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How to Cite a Documentary in Chicago (17th edition)

Learn how to cite documentary films and non-fiction films in Chicago format (17th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

Chicago Bibliography Format

Here is the standard Chicago format for citing a documentary in your bibliography:

Director Last Name, First Name, dir. Title of Documentary. Place: Distributor, Year. Documentary.

Chicago In-Text Citation

Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:

Parenthetical

(Director Year)

Narrative

Director (Year) investigates...

Key Chicago Formatting Rules

  • Italicize the documentary title.
  • List the director as the primary creator with the dir. abbreviation.
  • Include place, distributor, and year, then the medium (Documentary).
  • Name the streaming platform if you watched it online.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your documentary.
  2. Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the Chicago (17th edition) template shown above.
  3. Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
  4. Add to your bibliography: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
  5. Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match Chicago requirements.

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Cite a Documentary in Other Styles

Cite Other Sources in Chicago

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