The question of whether animated documentaries are legitimate or not depends on how we view animation as a way of showing reality. Can animation tell the truth and be ethical, or does it always change and twist the facts because of how it is made? Some scholars, like Christina Formenti, think that animation belongs to docu-fiction, a genre that mixes reality and fiction, because she believes that what we see on the screen is not objective. But other scholars, like Annabelle Honess Roe, say that animation can be an effective way of making documentaries, because it can show the feelings, thoughts, and memories of the people involved, and also keep a distance from what happened.
One example named Persepolis (2007) is an animated film that deals with issues of equality, diversity, and social injustice. It is based on the true story of Marjane Satrapi, who wrote and directed the film with Vincent Paronnaud. The film shows her life in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution, and how she faced problems with her identity, freedom, and exile. The film uses a simple animation style in black and white, like the comic book that it is based on. The film contrasts her personal story with the political situation, the differences between people and groups, and the changes over time. The film also questions the stereotypes and prejudices that Western audiences may have about Iran and its people, and reveals the rich and diverse culture and history of Iran. The film is a strong and moving example of how animation can be used to show and share personal and social issues, and to challenge the dominant stories and images of reality.