world. The book captures the passion and the frustrations of the behind-the-scenes aspects of documentary making; acknowledges professional constraints and compromises; and explores key moments when Irish documentary instigated tangible changes in Irish politics and society. Documentary makers play a key role in contributing to a changing society and more liberal discourses, but are also themselves operating within a changing society and addressing increasingly sophisticated audiences.

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