The stylistic approach of my project is a mix of direct cinema, sports media documentaries, and archival storytelling. Rather than using traditional narration or staged interviews, the film adopts an observational stance.
Observational Documentary (Direct Cinema)
My primary influence is the “Direct Cinema” movement, specifically the work of Frederick Wiseman and His film Boxing Gym. Wiseman avoids “talking heads” and instead captures the raw atmosphere of a training space. From this, I will use long, static takes to let the action breathe. By removing narration, I am going against the standard documentary style by, forcing the audience to engage with the visual data rather than being spoon-fed a message.
Here is an example of “Boxing Gym”
Archival Narrative Construction
I am drawing inspiration from Asif Kapadia, particularly his film Senna. Kapadia uses only archival footage to build a driving, emotional narrative without modern interviews. With this, I will treat my BJJ footage as a “digital archeology,” mixing low resolution phone clips with high-definition cinematography to show the passage of time.
Here is an example of “Senna”
Minimalist Short Film Structure
The tone is heavily influenced by the short films like “the training arc”. It demonstrates how “micro-moments” can carry massive emotional weight. So, i will be focusing on the “smallness” of BJJ, the tying of a belt, the sweat on a mat, etc., rather than just the big “wins.” This ensures the project feels like a cinematic narrative rather than a standard sports montage.
Here is “the training arc”
Sports Media
I am also influenced by the high production value of Nike and Under Armour. My reference is the Under Armour “Rule Yourself” (Michael Phelps). I will focus on the “darkness” the repetitive, grueling nature of training rather than the glory of the podium.
Here is “Rule Yourself”:
Contrast Editing & Visual Juxtaposition
The tone is influenced by the Nike campaign “You Can’t Stop Us.” The video shows how two completely different visuals can feel related through timing, movement, and structure. I will be using contrast in my project, specifically between highlight footage and real training footage, to show the difference between perception and reality in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Here is ” You can’t stop us:
Observational Athlete Documentary Style
I am also influenced by the NOWNESS short film “French Judoka Blandine Pont on glory, injury, and rebuilding from Olympic non-selection through art.” The film show how an athlete’s story can be told in a quiet, reflective way, focusing on emotion, atmosphere, and personal experience. I will take inspiration using a similar observational approach in my project, focusing on the emotional and physical reality of training rather than just competitive success.
Here is “French Judoka Blandine Pont on glory, injury, and rebuilding from Olympic non-selection through art””
Raw Training & Realism
This documentary by Joshua Davies influences my project through its use of raw, unfiltered training footage to tell a story. It focuses on the physical and mental demands of sport, showing fatigue, repetition, and preparation rather than just success. So, I will prioritise realistic training footage over highlights, including moments of rest, effort, and repetition to reflect the true process of improvement in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Here is “The Fighter”:
Cinematic Sports Visual Style
This film focuses on small details such as hands, sweat, and impact rather than wide, action-heavy scenes. Because of this, I will include close-up and detail-focused clips within my found footage, such as grips, movement, and physical contact, to make the visuals feel more immersive and focused.
Here is “Short Boxing Cinematic”:
Movement & Rhythm Through Editing
“Brazil’s Passinho Dancers of Queimados” influences my project through its focus on movement and rhythm, using editing to connect different moments and create flow between clips. So, I will focus on how clips are arranged and timed to create a natural rhythm, especially through repeated movements and transitions between similar actions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Here is “Brazil’s Passinho Dancers of Queimados”:
Cultural Expression
This also influences my project through its focus on movement as a form of expression, using rhythm and energy to connect different clips. Compared to the one before which presents movement in a more observational and documentary way, this version feels more stylised and intentional in how the visuals are arranged. I will combine both approaches in my project , using natural, observational footage while also carefully structuring clips to create rhythm and flow through editing.
Here is “Brazil’s Passinho Dancers”:
These 10 stylistic influences ensure that my project is more than just a collection of clips.