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Published on February 11, 2020
Eastern Connecticut State University hosted award-winning documentary filmmaker Charles C. Stuart on Feb. 6 in the Student Center Theater. Stuart, who has produced more than 50 hours of film and earned five national Emmys and three regional Emmys, gave a film screening of his latest documentary, “Into the Light.” With a theater full of attentive students, Stuart also discussed the planning that goes into filming a documentary.
Stuart’s film topics have ranged from war, murder and drug dealing to social issues, sports and more. His first documentary dates back to 1973 when he focused on veterans returning from the Vietnam War and continued that topic with his film “Into the Light,” which is centered on the process of healing and coping with PTSD and trauma. It took almost three years to film and was edited by communication professor Robert Carlson, who has worked with Stuart since 1994. Since then, Carlson has edited almost 20 of Stuart’s films.
Stuart explained the process of creating a film, including brainstorming topics, costs, budgeting and the difference between creating for a commercial network versus working independently.
While currently in production of his 61st documentary, Stuart expressed why documentaries are important to him. “I find myself privileged to know them, privileged that they trust me to tell their story. To give a voice to people who wouldn’t have a voice otherwise.”
Written by Bobbi Brown
