Using documentaries as a tool, Sheena Rossiter is making an impact in the way she knows best.
“Research and creative practice are meant to connect with people – to inform, educate and enlighten people in different ways,” says the assistant professor and head of media production in the Department of Communication.
When audiences walk away from watching a film she has worked on, and when they learn something new, it’s the most rewarding part of filmmaking for her. “It’s the best feeling,” she says during a recent episode of the Office of Research Services’ Research Recast(ed) podcast.
“We create work for people to talk about. That is how you create culture and conversations.”
The most recent documentary she produced came about organically from a vital call-to-action. It was a cold call from someone in Edmonton’s African diaspora to her producing partner, who is Black. A toddler of African descent was searching for a stem cell match in order to be cured of a rare blood cancer.
The community was getting the word out to encourage as many Black Canadians to get swabbed in hopes of finding a stem cell match, which is highly linked to ancestry and ethnicity. The importance of that call – and the need to get more people on the stem cell registry in hopes of saving more lives – motivated Rossiter and her producing partner to start a conversation.
This led to the creation of the film, The Perfect Match. They hope the film brings awareness for the need to get more people on the stem cell registry, and, with just a cheek swab, they can make a difference.
But documentary filmmaking doesn't come without big responsibilities – not just to the audience, but also to the individuals in the film.
“You are dealing with people's lives,” she says. “Their reputation is in your hands. It is really important we always take into consideration that these people are allowing us into their lives to share their story.”
She says preparation before production even begins – including explaining what goes into the process – helps to make sure the people who are participating in the film understand what it takes to make a documentary.
“It’s important that we honour their story in the best way possible, and that they’re as proud of it as we will be.”
Check out the trailer for The Perfect Match here.
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