We recently connected with Courtney Sell and have shared our conversation below.

Courtney, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

As a Documentarian, I’d have to say making a film on the final days of my Father’s life as he struggled with an aggressive form of cancer was certainly my most meaningful project. Back in 2000, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and given only two to six months to life. However, he outlived his initial prognosis by almost eight years. A few months before his passing, as I was wrapping up my first documentary on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, he approached me to see if I would be interested in filming his final days as a way to help spread the message of early prostate cancer detection. I was hesitant at first, but glad I finally agreed. I was only twenty one at the time and filmed on my Hi8 camera. The documentary was “My Dying Day” and was supported by the Prostate Cancer Foundation after it came out. It screened all around the country and his message continued on even after his passing. It continues to be a useful and inspirational film for those who are going through the same thing as he did. I am extremely proud of that film and grateful for the experience he allowed me to be a part of documenting, though it was certainly emotionally difficult at times.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve been making films all my life. For as long as I can remember. Now, I mostly gravitate towards making Documentaries dealing with metaphysical and esoteric subject matters. I only have the drive to make work these days that inspire and bring a sense of wonder. For years, I worked in numerous genres, but the world of documentaries was truly my calling. With my work, I am able to not only educate the viewer but also myself in the making of each film. I’m unsure if I can state anything that sets me “a part from other” though I work entirely DIY, independent and usually concentrate on subject matters that many are unaware of. Always keep a positive mind and always stay inspired.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

For me, society must become A LOT more understanding and compassionate towards Artists as they sincerely bring the world so much joy, love and inspiration. Art is life and without it, we would be nothing – and include music, cinema and every other artistic medium in that statement. We need A LOT more artist support grant possibilities here in the states and the for all other DIY Filmmaker, I think it would be an overstatement to say that Festivals must reduce their submission fees. I think Artists of every medium get taken advantage of so easily and it’s time for that to end. Tuition rates for schools, festival submission fees, all of it, it has to be dealt with because unfortunately all this stuff really discourages some of our great creative minds from moving forward with their projects and ideas.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

The story. of making my Father’s film as stated earlier.     

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.courtneysellfilms.com
• Instagram: @courtney_sell_films
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneysellfilms100/

Image Credits
All photos are mine.