Wonderful reminders that filmmakers’ fingerprints can make incredible work

Had a beautiful week at the Tempo Documentary Festival Talent Lab where, despite my being the only non-Swedish speaker, everyone was incredibly patient and accommodating.

I was there workshopping an idea about using couples therapy and re-creation to solve a national crisis — a project that leans into a personal, alternative and hybrid approach to documentary making. That spirit was very present across this year’s festival.

Highlights for me were To the West in Zapata and A Fox Under a Pink Moon, where real dedication, high stakes and craftsmanship were oozing from the work.

I also saw some amazing short films including 707 sekunder ur Elvis Karlssons liv, Ett slott i Spanien, Älskade, störiga mamma and Kära Melodybox. All wonderful reminders that filmmakers’ fingerprints can make incredible work, regardless of the topic.

Having the opportunity to touch base with lots of peers and decision makers in the industry always feels valuable. To know that we share the same hopes, fears, successes and struggles of this industry.

/Rory Asquith