Dear Readers, Artistic achievement is predicated in large part on collaboration and chemistry--especially in the media and performing arts, where gesamtkunstwerk is the guiding principle. The documentary form has always succeeded as both the whole and the sum of its parts. By nature of its low-budget, bare-bones infrastructure, the roles are invariably interlocking and cross-pollinating: The director might also be the DP, editor or producer; the producer might lend a hand in these areas too; the writer, editor and composer might be one in the same person. While a theme like The Craft might not
Latest Posts
When trying to define oneself, sometimes one of the most useful things to do is look out at the world and see what's reflected back. Director Grace Lee ( Barrier Device) had the opportunity to explore multiple versions of herself while shooting The Grace Lee Project. The name "Grace Lee" is the quintessential Asian-American woman's name, basically the Asian-American "Jane Smith." After hearing her whole life about other Grace Lees who were usually described as "smart, quiet and musically gifted," Lee interviewed a number of them in an attempt to figure out why she did not fit into this
'Pina' is nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 2012 Academy Awards.
Eddie Schmidt's valedictory address.
When I first saw documentaries, I made two exciting discoveries: Men and women were making movies about the people I was curious about, but with whom I thought I had no way of interacting; and there was an audience--like me--who wanted to watch these movies. Documentaries were compelling, moving, unforgettable stories that brought us, the audience, inside real lives. These discoveries were so overwhelming to me that I was eventually able to change careers and become a documentary filmmaker myself. I remembered feeling haunted by the images and voices in these films speaking to me after the
The New York Community Trust recently renewed its support of IDA's Pare Lorentz Documentary Fund, which provides production support for the creation of original, independent documentary films that illuminate pressing issues in the United States. Over the next two years, the IDA will make ten grants (five each year) of $15,000 to $25,000 to documentary projects that tell a compelling story and focus on one of documentary pioneer Pare Lorentz's central concerns-the appropriate use of the natural environment, justice for all or the illumination of pressing social problems. In addition, the
'The Interrupters' airs February 14 on PBS' 'Frontline.'
NBCUniversal Archives continues to support the documentary film community by becoming donors to the IDA at the Trustee level.
Official film selections and experts chosen for the U.S. Department of State's overseas program.
Nancy Buirski's 'The Loving Story' airs February 14 on HBO.