Breaking Barriers in
Documentary Filmmaking
Beth Aala – Emmy Winning Director
In this episode of our podcast, we sit down with the incredibly talented Emmy and Peabody award-winning documentary filmmaker, Beth Aala. Known for her powerful verité and character-driven storytelling, Beth discusses her diverse body of work, including her recent projects Uncharted with Alicia Keys (Tribeca 2023) and This is Brighton (Newport Beach 2023), as well as her role as Executive Producer on All Things Metal (Tribeca 2024). We also explore her journey from Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon (TIFF 2013) to Made in Boise (AFI Docs 2019), diving deep into the craft of documentary filmmaking. Beth shares insights into working with top-tier talent, navigating the festival circuit, and breaking barriers as a Filipina filmmaker.
Featured Projects
Noticing the potential of a perfect marriage between the amount of beautiful and talented pro dancers and the needs of fashion brands, The Fashion Composers fills a unique gap in the industry. The result has been spectacular. The Fashion Composers has worked with brands such as Gucci, Armani, Burberry, Coty, Louis Vuitton and many others.
Joshua Menco, NCE, is an Amsterdam-based film editor. He has won a Golden Calf for the short film Pantser and Best Editing at Shortcutz for Nobu. He has been in the cutting room for 8 feature films and several TV series’ — not a small feat!
Joris’s repertoire spans across diverse sectors, from the tantalizing world of food to the playful realm of kids’ commercials. When asked about his preference, Joris emphasizes the allure of both domains. He describes the technical precision required in food cinematography, where every detail matters, juxtaposed with the spontaneity and social finesse demanded in working with child actors. For Joris, the blend of these two worlds fuels his creativity, offering a dynamic landscape for storytelling.
In the heart of our conversation with Leanne, the spotlight illuminates her artistic odyssey, beginning with the genesis of her creative endeavors. “Growing up, I was always drawn to art,” Leanne shares, painting a vivid picture of her childhood infused with colors, shapes, and endless possibilities. “Whether it was sketching in my notebook or experimenting with different mediums, art was my sanctuary.”
Sam’s journey traces back to his deep-rooted love for the natural world. As a biologist by training, he found himself captivated by the intricate tapestry of life from a young age. His fascination with nature evolved into a passion for storytelling, driving him to explore the intersection of science and narrative. Sam’s trajectory led him to the BBC, where he honed his skills in natural history filmmaking, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors.
