412 - Will Parrinello & Majo Calderon - Water for Life: Documenting Hope in a Changing World

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Hello, Hello! 

In this episode of The MAKE IT Podcast, hosts Chris Barkley and Nicholas Buggs welcome documentary filmmakers Will Parrinello and Majo Calderon to discuss their film "Water for Life" and their experiences in documentary filmmaking. The conversation explores the challenges of creating impactful documentaries, fundraising strategies, and the importance of storytelling in addressing social and environmental issues. Will and Majo share insights into their collaborative process, the emotional journey of making documentaries, and their commitment to highlighting stories of positive change.

Since its world premiere at the Mill Valley Film Festival, where the film received the Documentary Audience Award, the film has been Shortlisted for Best Feature Documentary at the 40th IDA (International Documentary Awards).

Additional awards:

Grand Jury Prize for Best Film at Isla Verde Cuba

Greenpeace Award for Best Environmental Documentary at SiciliAmbiente Film Festival Italy

Courage Award at Red Nation International Film Festival in Los Angeles

Cubavisión International Spirit of Collaboration Award at the Havana Festival of New Latin American Cinema

We also talk about:

• The evolution of documentary filmmaking and funding challenges

• Mental health and emotional resilience in documentary production

• The importance of community and collaboration in creative projects

• Strategies for raising funds and sustaining a career in documentary filmmaking

• The role of documentaries in raising awareness about global environmental and social issues

People, Products, and Places Mentioned:

• Guests: Will Parrinello, Majo Calderon

• Filmmakers: Jane Goodall, Wangari Maathai, Diego Luna, Leela Downs

Organizations: 

- PBS

- Bullfrog Films

- Amnesty International

- RFK Center

- American Himalayan Foundation

- Goldman Environmental Prize

Films/Documentaries:

- "Kerouac"

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