THE SHIFT IN PRIORITY FROM FRAME TO NAVIGATION IN MODERN DOCUMENTARIES

This article analyzes the role and impact of virtual reality (VR) technologies in the development of contemporary documentary cinema. It explores the conceptual shift from the traditional notion of the “frame” to the priority of “navigation” in VR documentaries. The study examines major types of VR documentaries, including spherical 360-degree observational films, interactive, reconstructive, and hybrid forms, supported by notable international examples. Alongside the immersive and experiential advantages of VR—such as presence, spatial perception, and enhanced audience engagement—the article also addresses ethical, psychological, and aesthetic challenges. The research highlights how VR transforms documentary storytelling from linear narration to spatial experience and discusses the prospects and limitations of VR documentaries within modern visual culture.