Alma 17-24, Jacob 4:13, and D&C 50:22-25

 I chose to read Alma 17-24, Jacob 4:13, and D&C 50:22-25 to fulfill part of this assignment. Sometimes for better--but probably more often for worse--I have always been wary of mixing religion and academics. However, as I read these verses, I realized the scriptures are a masterclass on the empathy crucial to documentary filmmaking. Some lessons just can’t be taught in the HFAC.

At first, I thought I was supposed to read Alma 17:24 instead of Alma 17-24 and was hard pressed to find something I could relate to in a verse about Ammon being offered a wife. Soon, though, the Spirit guided me back to the syllabus and showed me the error of my ways. The chapters in Alma that I read chronicle various missionary experiences, but Ammon’s interactions with King Lamoni resonated with me most strongly. In our class discussions and readings, we discuss the kind of relationship a documentarian should have with their subject. Ammon’s relationship with Lamoni is an excellent model for those who wish to share truth with others. Ammon didn’t condemn the king; rather, “Ammon became the king’s servant.” Documentarians should never exploit or manipulate or patronize their subjects. Instead, documentarians should establish trust with those who they give a voice to and allow empathy to inform their joint exploration of truth.

Another verse that stood out to me as being particularly applicable to documentary filmmaking was Alma 18:22, which describes Ammon as being “wise, yet harmless.” Even in my few and feeble documentary endeavors I have been tempted to ridicule others for their convictions and blind spots -- which is an awful way to engage with my brothers and sisters. I think Ammon--or at least the portrayal of Ammon--has the right idea: we should never weaponize the knowledge we have; we should use artistic talents to bring brothers and sisters together, not to become intellectual imperialists.

Documentarians have the opportunity to offer truth with the same humility the missionaries in these scriptures shared truth. I do not mean to suggest that documentarians should devote themselves to creating religious films. I do, after reflecting on what I read, advocate creating media that examines and maintains the empathy and beauty characteristic of human spirituality.