The influential Japanese filmmaker, Akira Kurosawa declared that to be an artist means never averting one’s eyes. This artistic approach of not flinching, of making a commitment to expose, educate, and sometimes call out the injustices of our society is the trademark of a great documentary filmmaker. Though not specifically referring to documentaries, Kurosawa’s quote certainly applies to the filmmakers supported by our Bay Area Documentary Fund.
Initiated in 2008, the Doc Fund provides support to established Bay Area filmmakers to initiate films that align with the goals of our core programs. We target our support to the crucial, yet very risky early production phase. Thus, the Fund has supported projects that were many times a fledging idea or a few minutes of footage that held the promise of developing into a strong story.
After five years, we have notable examples of films that have had great impact in the world. David Weissman’s film, We Were Here recounts the devastation of the AIDS epidemic on the lives of those affected in San Francisco and the men and women that cared for them. Along with winning many prestigious national and international awards, it was short-listed in the “Best Documentary” category at the Academy Awards in 2011.
Another film funded in the first year was Crime After Crime by Yoav Potash. The film is the story of the legal battle to free Deborah Peagler, a women imprisoned for over 25 years for the death of her abusive husband. This film not only captures the inspiring story of the quest for justice, but also has been instrumental in a national campaign against domestic violence.
Just last year Peter Nicks’ award-winning film about Oakland’s Highland Hospital, The Waiting Room, premiered across the country, inciting dialogue and debate about our broken health care system. As was the case with the other two films, The Waiting Room included a vehicle for public involvement and engagement.
For these filmmakers, it is not enough to have their film in the world, they have to change it.
We know that the movies not only bring magic to our lives – when the lights go down, and the screen lights up, film has the power to lift our imagination, change our perspective, and bring to light critical issues that compel us to take action.
We are proud to have supported 23 films that explore issues that are often overlooked, misinterpreted or simply ignored, and be part of moving audiences across the country on some of the most important issues of our time to make change in their communities.
NOTE: We look forward to receiving this year’s applications for support and joining more filmmakers in bringing important voices and stories to audiences in the Bay Area and across the world. For more on how to apply, visit www.sff.org/badf