I’m truly looking forward to the dawn of a new year when I can return to finishing the documentary film Misima

As the sun sets in 2020, I wanted to report briefly on the project that many of you are supporting and waiting patiently to see completed. 

Early this year, the project was highlighted by Kevin McQuillan in the January-February issue of Paradise, the in-flight magazine of Air Niugini in Papua New Guinea. 

ITVS is a service in the United States that funds and presents documentaries on public television through PBS and American Public Television distribution. For a second time, I submitted the documentary Misima for consideration during their open call for non-fiction programs.

They pick 6 to 10 programs out of a pool of 400 or more applicants, so the competition is extremely fierce. Despite not getting picked up in this round, we received a thirty-minute consultation with ITVS after their internal review of our application. Regarding the documentary's written treatment, the reviewer stated, "The treatment details a compelling character-driven story that is emotional and culturally insightful." Regarding the 15-minute work sample, the reviewer stated, "The main character is well-produced and good on camera as she pulls the viewers through the trenches of her world and community life. The film presents a beautiful glimpse into an underserved and underexposed culture."

Lastly, regarding the overall evaluation, the reviewer reported, "The plan to explore the devastating impacts of modern industry in underdeveloped areas, plus the role of women and their position within this far away community, plus the universally recognizable mother-daughter dynamic, plus the issue of matrilineal land ownership and land dispute all should make for a rich and dramatic narrative."

I was encouraged to submit the film again, which I will do in 2021, but I also realize that I need to explore other avenues for getting the film completed and out into the world. I have developed a Plan B, which I will aggressively pursue in 2021.

Some of the obstacles I faced this year did distract me from having an unflappable commitment to the project. A family member was diagnosed with cancer in February. From March to July, we were not just dealing with the virus lockdowns in California, but with cancer therapy too.

Not unlike countless others around the world, the virus lockdown unexpectedly impacted our family. In short, living and working in San Francisco, California, quickly became unsustainable for us for a variety of reasons. So we decided to leave the big city for a smaller city: Salt Lake City, Utah. 

We made the decision in early July to relocate. So from July to mid-September, I was consumed with moving my business and family 1,218 kilometers across two states. Then, from September to December, I reestablished my home and business in a new city and created an office workspace, where I am now seated, typing you this update.

It goes without saying that I am truly looking forward to the dawn of a new year when I can return to finishing the documentary film, Misima.

If you'd like to support the film Misima, the easiest thing you can do is share this link to help other’s learn about the film.

https://www.misimamovie.com/updates/overdue-update

If you can donate, the International Documentary Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has fiscally sponsored our project. So all donations are tax-deductible.

Ateu owa, which means "My heart to you" in the spoken language of Panamisima.

Bryan Pitcher, Director & Producer