During this master class, twice-Academy-Award nominated Rick Goldsmith (The Most Dangerous Man in the World: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers, Tell the Truth and Run: George Seldes and the American Press) will share insights and engage with class members on the critical challenge of establishing a trusting and two-way relationship between you and your subjects.

After you ask yourself such questions as what is the heart of the story I want to tell? why am I the one to tell it? and what is at stake? You are faced with real people, engaged in exciting, terrifying, adrenaline-inducing, uncomfortable and sometimes life-changing events and journeys. They are undoubtedly risking a lot, making themselves vulnerable to you, and through your work, to the whole world. How do you establish a trusting, non-exploitive relationship? Can you be as vulnerable as you are asking them to be? How do you balance your obligations to your audience with your obligations to your subjects?

Goldsmith will draw on his own four decades of documentary-making experience, writing and directing films dealing with such areas as political activism, mental health and illness, and surviving journalism while it is under siege. He will challenge you to dig deep to explore your own emotions in concert with your professional aspirations.

Co-presented with Cinema St. Louis. Free and open to the public, in person with limited seating, and available live-streamed on Zoom (click "Preorder now" for live-stream participation): Masterclass | Cinema St Louis