Whenever I speak about documentary filmmaking to audiences, whether students considering the field or adult aficionados of the genre, I invariably attempt to dissuade anyone from pursuing this career. Why? Because it is so friggin’ difficult. One spends more time on fundraising than creativity—by a ratio of what feels like 90 to 1. And though one may be comforted by the idea that they are doing SOMETHING to address the brokenness in the world, documentary filmmaking, on the whole, is an almost complete drain on your finances, physical health, sanity and spirit. Why do it? The only compelling reason (besides from trying to “repair the world” in the only way you know how), is the people you meet.
I have been fortunate to meet the most amazing people. And since most of my documentaries deal with the interconnect of faith and social justice, these people are from across the faith spectrum. People like Linda Bushkofsky, of Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (WELCA), who has supported my ideas for years; Layli Miller Muro, from the Tahirah Justice Center, who not only opened my eyes to the Baha’i faith but introduced me to Rainn Wilson; Rabbi Gershom Sizomu in Uganda, who I predict will be that country’s Prime Minister, and considering he recently won a seat in the Parliament…; Bishop Peggy Johnson, episcopal leader of the Philadelphia Area of the United Methodist Church, whose passion ensured that my work was always inclusive of persons with disabilities; and Jessica Markowitz, who at age 11 started Richard’s Rwanda to help educate Rwandan girls, proving that people can accomplish the impossible at any age. The list of supportive, extraordinary people is pages and pages longer—and I am utterly grateful for each and every one of them. They are the reason I put myself through the torture of fundraising for a new documentary over and over again.
And then there’s Sister Judith Ann Duvall, Major Superior, Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, and Chairperson of the OSF Health Care. I met her while we were filming Divine Prescription. She rarely gives interviews, so I was thrilled that she agreed to be a part of our documentary. While lights were being set up, she and I spent quite a bit of time talking and I thought she was simply a powerhouse. Of slight build, she seems to be in continual motion. When we went to leave her, she gave everyone a warm embrace. Me, she seemed to hug the longest. And it seems odd to say but I left her hug feeling blessed.
We have kept that friendship going now for the last four years—pen pals as it were. I send her all the newest documentaries that the Interfaith Broadcasting Commission airs; pictures of churches I took just for her in France; and pictures of my cats, as she grew up on a farm which had lots of them. She sends me pure joy. If there was a way to bottle Sister Judith Ann, I would stop whatever I’m doing, and pursue that goal—because her words, thoughts and blessings bring me happiness that lasts the entire day! If it seems odd that a grown Jewish woman can have such a connection with a Roman Catholic nun, well that is one of the gifts I received from documentary filmmaking. And so for her, and all the people (listed today or not!) I have had the good fortune to meet on this journey, I take the time today and everyday, and I am grateful.
