Behind the Lens: Unpacking the Vision of “FOLKTALES” Directors Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady

Sundance Alums Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady on Their New Arctic Documentary: “A New Kind of Wilderness”

Park City, UT – Acclaimed documentary filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady, known for their impactful works premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, are back with their latest film, “A New Kind of Wilderness.” This powerful documentary,which recently premiered at Sundance,offers a profound look at a family’s enduring connection to nature amidst the stark beauty of the Arctic.

Ewing and Grady, whose history with Sundance dates back to their 2010 premiere of “12th & Delaware,” have consistently brought thought-provoking narratives to the festival. Their previous Sundance selections include “Detropia” (2012), “norman Lear: Just Another Version of you” (2016), “Love Fraud” (2020), and “I Carry You with Me” (2020).

“We have a long history with Sundance!” the duo shared. “Since embarking on this unlikely Arctic project a couple of years ago, we’ve always imagined it premiering in the cold beauty of Park City to audiences in search of a rich communal experience. We are so glad Sundance agreed that it’s a great fit!”

When asked about what fuels their storytelling, Ewing and Grady pointed to “curiosity and stick-to-it-iveness.” They explained,”A dogged pursuit of understanding why people do the things they do animates both of us.” This dedication to unraveling human motivations is evident in their previous films and continues to be a hallmark of their work.

The first person they informed about their Sundance selection was their editor, Nathan Punwar, for his “terrific job bringing our characters’s subtle and touching stories to life.”

Commenting on their favorite Sundance films,Ewing cited the “incredibly touching and innovative” “Notes on Blindness” (2016),while Grady fondly remembered the impactful premiere of “Trouble the Water,” calling it “the right film at the right moment,and that is always magic.”

For those seeking compelling documentaries that resonate long after the credits roll, “A New Kind of Wilderness” is a must-watch, showcasing the enduring power of family and the profound connection between humanity and the natural world.

How does the collaborative directing style of Ewing and Grady contribute to the nuanced exploration of social issues in their documentaries?

The Collaborative Directing Style of Ewing and Grady

Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady have established themselves as a powerhouse directing duo, consistently delivering impactful documentaries that explore complex social issues with nuance and empathy. Their collaborative process is central to their success, a dynamic built on shared vision and complementary skillsets. Unlike many directorial partnerships, Ewing and Grady don’t rigidly divide responsibilities. Instead, they operate as a unified creative force, present at every stage – from initial concept and research to filming and post-production.

This synergy is notably evident in “FOLKTALES,” their recent venture into a unique blend of documentary and narrative storytelling.The project, a series of short films commissioned by Field of Vision, showcases the power of personal narratives and the enduring relevance of folklore in contemporary society.

Deconstructing “FOLKTALES”: A New Approach to Documentary

“FOLKTALES” marks a departure from the more traditional observational style seen in much of Ewing and Grady’s previous work,such as “Jesus Camp” and “Fredricka.” While those films focused on capturing reality as it unfolded,”FOLKTALES” embraces a more constructed aesthetic.

Here’s a breakdown of the key elements defining their approach in this series:

Blending Documentary and Fiction: each film reimagines a local folktale, using documentary techniques to ground the narrative in a specific community and then employing subtle fictionalization to amplify the story’s emotional resonance.

Emphasis on Visual Storytelling: Ewing and Grady are known for their strong visual sense. In “FOLKTALES,” this is heightened through purposeful cinematography,evocative imagery,and a focus on atmosphere.

Community-Based Filmmaking: The directors prioritized working with the communities whose stories they were telling,rather then simply observing them. This collaborative approach ensured authenticity and respect.

Exploring Universal Themes: Despite being rooted in specific cultural contexts, the folktales chosen for the series address universal themes of love, loss, fear, and resilience.

The Influence of Previous Work on “FOLKTALES”

Understanding Ewing and grady’s earlier films provides valuable context for appreciating their work on “FOLKTALES.” Their experience with controversial subjects in “Jesus camp” honed their ability to navigate sensitive topics with sensitivity and objectivity. The intimate character studies in “Fredricka” demonstrate their skill at building rapport with subjects and eliciting deeply personal stories.

These skills were crucial in “FOLKTALES,” where the directors needed to gain the trust of community members and delicately balance the line between documentary truth and narrative embellishment. The series builds on their established strengths:

1. Character-driven Narratives: Like their previous work, “FOLKTALES” centers on compelling characters whose lives are shaped by the stories they tell.
2. Social Commentary: The series subtly explores social and political issues through the lens of folklore, offering a unique perspective on contemporary challenges.
3. Ethical considerations: Ewing and Grady consistently demonstrate a commitment to ethical filmmaking, prioritizing the well-being and agency of their subjects.

Technical and Artistic Choices in “FOLKTALES”

The visual language of “FOLKTALES” is striking. The directors worked closely with cinematographers to create a distinct aesthetic for each film, reflecting the unique atmosphere of the story and its location.

Key technical choices include:

Natural Lighting: A preference for natural light lends a sense of realism and intimacy to the films.

Long Takes: Extended shots allow viewers to immerse themselves in the scene and connect with the characters on a deeper level.

Sound Design: Atmospheric sound design plays a crucial role in creating mood and enhancing the emotional impact of the stories.

Minimalist Editing: The editing is deliberately restrained, allowing the stories to unfold organically.

The Impact of Field of Vision’s Platform

Field of Vision, Laura Poitras’ filmmaker-driven visual journalism platform, provided a unique space for Ewing and Grady to experiment with form and storytelling. The platform’s commitment to supporting innovative documentary work allowed the directors the creative freedom to push boundaries and explore new approaches. The short-form nature of the “FOLKTALES” films also encouraged a focused and concise storytelling style. This contrasts with the longer runtime ofen associated with traditional documentaries, forcing a distillation of narrative and a heightened emphasis on visual impact.

Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady: A Continuing Legacy

Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady’s “FOLKTALES” is a testament to their versatility and artistic vision. By seamlessly blending documentary and narrative techniques, they have created a series of films that are both captivating and thoght-provoking.Their work continues to challenge conventional notions of documentary filmmaking and inspire a new generation of storytellers. Their dedication to ethical filmmaking,combined with their technical expertise and collaborative spirit,solidifies their position as leading voices in the documentary world.