Just Do It

Five Day Documentary Competition

by Aly Semigran

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Published: Sep 18, 2007

Fri.-Wed., Sept. 28-Oct. 3, (application due Fri., Sept. 21), 267-402-2056, www.firstpersonarts.org

The fight against global warming, our disaster of a health-care system and some really adorable penguins (that get gobbled up by seals ... ) have put the documentary in the spotlight. But the genre doesn't have to be a bummer. First Person Arts and Scribe Video Center are teaming up to present a documentary competition with some refreshing twists.

Although participants will have just five days to make their five-minute documentaries, time restraints are just the beginning. Each film must focus on an object of affection — of a complete stranger. Filmmakers and subjects will be chosen through their online applications and will have met only once before the cameras start rolling. The submissions will be judged by Inquirer film critic Steven Rea, as well as filmmakers Janet Goldwater and Maria Teresa Rodriguez. The top three filmmakers will not only win supplies and equipment, but their work will also be screened on Nov. 7 at the 2007 First Person Festival's opening.

David Kessler, a Kensington-based artist competing as a director, takes no issue with being unable to do research prior to shooting. "I'm drawn to the idea of being linked to a complete stranger and making their film," he says. "I might be making something about which I have no idea, but it just makes it that much more exciting and challenging."

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