Skip to content
← All Citation Guides

How to Cite a Documentary in Vancouver (ICMJE)

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

Vancouver Reference List Format

Here is the standard Vancouver format for citing a documentary in your reference list:

Director AA, director. Title of documentary [documentary film]. Place: Distributor; Year.

Vancouver In-Text Citation

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

Parenthetical

(1)

Narrative

The documentary (1) reveals...

Key Vancouver Formatting Rules

  • Use the director as author followed by the director designation.
  • Add the [documentary film] designator after the title (not italicized).
  • Give the place of distribution, distributor, and year.
  • Number references in order of first appearance in the text.

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 Vancouver (ICMJE) 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 reference list: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
  5. Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match Vancouver requirements.

Generate This Citation Automatically

Skip the manual formatting. Paste a DOI, URL, or ISBN into CitationEasy and get a perfectly formatted Vancouver citation in seconds.

Cite in Vancouver Now →

Cite a Documentary in Other Styles

Cite Other Sources in Vancouver

More Resources