I am so deeply saddened to learn about Julia Reichert's (far left) passing. Julia was an Oscar-winning documentarian, who leaves behind a legacy filled with powerful reflections on the working class, and the role of filmmaking in activism. I was privileged to spend quite a bit of time with Julia in 2016, when we were both awarded the Chicken & Egg Breakthrough Filmmaker Award. Read about Julia's legacy here and take the time to watch some of her and Steve Bognar's incredible work, including American Factory on Netflix.
Julia and I bonded over the fact that we both chose, and derive great joy, from being rooted in "a place." She, in Ohio - me, in Appalachia. We spoke a lot about ethics, representation, and our responsibility to our communities and the documentary field, as a whole. She was a tough critic, which today I am very thankful for, but more importantly an advocate and cheerleader for us filmmakers, who are based outside of our industry's center.
I will carry Julia's spirit with me.
Thank you Julia, for all that you contributed to our world.
Memorable quotes from Julia Reichert, reflecting her core principles around storytelling and activism
"I want to make films about people that are ignored, people who are invisible, people who have been left out of history."
“The idea of fairness, that’s very deep in me. And that’s why I became a filmmaker — to be part of the process of telling untold stories, of people who don’t get a fair shake."
"I love the idea that filmmakers are organizers, because the job of an organizer is to help bring about change and to help people see the world in a new way."
"I believe in the power of ordinary people. I believe that’s where the change has to come from, not from the top."
READ more here on IDA and here on MoMA.
I am honored to have been in the presence of these two greats who have since departed - D. A. Pennebaker and Julia Reichert.