The Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University honored Sam Pollard, John Cohen, the Kitchen Sisters, and Natasha Tretheway for their outstanding contributions to the world of documentary filmmaking, photography, audio storytelling and poetry. The awards were given as part of the Center for Documentary Studies (CDS) 25th anniversary celebration and national forum Documentary 2015: Origins and Inventions.
We partnered with CDS to produce four short videos highlighting the work of each nominee to be shown at the dinner and later released online. It was important to us that the videos go beyond being short biographical pieces, or video-versions of a list of accomplishments. Videos like this often miss the opportunity to really move and connect with their audience. Our goal with these videos was to capture a moment that inspired the honoree. A turning point that stands out as the origin of their journey into what would become their life’s work. By choosing a specific moment to focus on, the videos become more memorable and authentic, sending a message to the audience that “These iconic contributors to this field weren’t always icons. They were inspired by something, moved by something, just like you.”
We also wanted each video to feel personal, so we pulled from the work of each individual, as well as from interviews and personal archives. Finally, we incorporated footage that created an environment for each story and set a visual tone to help further engage the viewers in the lives and moments being described by each awardee.
On a personal note, wading through the works and reflections of these incredible artists, it was impossible not to be inspired ourselves. As filmmakers and editors is was invaluable to hear Sam Pollard, an Academy Award nominated editor, talk about the moment he knew he was an editor. Through John Cohen’s reflections we learned about the roots of traditional American music and the importance of his documentation to our national history. As a female duo, we saw ourselves in the journey of the Kitchen Sisters’ and were encouraged by their decades-long collaboration. And through Natasha ;we see how she views her art contributing to the broader world – something we often think about ourselves.