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ProfileIssue: Sagittarius 07

Kim Longinotto’s Documentary Films Present Strong Women Who Inspire Change

Internationally acclaimed director Kim Longinotto is one of the preeminent documentary filmmakers working today, renowned for creating extraordinary human portraits and tackling controversial topics with sensitivity and compassion. Through her films she has been able to bring to light insular subcultures where women and children often suffer in places like Africa, Iran, and Japan. Her “stars” are ordinary women or girls who have found courage in extraordinary circumstances.

longinotto_kimsm_131Kim's films have won international acclaim and dozens of awards at festivals worldwide. Highlights include the Cannes Film Festival’s Prix Art et Essai Award for her latest film, Sisters in Law (2005); the Amnesty International DOEN Award at IDFA for The Day I Will Never Forget, about young girls in Kenya challenging the tradition of female circumcision; and the Grand Prize for Best Documentary at the San Francisco International Film Festival for Divorce Iranian Style.

As a documentary filmmaker, Kim has a tendency to keep her ego out of her films and let the stories tell themselves. However, underpinning her work is a clear desire to inspire change. As part of the New Directors/New Films series, The Film Society of Lincoln Center writes, “More than simply listing outrage upon outrage, the film [The Day I Will Never Forget] takes a hopeful path as it follows one brave nurse who tries to turn the tide, as well as a group of children who defy their parents and go to court to try to protect themselves.”

Kim says she launched Sisters in Law, her latest film with co-director Florence Ayisi, because after finishing The Day I Will Never Forget, she wanted to make a film about African stories of positive change that are rarely seen. It is her hope that people will love the women in Sisters in Law, and feel moved by their stories. Nathan Lee of the New York Times, thinks she has succeeded handsomely, “Warmly assembled by Kim Longinotto and Florence Ayisi, this winning documentary follows them as they nourish grass-roots feminism in a Cameroon village.” In addition, he wants to know, “Who are these women, and can they please take over the world soon?”

by Ann Janda

Profile Archives (total entries: 29)

Capricorn 08 - The Career Issue

How I Became a Production Coordinator for REM’s Latest Tour

nataliedrillings_150I work as a touring production coordinator for large-scale concerts. When I started out, I had no idea where I was heading in my career. I literally just walked down my own path. Ideas, actions, and big leaps of faith led me to the success I have today. 

My father used to take me to concerts in New York City when I was a kid. His friend was a concert producer so we would watch the show from the sidelines and hang out backstage. (read more)

Sagittarius 08 & Honest Self Expression

Saying It Like It Is

kblume_lg_236“Kathryn Blume is Al Gore on crack. With red hair. And a uterus.” 

I’ve been called a lot of things in my years as an actor and activist: A quirky Sarah Jessica Parker. A commie pinko. A hopium toker. Adorable.

You’ve got to figure with reactions like that, you must at least be getting someone’s attention. The paradox of doing politically-oriented theater, which also strives to be high quality art, is that you’re trying to get someone’s attention without looking like you are. You’re trying to encourage your audience to be mindful of a relevant issue by telling a story so good, they won’t be consciously aware that you’re trying to teach them something.

Scorpio 08 - The Money Issue

My Peace On Money

cdmoriarty_129In October we had one of the most tumultuous months on Wall Street ever recorded. We are in uncharted territory as far as investing and government involvement. I have repeatedly heard, “What can we do?” This is not the time to do anything drastic financially. Reviewing where your cash is held, investments are made, and how you spend money are steps you can focus on to find some peace of mind. Pay attention to what you are doing and focus on what you can change. More than ever, this is a time to get back to basics. Here is how.