I just hit a new site for documentaries, SnagFilms. You should be able to post your work here.
Just a sample from Burning Ice: “A film documenting the journey of a group of artists on an Arctic expedition.”
Show your documentary
3
Tag Archives: documentary
Spinal Tap goes to 11
I’m a big Spinal Tap fan and I just caught it on TV. Like good wine, this mockumentary gets better with age! Check out this classic segment:
Protect the baby seals
In something that could probably be described as citizen journalism, Rebecca Aldworth and HSUS are bearing witness to the needless slaughter of 300,000 baby seals.
Warning: Contains very graphic and disturbing images.
You can support the filmmakers who are determined to continue with their efforts. Donations here go directly to the team filming. Thanks for your support.
Gillo Pontecorvo Dies at 86
The director of The Battle of Algiers died on Thursday.
Gillo’s masterpiece has grown more popular now because of 9/11. I read so many recommendations that I felt it was a must-see. Rumor has it the Pentagon initiated screening the movie to generals and staff because they felt was an eye-opener regarding terrorism.
While I don’t agree fully (equating a liberation movement against a colonial power with other forms of terrorism), the movie definitely delivers with its realistic, documentary style. Then again, Gillo was a documentary filmmaker first and foremost.
It pays to bet on your strengths (it was the only black and white movie in 1965!) rather than imitate what’s hot. RIP Gillo.
The Devil’s Miner
A friend of mine recommended The Devil’s Miner and I definitely plan to see it. It’s a documentary about Basilio Vargas, a Bolivian child miner. It’s like a cross between citizen journalism and gonzo journalism. Kief Davidson, director, says:
The challenge for THE DEVIL’S MINER was finding a young boy who could carry and narrate a feature-length film. We hired a former miner and local guide who introduced us to a dozen families. The Vargas family was the first on his list and we were immediately captivated with Basilio’s positive energy, intelligence and articulate speech.
From a filmmaker’s perspective, there were some important technical challenges like lighting and cameras. I’m still trying to figure out from the photo if they are using an HD cam or not. It looks like a Sony FX1 with some accessories :
In the claustrophobic tunnels, we shot with a small-format digital camera. Anything larger would have been impossible. The miners’ open-flame carbon lamps were used as the main source of lighting…
You can visit The Devil’s Miner official site where there’s a trailer and plenty of information about the documenary. You can also order the DVD.