“I needed these people to remind me that there is still the possibility of doing good in this world" 

Self proclaimed “perverse”, Academy Award winning, American filmmaker Errol Morris, and according to the Guardian, the World’s 7th (40 best Directors) best active Director, known from Gates of Heaven (1978), The Thin Blue Line (1988), The Fog of War (2003), Tabloid (2010), The Unknown Known (2013) has been part of New York Times Op-Docs (Youtube – 114 Videos) section since it’s inception in 20111. Op-Docs is the editorial department’s section for short, opinionated documentaries, produced by independent filmmakers and artists with wide creative latitude, covering current affairs, contemporary life and historical subjects. Submissions are welcome. Morris is known for using an Interrotron, a live-video image on a teleprompter that enables subjects to continuously make direct eye contact with the camera. For the New York Times Morris has made seven Op-Docs in total. Most notable: “El Wingador" (2013) and ”11 Excellent Reasons Not to Vote?“ (2012). One of my personal favourites being: ”The Umbrella Man (2011).“ For Morris’s essays for the Times opinion pages, read Abraham Lincoln and photography and the relationship between names and identity. Morris latest trilogy, released in October 2014 are called: ”Three Short Films About Peace.“ These extremely well made interview portraits consists of Nobel Peace Prize winners: Liberian activist Leymah Gbowee – The Dream – DOC, Musician Bob Geldof – The Moment – DOC, former Polish president Lech Walesa – The Shipyard – DOC. All three are worth watching! Read Errol Morris, Directors’ statement here. Morris: “I needed these people to remind me that there is still the possibility of doing good in this world and the possibility of helping other people. That one person can make a difference.” Morris worldview reminded me of the Robert F. Kennedy, University of Cape Town, South Africa N.U.S.A.S. "Day of Affirmation” Speech from June 6th, 1966 – FULL SPEECH (jfklibrary.org) excerpt – VIDEO – “Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, & crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.” Photo credit: The New York Times. Enjoy!