Sundance - Look & See: A Portrait of Wendell Berry
LOOK AND SEE is a cinematic portrait of the changing landscapes and shifting values of rural America in the era of industrial agriculture, as seen through the mind’s eye of writer, farmer, and activist, Wendell Berry.
Interview with Director Laura Dunn
Watch Look & See: A Portrait of Wendell Berry on the filmmaker’s website
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I wanted to draw more people to the writings of Wendell Berry.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Berry’s work has given me a kind of beautiful and unexpected hope in the midst of overwhelming despair.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Talking about his small place, Wendell Berry says: “The length of vision from that place is a limitation in me, not in the place. You can see all the way to the stars from almost any place you are. To live in a place and have your vision confined by it would be a mistake. But to live in a place and try to understand it as a standpoint from which to see and to see as far as you can is a proper challenge, I think."
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
I never start with a script. The writing actually happens in the edit room. I begin with an idea — to draw a portrait of Wendell Berry — and the entire filming process is about letting the story, the place, the people transform my way of seeing.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
That the film is quiet, meditative, that it lenses an absolutely beautiful place, that the young farmers are captivating and heartbreaking, that the film preserves Wendell’s important legacy….
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Feedback from Wendell himself challenged me. He did not like our original title because it drew too much attention to him. So we change the title. And feedback from Wendell’s wife inspired us. She saw an earlier version and thought it ended in a depressing way. She wanted it to end in a more uplifting way. So Jef created a lovely new epilogue.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Indie film is dependent of course on indie media — that we work together to carry a message and find an audience.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
At this point, I think journalists may be the most crucial link. If a writer can see the film, know the significance of Wendell Berry and frame his message in the context of Trump America, that would be very helpful.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I’d like for the film to show the urban viewers and the media gatekeepers that rural America is quite complex and sophisticated in many ways — that there is much to learn from just listening and regarding folks who may see things quite differently that you do. I’d love for the viewer to turn away from the screen, go outside, take a walk, read a book.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Why did Kentucky so overwhelmingly vote for Donald Trump?
Would you like to add anything else?
That film is inherently collaborative. While I am credited with directing this film, it of course would be nothing without the people who actually made it. Jef Sewell’s co-direction and visual design; Lee Daniel’s cinematography; Justin Hennard’s sound; Kerry Muzzey’s score; Wesley Bates’ wood engravings; James Baker Hall and David Peterson’s photography; Owsley Brown and company who brought us so many resources; the people of rural Kentucky who gave us permission….Like Wendell taught me well, “I am nothing but for the people around me, the place I’m in.”
What projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Nick, Elaine and Laura are pondering forestry. Owsley is thinking about ways to engage rural Kentucky and help build a new grassroots politics. Mary Berry is helming the Berry Center and bravely continuing in her father’s footsteps. Jef has something great up his sleeve. Lee is taking a sabbatical. Wesley is collaborating with Grey Zeitz and Larkspur Press on more Wendell Berry books. Kerry is composing an orchestral score for a European ballet.
Interview: January 2017
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
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Look & See: A Portrait of Wendell Berry
LOOK AND SEE is a cinematic portrait of the changing landscapes and shifting values of rural America in the era of industrial agriculture, as seen through the mind’s eye of writer, farmer, and activist, Wendell Berry.
Length: 80 minutes
Director: Laura Dunn, Jef Sewell
Producer: Jef Sewell, Laura Dunn, Robert Redford, Terrence Malick, Nick Offerman, Owsley Brown, Elaine Mussellman, Gill Holland
Key cast: Wendell Berry, Tanya Berry, Mary Berry, Steve Smith
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Funders: Sundance Documentary Fund, IDA, Louisville Community Foundation, many others
Made in association with:
Release date: TBA
Where can I watch it? TBA