Description
Book SynopsisSherry B. Ortner explores how the nonprofit film production company Brave New Films deploys documentary film's commitment to truth and realism to cultivate progressive political activism.
Trade Review"[A] fascinating ethnographic study of a nonprofit production company. . . . Ortner provides extensive research on the history of activist documentary filmmaking. The book’s compelling exploration of the documentary
Suppressed: The Fight To Vote reveals how it evokes various emotions during a film screening and examines its call to action. Ortner’s deep dive is so effective in describing the film’s storytelling method that it may inspire readers to seek out Suppressed and other Brave New Films works." -- Anjelica Rufus-Barnes * Library Journal *
"Ortner’s analysis encourages readers to critically assess media accounts and consider the ethical implications of documentary activity. Focusing on bold new films, the book offers valuable insight into the production process, the challenges faced by activist filmmakers, and the strategies they use to effectively convey their message." -- Kaniphnath Malhari Kudale * Social Identities *
Table of ContentsPreface ix
Acknowledgments xi
Introduction 1
1. Brave New Films in the Mediascape 19
2. Critical Agency: The Power of Truth 31
3. Networked Agency: The Power of the Social 52
4. Affective Agency: The Power of the Film 73
5. The Impact Question, and Conclusions 97
Notes 113
Filmography 121
References 127
Index
