Sounds way hard indeed. While I have no experience to offer whatsoever in documentary filmmaking, I feel like I sometimes face similar (although not entirely of course) dilemmas as a researcher in schools, observing classes and interviewing the kids. Part of me wants to be invisible, the fly on the wall, so I can see what goes on when I’m not there, so I’m not affecting what happens in their world. But another part of me knows that the more I connect with these kids, the more I try to participate in what they’re doing in the classroom, the more I am involved and develop relationships with them, the deeper understanding I am going to get about who they are and what I’m trying to understand through the research. Or maybe not deeper, but different. And different in a way that I want. But I haven’t yet figured out how to reconcile these two parts and don’t know that I will. Not saying this is the same dilemma you face- your task is obviously very different from mine- but maybe some small part relates in some small way.

It’s interesting to me that the documentary world doesn’t talk a lot about the relationships between the two sides of the camera and the power that the camera and the person behind it hold. Education researchers love to talk about this kind of stuff. Some of them, at least. As far as I can tell, they have no resolutions or answers on these issues, just lots of ideas and opinions…

I think it’s great that you’re thinking about where and how you fit into all of this even if you don’t know how to address it yet and it’s hard both logistically and conceptually. And I think that it will make your documentary better, too.

Hanging on your every word and picture,
Jennie

I have been following along and really love the blog. Thought I would throw in a few ideas. It is hard to get over being a novelty with short term filmmaking in foreign countries – after time it gets better (that is if you stay in one place). When people add themselves to the film as character, it is usually vanity or necessity. So wait and see if it really becomes necessity (again, the stage you are in is normal when you connect and care about your subject). Also adding yourself in roundabout ways could be acceptable (girl takes camera and shoots moments important to her life and captures some of you and ask “what do you think of me” etc.).

Some ideas (that might go against your “we love these people” connectedness, but…)

Lean on the cultural insider more as the one who helps when shooting. If you prep this person more before shooting a location/scene, you can step back as they talk and work through what is happening – use the CI as a buffer between you and the subjects (they are easy to add as a character).

Split apart – Scott goes to shoot and you go to build relationships for the next story. Sometimes when the camera person is not as engaged (the couple from America) then people are less likely to be interested in who you are.

“Cameras out and we come as learners” – when safe have the equipment as a part of who you are. Some keep the cameras and stuff packed away until it is time to shoot (after greetings and snacks), but I say have it with you out and about the whole time. Also, let them know you have come as learners (not a film crew) and that you are interested to learn about them and their life and culture.

Just a couple of ideas, that might help or not. Just know you are in a normal stage and it will be a struggle you just have to work through. It is a good struggle. Filmmaking is also about percentages. Look for the moments that will be powerful to your story. Not every event/interview will be a home run. Become sensitive to finding key moments within the day, because those key moments will add up and make your film great.

Blessings to you guys!
john