My one regret in life is that I am not someone else.
Woody Allen
Other peoples lives often seem more interesting than my own, especially while traveling in far away places, but unlike tourists who often have limited contact with the locals, producing documentarys sometimes allows me to get to know them and more amazingly, they often want to know me.
I remember once filming on the steps of the church in Oristano, Sardegna, when I was approached by a man, the local photographer. After finding out I was a filmmaker, he wanted to take me to his home to see his collection of books and artifacts on the history of Sardegna. Presumably the largest private collection on the Island. I got to know him and his work and as I captured it in a short film he got to know me.
Sure, my ability to speak the language made it possible, but being a documentary film maker was what interested him first.
Filming people takes courage. I find introducing myself somewhat easier in a foreign country, although I prefer smaller locations where people are less jaded by all the tourists. While filming in a foreign country there may be a language difference that makes it more difficult, but it can also make it a source of interest and curiosity. Jump in and take a chance.
A safe location for filming people in Italy are the many processions held for the different Saints Day’s or for Easter. Good Friday at Easter is always one of my favorites. Theres the drama of the spectacle itself, the pageantry of the costumes and of course the symbolism of Christ’s death. Not being Catholic I had always heard that Easter in Italy was all about the death of the Son of God and that other religions celebrated the resurrection. Having experienced it now twice, first in Sicily and now in Umbria, I know that not to be completely correct. While Good Friday, which they actually refer to as Holy Friday is for remembering the pain, suffering and trial of his death. Easter is in fact for celebrating the resurrection, rebirth and unification of Christ with his mother Mary. Symbolism is everywhere.
Now days using a camera at these events is so common place that no one almost notices and rarely does anyone care as long as you try to be respectful of other peoples ability to see too. My only suggestion would be that with the new cameras that take photos with so little light that they begin to ban the use of flashes, which have become ubiquitous during such events.
When it comes to meeting people in foreign countries, I have found that a friend of a friend is always a friend. So look to get introductions to people or the types of people you are interested in meeting.
Consider wandering off on your own. After all it is you that is the foreigner, the stranger. A foreigner in a pack, is just a pack of foreigners, but a foreigner alone is a curiosity and thus approachable.
When Photographing or filming remember to get in close and capture the little things, the gestures, the facial expressions, the relationship of the people and place. You will capture some amazing images and don’t be surprised if along the way you don’t gain a few life long friends.
