Question of Consent Is Key When Shooting Documentaries About Traumatic Situations
Lise Pedersen What do documentary filmmakers working with contributors suffering from trauma or experiencing traumatic situations need to take into account when filming?This key question, which has become all the more timely for filmmakers against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, was among the themes addressed at CPH:Conference, the Copenhagen Intl. Documentary Film Festival’s industry event that runs alongside the fest.Much of the conversation revolved around questions of power and consent in filmmaking.According to panelist Katy Robjant, a consultant clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of PTSD and other trauma-related disorders in asylum seekers, refugees and victims of trafficking, “the whole nature of trauma is the dynamic of power and powerlessness, especially when talking about interpersonal violence.