Sonya "Sam" Mitchell To Share Tips on Documentary Filmmaking at Central Library June 13

Birmingham documentary film-maker Sonya "Sam" Mitchell

What: The Documentary Film-making Process with Sonya “Sam” Mitchell
When: Thursday, July 18, 2019
Time: 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Where: Birmingham Public Library – Central Library/Linn-Henley Research Library, 4th floor, Arrington Auditorium

Have you wanted to learn how to make a documentary film?

 Then make plans to be at the Central Library at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, June 13, 2019, as Birmingham film-maker Sonya "Sam" Mitchell shares her personal story of how she turned a lifelong passion for films into an art-form.

 Mitchell will host the first of two free workshops, "The Documentary Film-making Process with Sonya "Sam" Mitchell, at 12:00 p.m. this Thursday in the Linn-Henley Research Library's Arrington Auditorium, 4th Floor. She will repeat the workshop at noon on Thursday, July 18. Read more about Mitchell's documentary workshops by clicking here

The workshops are among more than 400 free activities for kids, teens and adults being held as part of the 2019 BPL Summer Learning.

 Mitchell has directed and produced three documentary films. Two of Mitchell’s short films, Jesse “Speeks” and The Truth Up and Coming, are profiles of interesting friends and both have been screened in recent years at the local Sidewalk Film Festival. BPL hosted a screening of The Truth Up and Coming in 2016 at the Central Library and another screening of Mitchell's film Jesse Speeks in 2015.  

Mitchell's latest film, The State Wins, takes a look at Alabama’s favorite pastime—college football. The documentary was inspired by her love for attending the Iron Bowl  between the University of Alabama and Auburn University as well as the Magic City Classic football game between Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University.

"It gives you a close-up look at the tailgating experience and other activities that makes the Iron Bowl and the Magic City Classic so special," Mitchell said.

The Central Library's Arrington Auditorium will host a screening of Mitchell's The State Wins on Saturday, Aug. 24, at 1:00 p.m., just before the fall 2019 college football season kicks off.

During both her June 13 and July 18 film-making workshops, Mitchell says she will share tips on how people can make a documentary with something as simple as an iPhone. She filmed her documentaries with a camera. Mitchell said she did research and learned by trial and error before perfecting her craft.

First-time film-makers should not be discouraged, and soon their patience will be rewarded when they complete the process. For more information on Mitchell and her films, follow her on Facebook by clicking here.