Global Digital Realism

 

Global Digital Realism: Cinema in the Connected World

Introduction

Global Digital Realism explores how digital filmmaking and online platforms create new forms of realism that transcend national boundaries. It captures everyday life through smartphones, social media, and global connectivity.

Core Concepts

• Reality is mediated through digital devices and networks.

• The “global real” is plural — shaped by location, identity, and access.

• Low-cost digital tools democratize cinematic storytelling.

Key Points

• Networked Realism: Films reflect interconnected social and digital spaces.

• Digital Aesthetics: Handheld cameras, vlogs, and phone footage enhance authenticity.

• Transnational Collaboration: Global digital cinema enables shared storytelling.

Examples

• Tangerine (2015) — shot entirely on an iPhone, capturing real urban life.

• Searching for Sugar Man (2012) — documentary that unites global narratives through online discovery.

• American Factory (2019) — explores globalization through digital documentation of labor and culture.