Photographer transcends genre of photography
A SIX-PART documentary series titled Photographer that focuses on some of the world’s most accomplished photographers is set to premiere on DStv’s National Geographic channel 181 at 9pm on March 20.
The documentary series by award-winning filmmakers Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin was produced for National Geographic by Little Monster film.
For over 135 years, National Geographic has built a storied legacy in visual storytelling, showing an interconnected world through the work of thousands of renowned photographers.
This was first done exclusively through its famed magazine and in recent decades this has been complemented by its award-winning television broadcasts.
MultiChoice Zimbabwe corporate affairs and public relations manager Charity Njanji said the documentary series would each week focus on one or two outstanding photographers whose work is ground-breaking and inspiring.
“Photographer is a journey of brilliance with some of the world’s most extraordinary visual storytellers, showcased by leading documentary filmmakers to give audiences an exhilarating and dynamic international adventure,” Njanji said.
“Each hour-long episode follows the story of a single photographer, who include Cristina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen, Dan Winters, Campbell Addy, Krystle Wright, Muhammed Muheisen and Anand
Varma.
“Their work is to create memorable images that will not be forgotten or discarded by the passage of time. Footage has been taken from one of each photographer’s missions, interwoven with interviews and archived footage.”
Njanji said viewers would gain a deeper understanding of each photographer’s process, learning how each became an artist and discovering how each sees and experiences the world from which they are uniquely obtaining their inspiration and ideas.
“The series will delve into the nuances of the craft of photography while staying rooted in universal themes through a personal lens. In fact, Photographer transcends the genre of photography shows to take a deep dive into the forces that drive these almost-obsessive photographers on their quests for visual perfection,” she noted.
For the documentary, eight respected directors were tasked with bringing the photographers' stories to life.
“From the insightful vision of award-winning duo of Vasarhelyi and Chin (Free Solo) to the skilled direction of Marshall Curry (Racing Dreams), Pagan Harleman (The Trade), Crystal Kayiza (Rest Stop), Sam Pollard (MLK/FBI), Kristi Jacobson (Solitary) and Rita Baghdadi (Sirens), each episode is a collaborative and visually stunning adventure that invites viewers into a captivating world where every frame tells an inspiring and evocative story,” Njani said