by Patricia Aufderheide
Ethics is at the heart of documentary production, where the representation of reality involves a myriad of choices, and the harsh terms of business involve many more difficult choices. But ethics has historically been a hallway conversation for filmmakers, an occasional source of scandal for journalists, and philosophical analysis for academics. Suddenly social movements–led by filmmakers, supported by academic research, and designed to assert ethics standard–are everywhere, pushing for changes in standards and practices. Words like “non-extractive” and “anticolonial” are becoming part of daily conversations. What’s going on? Who’s right? What’s our role?
This keynote describes recent trends, including the launch of the Documentary Accountability Working Group’s framework for engaging with participants. Aufderheide will also share insights from ground-breaking new research from the U.S.’s Independent Television Service, “The Filmmaker-Participant Relationship Unpacked: Ethical Responsibility and Impact in Documentary Filmmaking.”
Finally, this keynote looks at where filmmakers can take this movement to establish new norms from here, to ensure the integrity and legitimacy of the form.