In an attempt to end my own laments at the long, thoughtful and studied blog entry on women in the documentary field in New England that I lost to the four corners, I instead make this appeal to everyone to step away from the computer and go meet someone in person.
I have to admit, I’m not a big fan of tweeting. I think blogging is often self-indulgent (see, this entry). And I get lost in my own web of Facebook pages as I try to maintain four of them. Yet, I know that social media has forever changed our world, and, I would argue, for the better.
Social media has given us the opportunity to connect with people from all over the world. It allows us to find friends we thought long lost and get to know and understand their lives again. It helps explore and understand issues more deeply, while learning more about ourselves. It’s personal; it’s objective; it’s intimate; it’s alienating; it’s got super-powers and it’s totally mundane all at the same time.
And yet, with the power social media holds, nothing can replace a good story over a glass of wine.
After each DocYard screening, we gather together at Tommy Doyles’ Crimson Lounge, a little speakeasy feeling bar basement in Harvard Square and we talk about films. Last night I heard about Julie Mallozzi’s kickstarter campaign, Jeff Silva’s new film idea, Dakin Henderson’s experiences at Vital Pictures, and I talked to Ashley Sabin about being in “the dark place” when making your film – when you’re not even sure what it’s about anymore. These are the kind of conversations that you can only have face to face when you see eyes eager to hear your story and wanting to share as well. Providing this space to connect not only for the visiting filmmakers, but for our local talent, has been one of my personal favorite pieces of The DocYard experience. One that I’m excited for after each screening.
The next film is THE ORDER OF MYTHS on April 12th at 7pm at the Brattle. But don’t just come to the film and go back to the computer. Come to join the conversation afterwards. I promise, you’ll find a new friend, maybe even a new collaborator. You’ll definitely find a good story.
– Sara