Since I shoot, record audio and edit, I was able to begin the filming without hiring a crew and create a sample to show broadcasters and grant organizations.

Even after forty years of directing, shooting and editing films, when I collaborate with a male partner, people still perceive the man as the primary filmmaker.

My favorite film is "Meshes in the Afternoon," a short avant garde film directed by Maya Deren. This was the first film that I saw that was actually directed by a woman.

I am particularly pleased to see that there are so many women working in documentary film.

I have always felt that documentaries are an opportunity for me to witness a world that I know nothing about.

If you love your craft there will be passion. Most of my films are with people who are really passionate about what they are doing and know how to do something well.

Learning how to do some of the technical work on the film can be helpful too and allows you to start the film on your own. However, if you are passionate about an idea, just begin.