Deadline partners with National Geographic Documentary Films to present the series.
DEADLINE:How do you choose the 10 films included in For the Love of Docs?
JC:Its an extremely difficult process.
Deadline
I give a shot to have it be something for everyone.
And then they can learn about other subjects in there.
If you look at this years films, I tried to be women-centric on it.
Documentary producer James CostaJames Costa
DEADLINE:In some cases, after you choose a film for the series, it may land distribution.
I think ofSoundtrack to a Coup dEtat, which eventually Kino Lorber picked up and its getting many awards.
Its definitely a big part of the Oscar conversation.
JC:I talk to so many filmmakers and everybody says its so expensive to do campaigns.
You may have been like, I always wanted to see that.
Another exciting part for me is that you interview the filmmakers, which is a huge boost for them.
And having a Deadline Hollywood article that stays online, its like a great reference tool.
And it doesnt cost them a thing.
Were not getting intoPeoplemagazine, you know what I mean?
By and large, we rely on the trades to help promote our movies.
So, this is just going above and beyond, having Deadline do this series for filmmakers.
DEADLINE:And to reiterate, the filmmakers are not being charged.
JC:Which is great for Deadline Hollywood because theyre part of the community.
And when youre in the community, you have to give back sometimes.
And I think this is a fantastic way for them to show that they care about documentaries.
DEADLINE: Fridawas an interesting for For the Love of Docs this year because it did not lack distribution.
Its backed by Amazon MGM Studios.
But it fits in what you were saying about highlighting women filmmakers.
This is by Carla Gutierrez, a terrific editor.
This is her first documentary feature that she directed.
But I just enjoyed the film, and it was timely.
It was very timely… And I loved all the creativity to the film, the artistry to it.
And I ask other people, What films are you liking?
Im not just listening to myself.
JC:Im always asked by NatGeo, are you okay with these two selections or this selection?
And theyre usually terrific films that I wouldve probably chosen anyway.
DEADLINE:How did you get interested in documentary film?
JC:I always say that docs can change the world.
But people still watch this movie, and it came out in 2011.
Teachers buy it, schools buy it.
And so I know that that film influences people.
I have a ton of documentaries Ive got four out now and six out next year.
And I just believe that people want to be informed about whats going on in the world.
JC:Oh, never, never.
No, I see whats out there and just give a shot to be as fair as possible.
I pay attention to all the festivals.
I look at foreign, domestic, it doesnt matter.
And thats how you sort of mix it up.
You shake it up a bit.
