Prompt 1: A 500-word minimum blog post that contains a reflection on at least two (2) impact documentaries. One of these can be one of the films we have looked at together in class, but at least one of the films must be one you have found yourself. 

• What is the story arc of the film? 
• What is the issue area? 
• What modes are the filmmaker using? 
• What ethical issues might the filmmakers have encountered making this film? 
• Refer to at least one reading from class as you discuss these components of the impact documentaries. 

Heroin(e)

The first documentary I watched was Heroin(e), which follows three women who are fighting the opioid crisis in the U.S. “Overdose Captial”. While the film is addressing the prevalent issue of drug abuse in the United States it’s more focused on destigmatizing the addicts and educating the public on how drug abuse starts and what you can do to help. While it does show the harsh reality of those living with an addiction it also provides hope by showcasing stories where the addicts recover and go on to help others in their community. This helps change the perspective that one, addicts choose this lifestyle and two, that they will never recover/ they are a burden to society.

The film uses observational mode for the majority of the film. The film does not include any sound effects or narration and the story is directed by the participants (Nichols 2017). The film gives an effect that the viewer are there themselves, this is created by the lack of outside interference and the way it’s filmed. When with the fire officer the camera is in the backseat and the officer is not addressing the camera, it’s as if there is no camera there at all. The film has a few scenes that use aspects of the reflective mode. However, in these short clips, they do not get into the more ethical aspects of reflective mode so I’m not sure if counts. This use of “reflective mode” helps build credibility for the documentary as it feels more honest. They show the behind-the-scenes of interviewing the fire department chief when she gets a call about an overdose, as she leaves the film crew follows. This reinforces the idea that the footage shown earlier in the film was genuine and “spur of the moment”.

There are quite a few ethical concerns when it comes to this film as a lot of the footage used contained people who are under the influence of drugs. Are they sober or mentally well enough to consent to being recorded? Could this film have a negative impact on the participants who were involved and gave personal testimonies? There was one scene in particular that made me question these things, we follow as the fire department replies to an overdose call, and we watch as they drag the motionless man out of the bathroom and onto the floor. His face is blurred but he has visible tattoos that could identify him. Once he wakes up they use his name to calm him down, in the editing process they left in the person’s name and voice. This would make it easy for people who know him to recognize him. Did the filming put him at more risk? 

Period. End Of Sentence.

The Second documentary I watched was Period. End Of Sentence., which takes place in rual India where periods are stigmatized. This stigmatization leads to a lack of education on menstrual cycles, the belief that women are dirty and should not be allowed in temples when menstruating, and can even end a girl’s education. We follow a group of women who create and produce their own low-cost pads. The lack of accessible menstrual products in low-income areas can endanger the menstruator’s lives (The Pad Project 2019). Through the film the women educate people on the product and how to use it while also providing women jobs at the pad-making facility, overall empowering the women of their community. The film creators worked with The Pad Project to help end stigma around menstruating and help empower women around the world.

I would say that Period. End Of Sentence uses observational mode as the filmmaker’s point of view was not involved in the storyline, nor does the filmmakers address the viewers (Nichols 2017). Compared to Heroin(e) there seems to be a lot less ethical concerns while filming. I would point out is that most of the interviews are done in Hindi, is the translation provided accurate to what the interviewee was trying to convey? And secondly was the filming of minors, the film showcased some children, was the proper consent received by the child and parent, and did they understand what the filming was about beforehand?

Reference list

Heroin(e) 2017, Netflix.

Nichols, B 2017, Introduction to documentary, 3rd edn, Indiana University Press, Bloomington.

Period. End Of Sentence. 2019, Netflix.

The Pad Project 2019, Homepage – The Pad Project, The Pad Project.

Prompt 2: Provide an overview (400-word minimum) of your initial ideas for an impact documentary. 

Possible title: Nourish 

Synopsis:

 Nourish is a transformative documentary that sheds light on the often-overlooked issue of healthy weight gain in women. In a world where societal pressures often dictate unrealistic standards of beauty and body image, this film sets out to challenge stereotypes and empower women to embrace their bodies. The documentary follows the journeys of several women who have struggled with weight gain, a recovering anorexic, a post-menopause mother, and a young university athlete. Through intimate interviews and candid conversations, these women share their personal stories of frustration, self-doubt, and the relentless pursuit of self-acceptance. As the narrative unfolds, viewers witness the physical, emotional, and psychological toll that weight-loss practices can have on women’s lives. From extreme dieting to harmful supplements, the consequences are often devastating. However, amidst the struggles, the documentary also highlights stories of resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment as these women embark on a journey towards reclaiming their health and happiness. Expert insights from nutritionists, psychologists, and healthcare professionals provide valuable information and guidance on the importance of nourishing the body, embracing intuitive eating, and cultivating a positive relationship with food. Through evidence-based strategies and practical advice, the film dispels myths surrounding weight gain and offers tangible solutions for women seeking to achieve their health goals in a sustainable and balanced way.

Impact Overview:

The target audience of Nourish is women of all ages and demographics, we venture beyond mere numbers on a scale, delving into the intricacies of why weight gain occurs, how to manage it in a healthy manner, and most importantly, how to cultivate self-love and acceptance for one’s body. Weight gain can stem from various factors, both within and outside of our control. Whether it’s the result of overeating, medication, hormonal shifts like puberty or menopause, lack of exercise, dietary choices, or even mental health conditions, “Nourish” sheds light on the diverse influences that contribute to changes in body weight.

In today’s digital age, the portrayal of weight gain often carries negative connotations, with images of morbidly obese individuals dominating search results and the word ‘fat’ frequently associated with stigma and shame. But why is weight gain, even in healthy amounts, inherently viewed through such a critical lens? “Nourish” challenges this societal bias head-on, seeking to destigmatize weight gain and redefine it as a natural and sometimes necessary aspect of human physiology. Ultimately, “Nourish” seeks to inspire a shift in how society perceives and approaches weight gain in women, encouraging viewers to challenge stereotypes, embrace diversity, and prioritize well-being over unrealistic beauty ideals. This documentary has the potential to spark meaningful conversations, promote self-acceptance, and empower women of all ages and backgrounds to embrace their bodies and lead healthier, happier lives.