Austinist: Austinist Interviews SXSW: The Unforeseen Director Laura Dunn

john

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 21:13:55 -0600

we are having the same prob here in LA there needs to be sensible development. they just clearcut every tree like its nevada desert. totally destroying what makes this area what it is; the little boy summed it up well for us too. what can we do????? it seems downright criminal what they do in the name of progress, money and profit; yet i'm the one deemed to have no morals, an environmental freak, a tree hugger, putting animal rights, clean water, clean air and nature above any amount of money or profit.

docsthatinspire

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 21:59:22 -0600

I recorded an audio podcast interview with Laura Dunn just before The Unforeseen premiered at Sundance. You can listen to it here at Docs That Inspire.

RachelMills

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 18:39:09 -0600

I totally agree with you Conan. Cheers!

ConanTheLibrarian

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 18:15:33 -0600

I saw a documentary Laura Dunn did on Cancer Alley between Baton Rogue and New Orleans at the student film showing during Explore UT. It was a powerful and visually stunning (the shots from the helicopter especially). Given her earlier work, The Unforeseen may be one more film getting her career to include to an eventual Oscar nomination or two. In addition, she is right about "debate about objectivity versus subjectivity" and "point of view.” The first film generally acknowledged as a documentary (as opposed to the newsreel war propaganda), "Nanook of the North" was actually staged by the filmmaker. All documentaries are propaganda; even editing and camera angles can be used to sway the viewer's mind and heart. The best ones let you know where they are coming from and give equal time to all the voices. I am glad she has the "love the enemy philosophy.” Too many strident "I'm right You're wrong" voices shouting at 90 decibels these days.