Why do most women filmmakers gravitate toward documentary? What are the benefits of being a woman in the world of vérité filmmaking? Why do women tell stories differently from men? How does being a filmmaker affect her family and personal life? Women in Film and the International Documentary Association were pondering these questions, and wanted to inspire their community to think critically about what it means to be a woman in the world of filmmaking. 



On Monday, August 15, 2011, WIF and IDA joined forces at The Cinefamily to produce a panel of esteemed women documentary filmmakers called Doc U: Women Behind the Camera. Moderated by producer Lucy Webb, the lively panel featured pearls of wisdom from Lauren Greenfield (Thin), Jennifer Arnold (A Small Act), and veteran filmmaker Michele Ohayon (S.O.S/State of Security, Colors Straight Up).

These accomplished women fielded questions from Ms. Webb and the audience of aspiring and established women documentarians, challenging us all to move beyond the conversations that “ghettoize” women as minorities and on to the ones that feature their personal stories alongside those of their male contemporaries.

Some thought that Kathryn Bigalow’s Oscar win in 2010 effectively shattered the glass ceiling for any and all women who want to work behind the camera. Granted, it’s been less than two years since the director of The Hurt Locker won that major victory, but we all can guess how quickly things change over in Hollywoodland. Which is why for most women interested in filmmaking, the most logical choice is to dive headfirst into the documentary fray. Arnold, Greenfield and Ohayon proved to a captivated audience that your gender doesn’t have to define you – unless, they all implied with a laugh, you want to use it your advantage.

UPDATE: Clips from this event are now available!

Stay tuned for upcoming Doc U events in your area.

---

Doc U is the International Documentary Association's series of educational seminars and workshops for aspiring and experienced documentary filmmakers. Taught by artists and industry experts, participants receive vital training and insight on various topics including: fundraising, distribution, licensing, marketing, and business tactics.

Special support provided by: