Harvard Referencing Examples for Films & Documentaries

Learn how to reference films and documentaries in Harvard format with practical examples.
By Jamie

Referencing Films and Documentaries in Harvard Format

Harvard referencing is a widely used citation style in academic writing, particularly in the fields of education, social sciences, and humanities. When referencing films or documentaries, it’s crucial to include specific details such as the director’s name, the year of release, the title of the film, and the medium. In this section, we provide three diverse examples to help you understand how to correctly reference films and documentaries in Harvard format.

Example 1: Referencing a Feature Film

Context

This example illustrates how to reference a popular feature film. It’s useful for students writing research papers in film studies, media studies, or cultural studies.

In this case, the film “Inception,” directed by Christopher Nolan, serves as an example of a narrative that explores complex themes related to dreams and reality. The following is how you would reference this film:

Nolan, C. (2010) Inception. [Film] Warner Bros.

Notes

  • Ensure to italicize the title of the film.
  • Include the production company at the end.
  • If available, you may also include the format, such as DVD or Blu-ray.

Example 2: Referencing a Documentary

Context

Documentaries often provide valuable insights into real-world issues, making them an essential resource in educational research. This example refers to the documentary “13th,” directed by Ava DuVernay, which discusses race and the American prison system.

To reference this documentary in Harvard style, you would format it as follows:

DuVernay, A. (2016) 13th. [Documentary] Netflix.

Notes

  • Similar to films, italicize the documentary title.
  • It’s important to mention the platform where the documentary can be accessed, such as a streaming service.
  • You can also include the medium for clarity.

Example 3: Referencing an Educational Film

Context

Educational films are often used in academic settings to provide visual learning experiences. This example focuses on the educational film “The Social Dilemma,” which addresses the impact of social networking.

For Harvard referencing, it would look like this:

Orlowski, J. (2020) The Social Dilemma. [Film] Netflix.

Notes

  • When citing educational films, follow the same structure as documentaries or feature films.
  • Including the year of release is crucial for proper referencing, as it helps readers locate the material.

These examples serve as a guide to referencing films and documentaries in Harvard format. Remember to adapt your references according to the specifics of the film or documentary you are using in your research.