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Cinematic Observations: The Craft of Capturing the Moment

Craft A deep dive into recent character-led observational documentaries Palazzo Di Cozzo, The Department, James & Isey and Anonymous Club with some of our finest contemporary ob-doc filmmakers.

Observational documentaries remain a staple in the cinematic landscape, from festival favourites to highly anticipated theatrical releases. But how do you successfully and sensitively capture a character and their life unfolding in front of the camera?

Here we speak with an expert panel of ob-doc filmmakers and their unique approach of capturing extraordinary people and moments in time. Veteran ob-doc filmmaker Sascha Ettinger Epstein (The Oasis, The Department) joins debut feature filmmaker Madeleine Martiniello (Palazzo Di Cozzo) and special New Zealand guest Florian Habicht (James & Isey, Spookers) in a discussion moderated by producer Philippa Campey (Bastardy, Anonymous Club) to discuss their craft, their approaches to sometimes delicate and complicated subjects, and the years of dedication required to achieve this form of film. The panel will discuss the challenges of working on a single project over many years, following the story of lives that are ever-changing, while maintaining their creative vision.

 

Image Credit: Palazzo Di Cozzo, Film Camp, 2021

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