AMDOCS - Standing Rock
Minimal in its narrative form, this is a poetic documentary on what life was like at the Standing Rock campsite during the #NoDAPL protests. It does not aim to educate the audience on why the protests were happening, or where the movement lies today. Instead, this film shows in a very non-intrusive manner, the kind of people that stood up to the Dakota Access Pipeline, and the kind of environment they were living in.
Interview with
Writer/Director/Producer Gabriel O’Byrne
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
The film was made primarily as a requirement for my film program at Syracuse University. Like the majority of all other film programs in the world, I had to make a senior thesis film. Standing Rock was that film. However it should pointed out that this project, at least to me, was never once seen as a homework assignment that had to be done. This film, whatever subject I decided to pursue, was going to be used as the foundation for all of my future projects. Aesthetically and thematically.
Therefore it only seemed obvious to me, that if I wanted to make it my life’s mission to tell the stories of vulnerable populations being taken advantage of by the greedy and oppressive, that producing a documentary on the Standing Rock Protests, which were just starting to gain momentum and exposure in major news outlets when I was researching stories to produce a documentary on, had to be my subject.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Because it challenges the cliché and typical ways of documentary story-telling. This is not an educational breakdown of what was going on at Standing Rock. Instead, it is a shift in perspective on what was going on during these protests, and in a way reminds you of what it really was that these men, women and children were fighting for. In conclusion, you’ve probably never seen a film like this one!
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I’ve always been fascinated with power structures/struggles. When looking into any socio-political event, I always end up asking the same question: “Who lets this happen? Why?” When it comes to a story such as Standing Rock’s, I genuinely can’t understand how someone comes to be so selfish and greedy that they would put a community like this one under such stress. Which brings me to the theme of community, something that I admittedly have never truly felt, regardless of where I lived.
I have nothing but admiration for all of the Native Americans who travelled to Standing Rock, many of whom belonged to tribes that have been at conflict with other tribes who too joined in the movement. The bigger picture to them, which is land and brotherhood, is something that the world during times like these would benefit tremendously from.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Well like almost all documentaries, the story and film come together in post. I always understood that how I was going to document the movement, but because I only had one week to prepare for the first trip out to North Dakota (I was originally working on a refugee resettlement documentary when the opportunity to go participate in the protests presented itself), I was not exactly sure which thread I was going to follow when I finally got to Standing Rock. The most obvious one at the time was to go film what was happening at the front lines, so for the first few days that is what I was most focused on. But it wasn’t until I began to look over the footage that I realized that what was happening at the camp was just as amazing and inspiring.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
“Too long for what it is”. I could not agree more.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The feedback I have received has helped me realize that the length of the film is not necessarily the biggest issue, even though I do still wish it was shorter. I believe, that even if the documentary had been cut down, it would still not have a very satisfying ending. The best way that I can explain it is: the film manages to pose a very interesting question at the beginning, that does not seem to successfully answer at the end.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I am hoping to of course promote the Standing Rock movement, but to also promote myself as a well rounded documentary filmmaker, and to hopefully get the right people to see my film to help me get started on the next project!
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Because the film is already making its way through the festival circuit, film festival directors, journalists, and distributors are perhaps the ones who could best make use of this film to promote what a successful protest looks like, as well as a new direction that documentary story telling could potentially head in.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
It’s hard to say. I want the audience to think about corporate greed, and the negative impacts that it has had on the world. But ultimately, I would like people to look at this film as art, and not as a means to push any sort of agenda.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Why were the Water protectors unable to fully stop the construction of the pipeline?
What should future movements like this one do different?
Would you like to add anything else?
I think that what happened in North Dakota, as sad as it makes many feel, is also very inspiring, and people should look back at this moment to remind themselves that a community that comes together to fight for what is right can stop a pipeline. So, for those who have not yet heard of what is currently happening in Oregon, STOP THE PACIFIC CONNECTOR GAS PIPELINE!!
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Although it is still in it’s very early stages of production, “Leachate Runs in Throop and Dunmore” will document what happens to a community and the environment that they live in, when their already poor towns become severely financially dependent on an abusive landfill (Currently looking for producers and investors!).
Interview: April 2018
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTIAQ+, scifi, horror, world cinema. 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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Standing Rock
Minimal in its narrative form, this is a poetic documentary on what life was like at the Standing Rock campsite during the #NoDAPL protests. It does not aim to educate the audience on why the protests were happening, or where the movement lies today. Instead, this film shows in a very non-intrusive manner, the kind of people that stood up to the Dakota Access Pipeline, and the kind of environment they were living in.
Length:
17:10
Director:
Gabriel O’Byrne
Producer:
Gabriel O’Byrne
Writer:
Gabriel O’Byrne
About the writer, director and producer:
These stories that I gravitate towards are those about people who are engaged in some type of personal or collective struggle over the meaning of their home, and their fight against the capitalist entities that attempt to reshape it for their own benefit.
Key cast:
Emily Pomeroy
Tim Goggin
Nick Coon
Phillip Wright
"High Hat"
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Film Festival Directors, Journalists, Producers and Distributors
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oby_gabe/