Renowned Filmmaker Ben Proudfoot Holds Captivating Masterclass at UniMAC-IFT

The University of Media Arts and Communication (UniMAC-IFT) buzzed with excitement as students gathered for an extraordinary Masterclass Workshop led by the Canadian director and two-time Oscar winner, Ben Proudfoot. The workshop, held in the UniMAC-IFT television studio, provided an invaluable opportunity for aspiring filmmakers to gain insights from one of the industry's most celebrated documentary filmmakers.

The session commenced with a screening of Proudfoot's award-winning documentary, "The Last Repair Shop," a film that deeply resonated with the audience. The documentary, which weaves together themes of migration, poverty, and gender issues, sparked a lively discussion between Proudfoot and the students.

Mr. George Bosompim, the head of the Film Artistic Department, engaged Proudfoot in a thought-provoking conversation about the thematic depth of the documentary. Bosompim was particularly curious about how the filmmaker had captured such a diverse range of themes within a single narrative. Proudfoot revealed that the process was a blend of intention and happenstance. "To be honest, it’s only twelve people who worked in the repair shop. When I first went in there and proposed that I’d make a film, they didn’t want to do it… and only four people volunteered, and that’s the four people in the film," he explained. His candidness struck a chord with the audience, offering a glimpse into the challenges of documentary filmmaking.

One of the highlights of the workshop was Proudfoot's emphasis on the power of close-up shots in his storytelling. He elaborated on his preference for this technique, saying, "I love close-ups. I want to see every wrinkle on people’s eyes and faces because in real life, that is what we experience when we are talking to someone. It also aligns automatically with the film’s narrative, where small acts have significant impacts." His approach to cinematography, which emphasizes emotional authenticity, left a lasting impression on the students.

The discussion also touched on the delicate relationship between a director and an editor. Proudfoot stressed the critical role of the editor in shaping the final product, stating, "You want the most talented person; it has to be the editor. Because without a good editor, it’s very hard." He highlighted the power of silence in filmmaking, noting how it can be just as impactful as dialogue in conveying a story’s message.

When asked by a student, Enoch Ocran, if there was anything he would change about "The Last Repair Shop," Proudfoot responded thoughtfully, "I would never touch it. Every film is a reflection of who you are at that moment." His words resonated with the aspiring filmmakers, encouraging them to embrace their creative journeys with authenticity.

The workshop concluded with Proudfoot encouraging the students to silence negative voices and focus on positivity, both in their personal and professional lives. His advice, coupled with his openness about the filmmaking process, inspired many in attendance.

UniMAC-IFT students left the workshop not only with a deeper understanding of documentary filmmaking but also with a renewed sense of purpose in their creative endeavours. Proudfoot’s visit was a milestone event for the university, marking a moment of inspiration and learning that will undoubtedly influence the next generation of filmmakers.

By Makida El Husseini
Level 300 Broadcast Journalism Student