In this conversation, documentary filmmaker Jenifer McShane talks about how she got interested in creating documentaries and the challenges and rewards of the undertaking. We talk about her first few films, as well as the making of her latest short, The Quilters, about a group of men creating quilts in a maximum security prison in Missouri. Some of the men are facing life sentences. The quilts are donated to children in foster care.

We discuss the meaning of restorative justice. We also talk about the challenges of being able to make a film in a prison, building relationships and trust, and figuring out who would be best to feature in the film. Jenifer shares her thoughts on how to ensure you’ve got enough footage, how to know you’re done, and the editing process. Jenifer explains why she chose to focus on the men and their quilts rather than the crimes they’ve committed. “We all need a purpose,” she says, “and it actually doesn’t matter where we are. Even in the worst circumstances, you need a sense of why you put your feet on the ground and get out of bed.”

The Quilters won the Audience Award at the Middlebury Film Festival this summer! 

And, of course, I ask Jenifer to share great things she’s loving right now. Jennifer recommends:

• The Color of Water by James McBride
• Going to live theater and films
• Wandering around New York City

Keep up with The Quilters on Instagram and on Facebook and go see it in person at:

• The Hamptons Film Festival on October 5
• The Woodstock (NY) Film Festival on October 20
• The Bend (OR) Film Festival (date TBD)
• The Hot Springs (AK) Film Festival (date TBD)
• The Sante Fe Film Festival (date TBD)