The point of view, and personal vs. impersonal perspective

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A little introduction:

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The transition from an explicit narrator to an objective narrator took place during the 19th century, with the rise of literary realism, in contrast to the earlier “Romanticism”. In Romantic novels (first half of the 1800s), the explicit narrator was a dominant style, directly intervening in the story to judge, explain, or guide the reader, often with a subjective or moralizing tone.

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This approach reflected the period’s sensibility, which focused on emotions, imagination, and personal values.

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With realism (mid to late 1800s), the objective narrator arrived, remaining hidden behind the narrative and merely describing events impersonally, leaving characters, dialogues, and actions to show the meaning.

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This shift mirrored a broader cultural transformation: realism was influenced by the rise of science, sought to represent reality faithfully, without the filter of subjective emotions or moral interpretations. Just facts, then, no explanation.

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Literature evolved into Filmmaking:

This shift in narration can be compared to filmmaking, particularly in documentaries.

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Just like in literature, documentaries can present events in either an explicit or an objective way.

In an explicit documentary, the filmmaker's perspective is clearly stated, often through voiceovers, interviews, or direct commentary that guides the audience's understanding and interpretation of the events.

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The director's viewpoint, or the opinions of interviewees, become central, shaping how the story is perceived.

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On the other hand, an objective documentary takes a more cold  approach, simply presenting facts, footage, and interviews without commentary, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions. 

A colder, more impartial approach can feel a bit off when paired with both the introduction of a child and the main theme of the film, which focuses on Aziah, an artist struggling with the limited opportunities he's had and the tough environment he grew up in—circumstances that held him back from easily developing his talents.

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A documentary like this would benefit much more from a clear, guided perspective that pulls the audience in and helps them connect emotionally, narrating from a specific point of view. 

By actively leading the viewer, introducing the stories and characters in a more explicit and heartfelt way, the filmmaker can make the narrative feel more personal.