This year’s Ottaway visiting professor spoke about his documentary philosophy and his work’s focus on transformation.
NEW PALTZ, N.Y. – Facilitating open dialogue on divisive issues and documenting sensitive subjects is essential for Emmy-nominated photographer, filmmaker and Ottaway Seminar professor, Andre Lambertson.
Lambertson told an audience gathered at the Honors Center in College Hall on Oct. 8 that his devotion to intimate investigation began in his childhood where he often felt “other.” The feeling, he said, stemmed from his adoption and lack of a father figure. When he took a photography class as a college student at the University of Virginia, something shifted.
“I’m like a vessel, trying to help people tell a story,” said Lambertson. “People aren’t broken. They’re trying to move through something.”
Lambertson, who was interviewed on stage by Prof. Lisa Phillips, spoke of the importance of building trust with his subjects and how that helps ensure an authentic documentation.
During the event, the audience was shown clips from several of Lambertson’s documentaries, including “Charm City” and “The Whole Gritty City.”
“The Whole Gritty City” highlights the lives of students in New Orleans school marching bands and how they survive in the heart of one of the most violent cities in the United States. “Charm City” is the story of the clash of police, community and government officials in their attempts to address violence in Baltimore.
Prof. Phillips said she believes that Lambertson’s focus on open dialogue in his work is important for the campus community, now more than ever.
“We thought that there would be no better person than Andre to show everybody that there are very positive and fruitful ways to engage with different, divisive subject matter,” said Phillips.
Attendees also saw clips from Lambertson’s ongoing projects including “Jump at the Sun,” a docuseries about African-American contributions to the great outdoors, and “Beaumont Blues,” a film about environmental racism in Texas.
Nina Zar attended the lecture after hearing about it from their professor.
“I thought the emphasis on human connection was really interesting,” Zar said. “Art is such a connective process, so it really does make sense to build a connection with your subjects as you create your work.”
Lambertson is scheduled for a final speech on Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. in the CSB auditorium before his time as an Ottaway professor ends.
