"#DocsSoWhite: The Path Forward" at Full Frame's 9th Annual A&E IndieFilms Speakeasy

Moderated by “The Woke Coach,” Seena Hodges (who began by acknowledging the Catawba people, onetime inhabitants of the land on which the Durham Hotel was built), the fourth edition of Full Frame Documentary Film Festival’s #DocsSoWhite discussion focused squarely on concrete solutions to the film world’s stubborn resistance to true inclusion behind the lens. Hodges then laid out a few “rules” for her panelists, which included Gina Duncan, associate vice president of cinema at BAMcinematek; Maori Karmael Holmes, founder/artistic director of Blackstar Film Festival;  and filmmakers Edwin Martinez (Personal Statement) and Bernardo Ruiz (Harvest Season). Hodges spoke of being in a “brave” space, as opposed to a “safe” one, and urged everyone to “challenge yourself and your right to feel comfortable.” She also called attention to the fact that it’s “laborious” to be on a panel like this, recognizing that it shouldn’t be the “job” of people of color to enlighten.

To read the rest visit Documentary magazine.