The first slate of 12 new and original films to screen on the section will be produced in partnership with the Bertha Foundation, which supports activists, storytellers and lawyers who are working to bring about social and economic justice, and human rights for all.
Demonstrating the Guardian’s and Bertha’s continuing commitment to producing quality documentary content, say the publishers, the series will consist of specially commissioned longer short-form films, with a new documentary released each month on theguardian.com. Covering global stories, the series will focus on films that address contemporary issues and raise awareness of both people and movements making a difference in the world.
Led by Charlie Phillips, the Guardian’s head of documentaries in collaboration with Rebecca Lichtenfeld of the Bertha Foundation, the standalone section will feature a high quality video player which spans the full width of the screen on mobile, tablet and desktop, offering audiences a beautifully designed, cinematic viewing experience. The Guardian’s in-house team will work closely with independent filmmakers from all across the world with embedded access to, and deep knowledge of, the communities in which they are filming to produce an eclectic mix of thought-provoking films covering a diverse range of topics such as sport, migration and protest, says the Guardian.
The first film launched in the section, Gun Nation, follows photojournalist Zed Nelson as he revisits the gun owners and people affected by guns he photographed for his book of the same name 18 years ago. Since then over 500,000 Americans have been killed by firearms in the USA, and Nelson’s interviews provide a raw and intimate insight into the lives and beliefs of everyday people speaking with chilling frankness.
Focusing on the increasingly heated debate around gun violence and gun control in the country, the film explores why America’s most potent symbol of freedom is also one of its greatest killers.
Charlie Phillips, head of documentaries, Guardian News & Media said: “The launch of Guardian documentaries, and our partnership with the Bertha Foundation, demonstrates our commitment to producing longer short-form, quality documentary content from filmmakers all around the world. We’re thrilled to be able to offer our audience a regular stream of ‘appointment to view’ documentaries from some of the world’s most talented film-makers, enabling them to access stories of people who they may not normally encounter.”
Rebecca Lichtenfeld from the Bertha Foundation, said: “It’s an honour to be able to support the documentary field through these commissions and particularly exciting to do this in partnership with the Guardian, which will ensure that these films are seen far and wide.”
