Positive But Not Pollyannaish

We’ve been busy this summer crafting documentaries that audiences want to see! Here are three examples of positive-but-not-Pollyannaish films that are soon headed for distribution.

Imaginary Walls addresses racism through protagonists who actually do something about it: foster a movement of “racial healing circles”.

Next up is Karen Akins’ El Susto! We also cut the trailer for this inspirational investigative documentary (!) about Big Soda in Mexico.

As I sat through a recent special screening with the film’s characters, I felt proud of director Anita Casalana for her vision and sensitivity. We edited the film and cut the snappy theatrical trailer, which you can watch here.

According to reviewer Danielle Nierenberg, the film “could have been a horror show–depicting how a monster, in this case a big corporation, is literally creating an epidemic of diabetes.” Instead, it’s an inspiring story that follows “a solution-oriented protagonist”.

Finally, last month I worked with a filmmaker who will introduce us to a well-meaning if naïve protagonist, a carpenter making tiny houses for homeless people in San Francisco.

I won’t spoil the ending, but I suggested that he title the film Making a Tiny Difference. Why? In these polarized times, I believe audiences flock to docs that feature everyday heroes taking on big social issues, rather than just documenting them.

Note that all three directors also worked with fundraising mentor Carole Dean, who has now opened registration for her Intentional Filmmaking Class. As a bonus to my readers, you can save an additional $35 by entering code NEWDOC35 when enrolling here.