A Moving Night with the 2020 Doc Lab Filmmakers
The sounds of taxis, chatter, and bustling feet create a soundscape to the brisk New York evening, as an eager crowd forms under the lights of the Museum of Modern Art. Fifteen emerging filmmakers mentored by 15 media industry professionals, make their way through the halls taking deep breaths. Tonight is the night. It’s the Reel Works Documentary Lab Film Screening and everyone’s here to see their story.
Down the escalator and through the doors of The Roy and Niuta Titus Theater 2 Hall, colorful splashes of modern designs and striking films line the walls. Brianna, a Reel Works alumni, captures behind-the-scenes footage and a crew capture Doc Lab student interviews. Tonight, Reel Works - its staff, board members, mentors, family and friends - are at their best!
As the film screening begins, one forgets that you're watching first-time filmmakers. From Daphne Castro's “Arcadia Jorge” that was filmed in Mexico filled with emotion and visual poetry, to Violet Gallo's rock filled, unapologetic film “Gender”, it’s clear to see these are the voices of change-makers.
During the Q&A session, the Doc Lab students reminisced on the ups and downs of filmmaking. Alexander Uzobuife, director of “Family and God", encouraged incoming students, "editing is hard - I stayed up many late nights editing, just never give up!". Aldo Merino’s mentor, Derek Brown, shared stories of his mentee’s talent and the bright future ahead of him. His parents, (tuning in virtually from Mexico) brought tears to the eyes of the audience as his aunt in attendance choked up and relayed his family's message - "we are so proud of you!"
Mariella Reynoso of “The Trưng Sisters and What It Means To Be a Woman” shared, “Doc Lab was one of the most rewarding experiences I had this year. Because of the endless support and encouragement I received from my mentor and instructors, I had the courage to try learning completely new skills and tackle a difficult subject in my film. I grew as both a filmmaker and a person in Doc Lab, and I'm super proud of the documentary that came out of that.”
At the close of the evening, as the sounds of applause, opening umbrellas, and rain bouncing against the pavement were added to our soundscape, we asked the crowd to join our growing community of filmmakers and come see what these storytellers will create next.