Kirsten Johnson’s “Cameraperson” has been named the grand prize winner of Sheffield Doc/Fest. The documentary is a curated collection of extraordinary footage that Johnson has assembled over her 20 year career in the industry, working primarily as a cinematographer.
Nino Kirtadze, a juror at the fest, described “Cameraperson” as “expansive and intimate, formally ambitious and morally humble.” The Academy Award winning director praised Johnson for her “real bravery… to turn the camera on herself.”
The doc is unnarrated, and draws from both Johnson’s professional life and personal life. Her mother, who is suffering with Alzheimer’s Disease, features prominently in “Cameraperson.” The feature transports viewers to international locations as varied as a remote village, war zone, and an abortion clinic. “Cameraperson’s” most harrowing scene takes place in an underfunded, understaffed Nigerian hospital where a newborn baby struggles to survive. Johnson’s credits include “Trapped,” “CITIZENFOUR,” “The Hunting Ground,” and “The Invisible War.” “Cameraperson” debuted at Sundance earlier this year.
Sheffield Doc/Fest is among the largest documentary film festivals worldwide. Rokhsareh Ghaemmaghami’s “Sonita,” centered on teenage rapper and anti-child-marriage activist Sonita Alizade, was also honored at Sheffield Doc/Fest. The Sundance jury prize and audience award winner received the Youth Jury Award.
