Subject-driven storytelling : allowing the truth of the moment to speak

I reached between the seats of the truck for another can of "Rock Star." It was now close to 3am as I drank my fourth can of the Taurine based energy drink in less than three hours. The trip to Austin, Texas was one of those down-and-back, same night exploits for the purpose of securing the release of music from an Indie band we had been introduced to. Seven hours of driving, a 30-minute meeting, and a pending agreement that brought us one step closer to a musical composition that added the desired dimension to the visual experience that was evolving on our editing screens.

Documentary films, like most films, are usually created from a script. The creative direction is established first, and the footage is then captured that will fit the needs of the story’s vision. The process is a time honored practice of filmmaking, bringing to the viewing audience an experience that begins and ends with the filmmaker’s script.

AT WAR film is different. Breaking from past trends, it is based on subject- driven storytelling that allows the truth of the moment to speak without the interference of personal bias. There was no script; rather, the filming was grounded in witnessing the experiences as they evolved over time. It is based on the tenets of ethical photojournalism with the constant requirement for context to better understand the truths. The goal being to ultimately assure ourselves that we have been as fair and accurate in the way the story has been told, to include mood and feel.

As I pulled into the drive-way, the first glimmers of dawn could be seen on the horizon. My thoughts took me back to one of the many mornings awaking in the rural landscapes of Afghanistan. A world thousands of miles from where I sat in that moment, yet seemingly so close that all I had to do was close my eyes to see. A waking dream of sorts, bringing with it the many sites, sounds and smells that could not be conveyed by images alone. The music began to play. The images raced by. The feelings' of the moments stirred from deep within. I knew then we were one step closer to our goal.

www.atwarfilm.com

Copyright 2007, Scott Kesterson

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