Episode 221 | Meaningful Stories w/ Alex Ivany of Ifine: Beauty

Documentary First

In this episode, host Christian Taylor interviews Alex Ivany, a visual storyteller, about his journey in the documentary filmmaking industry. Alex shares his passion for social and racial justice, which led him to work on projects that shed light on marginalized communities. He discusses his role as a producer and editor on the film "Ifine: Beauty", which explores the issue of skin bleaching in Sierra Leone. Alex also provides tips for aspiring filmmakers, emphasizing the importance of networking, continuous learning, and finding a mentor. The episode concludes with a call to support the film and join the documentary filmmaking community. Alex Ivany's email: [e-mail]

Takeaways

• Networking and asking questions are essential for aspiring filmmakers to gain knowledge and opportunities. • Putting in the hours of practice and learning from experienced mentors can help filmmakers improve their craft. • Volunteering and helping others in the industry can lead to valuable connections and opportunities. • Filmmakers have the power to tell stories that promote social justice and shed light on marginalized communities. • Continuous education and staying informed about social issues are crucial for documentary filmmakers.

DocuView Dèjà Vu:

Alex:

1. Searching for Sugar Man, 2012, PG-13, 96mins, Watch on Prime, IMDB Link: Searching for Sugar Man (2012) - IMDb
2. The Last Repair Shop, 2023, 39 mins, PG, Watch on Hulu, IMDB Link: The Last Repair Shop (2023) - IMDb

Christian:

1. The Trial of Adolf Eichmann, 1997, 90mins, Watch on Netflix, IMDB Link: The Trial of Adolf Eichmann (TV Movie 1997) - IMDb

Timecodes

00:00 Introduction 00:27 Introduction of Guest and Film 03:08 Guest's Background and Journey into Filmmaking 08:28 Transition to Editing and Working on '13th' 14:14 Transition to Producing and "Ifine: Beauty" 20:49 Passion for Social Justice and Racial Justice 24:07 Origin of "Ifine: Beauty" and Topic of Skin Bleaching 30:54 Life Cycle of the Film and Festival Circuit 35:22 Availability of the Film and Social Media 38:48 Reception of the Film in Sierra Leone 42:52 Tips for New Filmmakers 47:35 Importance of Education and Social Justice Filmmaking 48:26 Closing Remarks and Call to Action