A panel of acclaimed documentary filmmakers come together for an evening dedicated to the art of character-driven documentary and working with contributors. Looking in detail at scenes from their recent works and discussing the various stages of building remarkable stories, our speakers will shed light on the delicate process of communicating the experiences of others.
From finding an extraordinary character and establishing a relationship of trust, to interview methods and collaboration, these filmmakers will discuss their approaches to exploring the lives of others. They will also address the ethical dilemmas that arise when working closely with a character, including issues relating to consent, authorship, and narrative.
The panel:
Beadie Finzi (moderator) is one of the founding directors of BRITDOC, a non profit film foundation supported by Channel 4 Television, Ford Foundation and Bertha Foundation as well as a number of US and European foundations. Having worked in documentary for the past 20 years, Beadie is in heaven in her role at BRITDOC – whose mission is to befriend independent filmmakers, fund great films (120 to date), broker new partnerships, build new business models, share knowledge and develop audiences globally.
Brian Hill (The Confessions of Thomas Quick, Feltham Sings, The Not Dead) is the managing director of Century Films and also directs drama and documentary. His most recent documentary, The Confessions of Thomas Quick, premiered at Sheffield Doc/Fest 2015.
David Sington (The Fear of Thirteen, In The Shadow of the Moon) is a self-taught filmmaker. He worked initially as a radio producer for BBC World Service, and as a documentary filmmaker for BBC TV. In 2007 David’s feature documentary on the Apollo astronauts “In the Shadow of the Moon” was awarded the “World Cinema Audience Award: Documentary” at the Sundance Film Festival. His most recent film The Fear of Thirteen focuses on death row prisoner Nicholas Yarris and premieres at the 2015 BFI London Film Festival.
Edward Lovelace along with co-director James Hall, operates under the creative moniker D.A.R.Y.L. Their critically acclaimed, award-winning third feature film The Possibilities Are Endless (SXSW, London Film Festival, Sydney Film Festival) traced the mental and physical journey of singer/songwriter Edwyn Collins following a life-changing stroke. The film was awarded 5 stars by the Guardian, won Best Film at Solo Positivo Film Festival and was named Film of the Year 2014 by indie bible MOJO.
Salma
Thursday 26 September 2013, 8:00 PM Rich Mix London
Growing up in South India, Salma spent most of her childhood under house arrest. She poured out her anguish writing poetry which she sneaked out of the house. Against the odds she became one of the best known Tamil poets and her newfound fame helped her start on the path to freedom. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Kim Longinotto’s long-term editor Ollie Huddleston.
Which Way is the Front Line from Here – The Life and Time of Tim Hetherington + Q&A
Thursday 17 October 2013, 8.30 PM Lexi Cinema
Colleague and co-director of the Academy Award-nominated documentary Restrepo, Sebastian Junger, thoughtfully portrays Tim Hetherington’s life and work. At a time when greater numbers of journalists are losing their lives covering conflict, the film also addresses the high risks taken by war journalists. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with producer James Brabazon.
Shorts at the Frontline Club – Between the Lines Special – BOOK NOW
Friday 25 October 2013, 7:00 PM Frontline Club
Join us for an evening of short documentaries, showcasing films from different parts of the world, covering a wide range of topics. As part of Between the Lines the selection will focus on ‘filming the unfilmable’, followed by a discussion on how to document events that that are difficult to access.
The Bombing of al-Bara + Q&A – BOOK NOW
Tuesday 29 October 8.30 PM Ritzy Picture House
2012, a government jet dropped a large bomb on the village of al-Bara. Only 300 meters away, Olly Lambert was filming a meeting of rebel soldiers. While keeping his camera rolling, Lambert documented the shocking impact of regime air strikes on a civilian population. The result is a rare, immersive portrait of the reality of civil war.
No Fire Zone : The Killing Fields of Sri Lanka, chronicles the final 138 days of the 26 year Sri Lankan civil war, told by the people who lived through it. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Callum Macrae.
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