Fudan University – Friday, Jan. 16
Today was another great day for Cotton Road. This afternoon I went to Fudan University where I met with Dr. Yang Ji, a professor of film and media theory in the School of Journalism and the sponsor of my work here in Shanghai, and his graduate student, Li Zhen. I had a wonderful two hours speaking with them about my documentary work and the goals for Cotton Road. I tried to explain my shooting and visual style and the way that I want to foreground the lives of people in the global story of this commodity. We spoke about everything from logistical issues to methods of engagement with the subject in a documentary. I tried to explain my style as one that is interested in complexity, in nuance, rather than in a dogmatic approach (or a journalistic approach) to capturing the story.
I made a big mistake by forgetting to bring copies of my previous work! And in hindsight, perhaps I also should have brought my laptop and hard drives to show footage. In due time, however. The term has just ended at Fudan and students and faculty are getting ready for Chinese New Year. Our next meeting together will likely be sometime on or after February 7.
I am quite take with Li Zhen, the young woman who will work with me as a translator and help with video shoots. She is very eager to learn about documentary production. I will rely on her a great deal to help me shape the story here. She will communicate with people more than I will ever be able to. I can tell that she is a very sensitive person—she is warm, curious and eager to begin the journey. My meeting with Li Zhen and Yang Ji was fortuitous, and I am looking forward to our next steps together.