Shoot. Capture. Subject. Take. Trigger.
These words are starting to feel uncomfortable.
We used to love using them. They made us feel special. These words and others are the coded language we could speak, signaling to others ‘in the business’ that we belonged.
Yet, these words are inherently violent…
Doing ethical documentary storytelling on location, across cultures can be emotionally and mentally challenging. Acknowledging and dealing with feelings of overwhelm is crucial for maintaining personal well-being and creating a respectful and authentic documentary. By prioritizing self-care, taking breaks when needed, connecting energetically to the place where you are at, and asking for help, documentary filmmakers can create a more empathetic and impactful portrayal of the communities they document.
Humans are doers. When faced with crisis, we feel better if we can ‘do’ something in response. You don’t have to be on the frontlines of a battle to contribute. As a storyteller, you can wield influence from wherever you are. Stories may seem insignificant in the face of death and destruction but remember, they are how we got ourselves in this mess to begin with.
Right now, for Ukraine and as anti-war global citizens who stand in opposition to any group that seeks power through violence, we CAN take action.
As a traveler, when you take up the mantle of a citizen storyteller, you now have a purpose to frame all of your future journeys. You can experience destinations from the perspective of the people who live there, develop relationships with remarkable humans who live differently than you, and use your travels to contribute in a useful, meaningful way.
Becoming a citizen storyteller enables deeper connection with yourself, your community, the causes you care about and the world you live in.
Each time you embark upon learning-led travels you tap into the spirit of possibility. Arriving with the curiosity of a student-of-the-world opens you to having new experiences. You consider alternate points of view and are motivated to dig deeper into what you don’t understand.