Participatory documentary, as a form of ethnographic filmmaking, is a method in which the filmmaker actively engages with the subjects of the film, creating a collaborative process that blurs the traditional lines between observer and observed. Unlike observational or expository documentary techniques, where the filmmaker maintains a detached perspective, participatory documentaries emphasize interaction, dialogue, and negotiation between the filmmaker and the participants. This approach stems from the understanding that culture, behavior, and social life are not merely objects to be recorded but are co-constructed through relationships and communication. In participatory documentary, the filmmaker often becomes a visible presence on screen, acknowledging their influence and role in shaping the narrative. This technique recognizes the ethical responsibility of representation, allowing participants to contribute to the storytelling process, express their perspectives, and negotiate how they are portrayed. By foregrounding the filmmaker’s engagement, participatory documentaries challenge the assumption of objectivity and highlight the subjective nature of knowledge production. Techniques such as interviews, interactive scenes, voiceovers reflecting personal reflections, and direct conversations with subjects are commonly employed to establish a participatory mode. These techniques foster trust and rapport, encouraging subjects to share intimate, personal, or nuanced aspects of their lives that might be inaccessible in purely observational approaches. One of the key methods in participatory documentary is the use of reflexivity. Reflexivity involves the filmmaker acknowledging their presence, biases, and influence within the film, often through direct interactions or commentary. This technique not only makes the production process transparent but also emphasizes the collaborative nature of knowledge creation. Reflexive techniques can include showing behind-the-scenes footage, including discussions about filming decisions, or directly addressing the audience to explain the filmmaker’s choices. By doing so, the audience becomes aware of the constructed nature of the narrative and is invited to critically engage with the material, rather than consuming it as an unquestioned truth. Participatory documentary often relies on qualitative methods such as interviews, oral histories, and informal conversations to gather rich, detailed narratives. The emphasis is not merely on recording events but on understanding the meanings and experiences from the perspective of participants. The filmmaker may guide conversations, ask probing