I did the workshop through ACMI’s Intermix program (which I would recommend to anyone!!) and I spent two full days attending various panels and afterwards interviewing some of the people in them. Highlights were Jennifer Peedom (director of the BAFTA-nominated documentary Sherpa), Lindsay Crouse (producer of New York Times’ Op Docs), and Katy Morrison (producer of virtual reality company, VRTOV).
I have always enjoyed documentaries but have never studied them to such a scale. Here were some of the brightest in documentary media making and it was such an honour to be able to ask them questions. Exploring the development of virtual reality was especially fascinating as it seems to be well on the rise. It is slowly becoming charted territory with so much potential to expand truth and experience, as well as bringing up some questions on ethics and the responsibility of creators towards the audience. There were some interesting discussion on VR and genre but they seem to be leaning towards social justice films and journalism.
Peedom’s Sherpa moved me greatly and incensed me when required. She portrayed the community and the tragedy they underwent with such dignity as well showing the frustrating contrast between the Sherpa community who need a living despite the fatal risks and the careless Westerners who tend to exploit them. It was also a good lesson in the ethics of film making and director sensibilities when it comes down to how faithfully we tell the truth and story.
The Op Docs talk was just fun because there was so much genuine passion and support for the independent artists featured and creating them. I also loved the variety of subjects and styles they tackled – they really did just want to feature interesting people and their interesting stories, both the mundane and the grand.
