On September 2, the Women’s Steering Committee (WSC) meeting featured the panel discussion, Spotlight on Documentaries and Ethical Storytelling, an intimate conversation led by esteemed documentary Directors and mental health specialists with extensive experience around sensitive stories and participants.

In a conversation moderated by Director Li Lu, Directors Erin Lau, Alice Gu and Iliana Sosa, freelance Producer and documentary community builder Malikkah Rollins and Licensed Psychotherapist & Production Therapist Candance Washington discussed ethical practices embedded in their work and urgent field-wide concerns. During the conversation, the panelists revealed how narrative Directors and AD/UPMs may bring Documentary filmmaking methods to support people behind the camera while working on set with actors, crew and scenes with sensitive/triggering subject matters.

Panelists discussed sensitive situations that required them to be intentional about how they were engaging with the subjects of their documentary – walking a delicate balance between capturing humanity without harming the individuals at the center of the story they were telling. Speakers discussed how they engaged with their own care and navigated the impact the stories they told had on their own physical and mental health as documentarians. Speakers provided attendees with tools for navigating telling tough stories while also ensuring those at the center of the story are properly cared for.

ABOUT THE PANELISTS:

ABOUT THE COMMITTEE:

The Women's Steering Committee (WSC) was created to advance the professional interests of its members, and to heighten their visibility and career opportunities in the entertainment industry. The WSC currently promotes diversity through sponsoring net-working events, screenings and seminars, and fosters relationships between the members to provide support, mentoring and networking opportunities.

• For more information about the WSC, click here to visit their webpage.