Question of Consent Is Key When Shooting Documentaries About Traumatic Situations

variety.com:

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.

All of their control and self-autonomy has been taken away from them, so one of the first things to consider is the inherent power dynamic between you and the traumatized person.

This leads to consent issues in terms of how to make sure that people who are vulnerable can give their full consent.” Key to this, said Robjant, is allowing the contributor the time and space to decide what part of their experience they wish to talk about.If this means changing your angle or storyline, so be it, said panel moderator Gavin Rees, who runs the DART Center, a resource center and global network of journalists dedicated to improving media coverage of trauma, conflict and tragedy.