Documentary filmmakers must become adept at bearing witness to events as they unfold, without influencing outcomes or forever disrupting the lives of individuals who aren’t seeking the limelight. The presence of a camera thrust into any of our lives could at best make us self-conscious, at worst, negatively and permanently expose our lives to unwarranted scrutiny and judgment. There is a delicate balance of trust that must exist between documenter and subject. How does an NGO find a voice for a issue or a situation that will meet the needs of a filmmaker to tell a compelling story that will be typically 60 – 90 minutes and likely seen on television worldwide or the internet? Understanding the dynamic complexities and length of this relationship are what make the difference between a public service announcement and a film anchoring an outreach campaign......
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Incidentally, the above quote comes from the programme of
Envision, "Addressing Global Issues through Documentaries". Envision is a two-day forum hosted by the IFP and the United Nations, to be held in New York on 14th & 15th May, in which film and both live and virtual discussion will be used to address significant global issues.
There will be 12 screenings, presentations and panel discussions "rooted in the UN’s Millennium Development Goals" - which include the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger; achieving universal primary education; promoting gender equality and empowerment of women; reduction of child mortality; improving maternal health, combatting HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; ensuring environmental sustainability; and developping a global partnership for development.
The fact that the film sector and government have come together to host this event is interesting, I think - particularly given that these are all our challenges in South Africa. A future DFO / KZNFC conference, perhaps??
