I'm definitely drawn to stories about outsiders. Feeling like that myself as a gay black man, I often seek to give a voice to those in the world who don't have one.
Roger Ross WilliamsRead
When I was in high school, I felt totally alienated from the world, but I loved movies. They were my escape, but coming from a disadvantaged community, I never knew that filmmaking was an option for me. A program like School of Doc would have been a game-changer.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the transformative power of films for those feeling alienated, emphasizing access to opportunities in filmmaking.
Roger Ross Williams shares a personal experience of feeling disconnected during his high school years, finding solace in movies as an escape from his surroundings. He highlights the lack of awareness about the possibility of pursuing a career in filmmaking, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, suggesting that programs like School of Doc could significantly impact individuals by providing the necessary guidance and opportunities in the arts.
Themes
MoviesFilmmakingAlienationOpportunityArt
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can inspire students in a film class who might feel discouraged about their dreams.
More from Roger Ross Williams
All quotes →While the documentary community is way ahead of Hollywood, it is still nowhere near where it needs to be. Filmmakers of color rarely get hired by the powerful production companies, and they are not getting supported enough by broadcasters and funders to tell their own stories.
Roger Ross WilliamsRead
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