Yuka asks: Were there other subjects you were following or was Marian the only one? If there were other potential subjects, what drew you to Marian's story as opposed to the others?
Geoffrey Smith: Marian was someone I met six weeks before filming and I simply fell in love with him. His story is so representative of Ukraine and his faith and Church were so touching that I was clear we had the right character. We all warmed to him very much, and he to us. What made it more fascinating was that Henry thought he could perform an "awake craniotomy" (the first in Ukraine) on him to remove his "inoperable" tumour, if he would agree to it.
I never followed anyone else as we did not have the time to do so, as the night Marian is on the train, Henry was catching the plane to Kyiv and I had someone else film that in London.
Carolyn asks: Real powerful stuff...you did a great job. I just wonder how did you and your staff cope with such sorrow? I am surprised the camera kept so still — I'd be shaking with emotion.
Smith: Carolyn, I am often asked this question. The best answer I can give you is to say that when you call the Fire Brigade or the Police to an emergency, you certainly don't expect them, or indeed want them, to break down and sob their hearts out. Part of the reason why they don't is that like me they have a job to do. They are professionals who must follow protocols and they are busy worrying about a million things from water pressure to filling out forms. Likewise with me and the crew. We have one eye on what is happening in front of us, but the other half of our brain is checking things like focus, batteries, composition, have I got the shots we need, what is happpening next etc etc, so all that actually protects me from becoming too immersed in what is happening in front of me.
You might ask how can these trivial things be important when one is watching real life drama in front of the camera, but it is very important to remember that Henry, Igor and Marian have all graciously given me the privilege of telling their story, and that is a big responsibility and one I take very, very seriously. If I forgot to check focus or run out of battery power, I can really compromise the telling of their story and that would leave both them and myself worse off and very upset.
Talk About This
Leave your questions in the comments below.Human being
Real powerful stuff...you did a great job. I just wonder how did you and your staff cope with such sorrow? I am surprised the camera kept so still - I'd be shaking with emotion.
by Carolyn from Omaha, NE
September 8, 2009, 11:53 PM
Thank you for creating such a beautiful and inspiring film.
Were there other subjects you were following or was Marian the only one? If there were other potential subjects, what drew you to Marian's story as opposed to the others?
by Yuka
September 9, 2009, 12:43 PM
Thanks
I enjoyed your film very much. I've worked with a film company but nothing like a documentary. I was very touched for those people in the Ukraine and we as in "Americans" I feel are very privileged to be where we are and we forget where we came from sometimes.
I'm a photographer, video editor and a musician. If there's any way I can help, if you need assistance in the work that you do, I would be happy to help. Thanks for all that you do!
Steve
by Steve Satre from Nashville, TN
September 10, 2009, 3:37 AM
David Jones Design
Mr. Geoffrey Smith...your work indeed provokes...so much so I wish to share with you the remarkable 35 year history with Muhammad Ali In attending 12 Ali fights, this permitted unprecedented access to Mr. Ali. Through the years I documented most events and fiercely protected the hundreds of photographs. After Ali's retirement in 1981, Muhammad provided me countless occasions and opportunities to photographing numerous promotions and public appearances; witnessing first hand, Muhammad Ali’s Rise to the Top.
I’ve been drawn to photograph several Laila Ali fights; it is so fascinating how her dynamics and appeal are similar to her father.
I ’m currently in the process of penning a piece on Laila Ali title, ‘Daddy’s Champion’. Such articles as this contribute to my generational book, ‘The Muhammad Ali Family.’ Further, I wish to do a documentary; above all, I prefer to associate with a sponsor worthy of this promotion. Admittedly, it is rare to find fresh material, let alone large quality content on Muhammad Ali.
I understand UK's faithful and long standing relationship with Ali. It's apparent after Ali's recent visit to your side of the world, you continue your steeped tradition of welcoming 'The Greatest'. In the event this earnest memo reaches you and it falls short, perhaps a BBC colleague has similiar admiration to accomplish a first rate documentary.
I reside in Keller, Texas USA
I feel it proper timing to share this national treasure!
Sincerely,
David A. Jones
682 351-5437 mobile
by David A. Jones from Dallas/Ft.Worth, Texas
September 16, 2009, 5:55 PM
Will this movie be available in Ukrainian/Russian?
I love this documentary so much.
I lived in Ukraine for 2 years as a Peace Corps volunteer and I became very close with the people in my town. I cried often as I watched this movie because it gives such a perfect and true view of Ukrainian hospitals, the surrounding country, and the mentality of the people (such as the example of the doctor at the beginning who said the entire system needed to be fixed, that Dr. Marsh's efforts would be a waste).
My host mother and brother are doctors, and I would absolutely love for them to see this movie. Will it ever come out with Ukrainian and/or Russian subtitles?
If you are not the person to ask, please send me to the correct person about this. It is very important to me and close to my heart.
Thank you, and thank you also for creating this beautiful film.
by Clara from New York, NY
November 14, 2009, 2:49 PM