Meet With Filmmaker - David Campbell

Full Interview

Q. How and Why did you become a documentary maker? 
A. I've been a journalist since 1986. I recollect picking up a book by when I was about 10 years-old written by a photo journalist about his experiences in Vietnam and that captured my imagination. Also, I've always had this sense of rage when confronted with injustice in any form. Journalism and factual filmmaking give me a sense of empowerment; making documentaries in particular helps me feel that I can make a difference, even in a small way. My focus these days is almost entirely on documentaries about social justice. Documentaries offer a very powerful way to tell a story and make an immediate impact. 

Q. What makes a good documentary? 
A. A good story! You are never going to change anyone's view of the world with facts and information. You have to inspire people and the only way to do that is with a good story and strong characters with whom you can empathize. Documentaries need to make an emotional connection. Facts are neutral and from the dawn of time humans have used stories to interpret facts and create meaning, and a good documentary uses characters, drama, and shared values to connect with its audience in a meaningful way. 

Q. Why did you make Indie Filmmaking Masterclass and what were the key challenges to make the film? 
A. The Indian Queen was my first feature documentary and to be honest, I just grabbed the opportunity when it presented itself and thought it would be a blast. It was, but I came across people in India that had a huge impact on my thinking and my future direction. The experience opened my eyes to new possibilities and what my true values are - a bit late in life, but I'm grateful for it. It was from that I decided to make "We Don't Do Charity" as a reflection of those re-assessed values and renewed ambition.

Q. What's next for you? What projects are you currently working on? 
A. It's still in the early stages of development but the next film will be about climate injustice. The latest COP has just closed and frankly it was a fiasco. But rather than focus on the politics and factual arguments, we're going to tell the story of the people fighting on the front line of the climate crisis and their anger and frustration at being let down by the world's leaders.