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Past Filmmakers
A Self-Determined Life
 The
Interview
1. How did you come up with the idea for the film?
I produce family and community video documentaries. People from
all different walks of life come to me, but all for the same reason.
They want to tell a story. They want to preserve the ordinary and
poignant moments of their lives. My job is to make their love visible.
Some have more challenging stories than others. Lara Parker is one
of them. Her only way of communicating was a headstick and a keyboard.
It was very painstaking and slow. I remember telling her a joke
once and waiting five minutes while she typed in "HA HA."
So, I considered it an honor to help her tell her story in a way
that could really communicate to others who she was and how she
created such a self-determined life.
2. How long did the production process take?
The production process took several months. Lara was ill and it
was not possible to get much live video of her so we relied on old
photos and dramatizations a lot. She approved each stage of the
process with the same determination she lived her life with.
3. What challenges did you experience in the creation
of the film?
Aside from the frustration of not being able to get live shots of
Lara, the most challenging thing was selecting out stories. There
were so many things to tell and so many people who wanted to be
a part of sharing their experiences with Lara. Leaving out some
stories was painful; I spent a lot of time with Lara's mother. We
went over all of Lara's old school papers and family photos.
4. What is your favorite memory from creating the
film?
I am privileged to be witness to so many lives and to the incredible
transformative power of love. I had known Lara for along time ad
had always thought her courageous. Working with her so closely on
this documentary and hearing all of the wonderful stories from her
mother and friends gave me an insight into her vision for herself
that has deeply moved me. This is the memory I take with me.
5. When someone has finished watching the film,
what do you hope they take away from the experience?
I hope viewers are inspired and challenged. The barrier between
people with disabilities and others is still prevalent in our culture.
If seeing this intimate look into another person's like can lesson
these barriers, I am grateful.
6. What type of reaction has your film received
from viewers?
This film has been seen by hundreds of viewers across the country.
It is being shown in mental health centers, hospitals and civic
organizations. Lara received hundreds of affirming letters in response
to the video. Reading these letters was the way she spent the last
months of her life, I'm glad it could be so.
7. What advice would you give to aspiring young
filmmakers?
Don't be afraid. Find a mentor.
8. Please tell us about the next film you plan
to work on?
I'm working in a documentary for a family in Western, NC.
9. What are your thoughts on the film industry
in NC?
None.
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