Final Class of Documentary As Action – Reflections

(Week 13)

Already! What? Really? Yes! That’s it! End of classes for Semester Two 2017.

It’s hard to believe that all of the wonderful snacks, riveting class discussion, scathing comments by Jeremy, breakfast discussions with Kim, crude humor by Tristan and sensational monologues by Kimmie are going to be a thing of the past. It has been a thoroughly enjoyable semester with Kim Munro’s Documentary As Action. Ever since I made a documentary in late 2015 about Anzac Day I have been infatuated with making documentaries and learning more about what makes an impactful story. The class brought a whole new raft of perspectives towards documentary, the ways in which you can shoot an interview to ways you can participate as a filmmaker with you subjects opened up a world of endless possibilities in documentary.

The way in which we film our visuals, keeping an eye out for the unexpected and holding that cut just a little bit longer to capture the raw emotion of the moment are things which may appear seamless when you view a great documentary but these are perhaps the hardest yet most rewarding aspects to capture as a filmmaker.

Throughout this class I have learnt how to be a better filmmaker, observer and editor. I have learnt to be more critical towards my own work and help others work develop by giving critical feedback to them. The aspect of critical analysis towards a piece of work will ultimately be the reason why everyone’s documentaries made this semester will be far greater than anything they have ever made before. We are amongst some great influences, great eyes and great critics, using their feedback and growing expertise will definitely increase the quality of each and every documentary.

I look forward to the journey of making more impactful documentaries for ‘The Aussie Hands Foundation’, Documentary As Action has continued to add plenty of inspiring fuel to my growing flame of desire in making documentaries for social action. I believe ‘JULIE’ will begin a new exciting chapter for ‘The Aussie Hands Foundation’ in their quest to raise awareness and continue to find new members nationally.

I thank Kim Munro and the class for what has been one of the most enjoyable and productive classes I’ve ever been a part of.

Michael Serpell