Have you ever thought about picking up a camera to film a fascinating neighbor or a hilarious uncle? This two day workshop offers a hands-on introduction to documentary filmmaking, guiding you through the early stages of finding a story, identifying compelling subjects, and understanding the key elements that shape a nonfiction film. We will explore different documentary styles including cinéma vérité, interview driven, archival, and hybrid approaches, and discuss how your story might best align with one of these methods. Participants will learn how to determine the most effective approach to capture and develop their own documentary stories.

You are encouraged to bring in any ideas you have been considering, but if you do not have one yet, that is completely fine. We will work together in class to develop something new. We will also cover very basic production techniques such as how to set up a camera for an interview and how to record clean audio.

Day two features a practical exercise where students will interview one another and reflect on what they have learned. The workshop will conclude with a short pitch session where each participant shares a documentary idea. Whether you are just starting out or have some experience, this is a space to experiment, collaborate, and get inspired. One camera will be available for use, and students are encouraged to bring their own gear if they have it.

Bonus Opportunity: The Nepal America Film Society will select projects from this workshop to produce as full documentaries. Register now to be considered!

Trainer – Amitabh Joshi 

Amitabh Joshi is a director and producer whose work blends cultural storytelling with independent documentary and broadcast media. His films have screened at SXSW, DOC NYC, the Busan International Film Festival, and on PBS, and have received support from the Princess Grace Foundation, CAAM, and the Jerome Foundation.

His most recent film, Have You Seen My Gods?, is a lyrical feature documentary about the repatriation of stolen Nepali deities. Through personal narrative and investigative storytelling, the film explores grief, cultural memory, and resistance to colonial theft, joining the larger movement for restitution.

In 2020, Amitabh co-directed a short film for American Masters and Firelight Media’s Masters in the Making series, featuring Grammy-nominated jazz musician Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah. He also served as co-producer on A Little Wisdom (SXSW, DOC NYC Viewfinders Jury Prize) and directed Tashi’s Turbine, his debut feature, which aired on PBS’s WORLD Channel and screened at festivals worldwide.

Amitabh has been teaching at the School of Visual Arts since 2014, working with first-year MFA candidates. Since 2020, he has been a faculty member in SVA’s BFA film program.