On today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about documentary filmmaking with my guest Jenifer McShane.
Jenifer McShane is an independent filmmaker committed to using film to bridge understanding in situations where structural or cultural divisions typically keep people apart. Jenifer’s current film The Quilters, a documentary short about a quilting group in a men’s prison in Missouri recently premiered at the DC/Dox Film Festival in Washington DC and will be traveling to other film festivals this summer. Her previous film, Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops, won an Emmy for Outstanding Editing and the Jury Award at South By Southwest. It is currently streaming on HBO.
Jenifer spent over four years visiting Bedford Hills Correctional Facility in Bedford, N.Y. to make her previous documentary, Mothers of Bedford, which reveals the impact of incarceration on mothers and their children. Her first documentary which she co-directed, A Leap of Faith, was narrated by Liam Neeson and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Jenifer was born and raised in New York City and currently lives in Guilford, CT.
This episode is sponsored by Stitch Squad.
A brand-new subscription box all about fiber crafts and cuteness.
If you know a crafty tween, check out Stitch Squad – a brand-new subscription box all about fiber crafts and cuteness! Each monthly box highlights a different fiber craft technique with a focus on learning new skills. With supplies to complete 2-3 projects, plus a bundle of adorable notions, craft tools + crafty surprises, it’s a cute, colorful, crafty unboxing experience! All you have to do is open the box and enjoy. Gift subscriptions are available!
To subscribe, visit stitchsquadbox.com and use code ALLIANCE for 20% off your first box.
In this conversation, documentary filmmaker Jenifer McShane talks about how she got interested in creating documentaries and the challenges and rewards of the undertaking. We talk about her first few films, as well as the making of her latest short, The Quilters, about a group of men creating quilts in a maximum security prison in Missouri. Some of the men are facing life sentences. The quilts are donated to children in foster care.
We discuss the meaning of restorative justice. We also talk about the challenges of being able to make a film in a prison, building relationships and trust, and figuring out who would be best to feature in the film. Jenifer shares her thoughts on how to ensure you’ve got enough footage, how to know you’re done, and the editing process. Jenifer explains why she chose to focus on the men and their quilts rather than the crimes they’ve committed. “We all need a purpose,” she says, “and it actually doesn’t matter where we are. Even in the worst circumstances, you need a sense of why you put your feet on the ground and get out of bed.”
The Quilters won the Audience Award at the Middlebury Film Festival this summer!
And, of course, I ask Jenifer to share great things she’s loving right now. Jennifer recommends:
- The Color of Water by James McBride
- Going to live theater and films
- Wandering around New York City
Keep up with The Quilters on Instagram and on Facebook and go see it in person at:
- The Hamptons Film Festival on October 5
- The Woodstock (NY) Film Festival on October 20
- The Bend (OR) Film Festival (date TBD)
- The Hot Springs (AK) Film Festival (date TBD)
- The Sante Fe Film Festival (date TBD)