Storytelling Theory

Stories are what stay with us long after the screen goes dark. Facts fade, images blend together, but a feeling lingers. That is why storytelling feels so essential to this documentary. I am not trying to explain or convince, but to gently pull the viewer into a moment. Research on storytelling shows that when people are absorbed into a narrative, they become mentally and emotionally transported, making the story easier to remember and feel connected to (van Laer et al., 2019). That idea really resonates with how I want this documentary to work.

Instead of heavy dialogue or explanation, the story will live in visuals, rhythm, and silence. Storytelling does not always need words to be powerful. Studies show that narratives are especially effective when they leave space for the viewer’s imagination, allowing them to emotionally step into the story rather than simply observe it (van Laer et al., 2019). For me, this means focusing on small moments, natural sounds, light, and everyday scenes that feel familiar. I want the story to travel lightly, to be felt rather than processed.

This approach also feels important in a media landscape that is already overstimulating. Slower, visually driven storytelling can offer contrast and make the experience more meaningful. By keeping the story intimate and simple, it has a better chance of sticking, traveling with the viewer, and quietly reshaping how they look at their own everyday moments.

Citations

• Tom van Laer, Stephanie Feiereisen, Luca M. Visconti, Storytelling in the digital era: A meta-analysis of relevant moderators of the narrative transportation effect, Journal of Business Research, Volume 96, 2019,