Ethics & Politics of Representation
At Close Up, we are always exploring more ways to highlight, celebrate, and discuss the meaningful work of Southwest Asian and North African documentary filmmakers… and so we decided to do so through podcasting, bringing the words of SWANA filmmakers straight from their minds to your ears.
In Southwest Asia and North Africa, “official” narratives often stifle complex cultural legacies. The Close Up podcast dives deep with filmmakers to explore cultural and historical identity and what it means to be an independent artist today, with all its complexities — its vivacity and spirit, diversity and paradoxes. What unfolds is an imaginary space in which we challenge our realities while regaining our rich inclusive society.
In our first episode, we feature a conversation between filmmakers Jude Chehab from Lebanon and Ruzgar Buski from Turkey who participated in the Close Up program between 2020-2021. They discuss various aspects of documentary filmmaking, defining oneself in one’s given circumstances, and navigating the international industry while challenging its status quos.
