DocX Diaries: Reflections From Six Fellows in Residency at CDS

Visual interpretation of the DocX fellows' presentations of their work, with their names and images from their projects
Original graphic by Nikki Pressley, created as a visual interpretation of the DocX fellows' presentations of their work to DocX alumni and industry leaders in April

What happens when documentary artists are given time, space and care to simply create? We asked the DocX fellows to reflect on their four-week residency.

Held in Durham at the Duke Center for Documentary Studies (CDS), DocX: Another World is Possible was created by Stephanie Owens and Nyssa Chow as an invitation for documentary artists to breathe and make. Four individual fellows and one collaborative duo were selected to advance their documentary projects at a pivotal stage of development or production. Their projects delve into personal and collective histories, reshaping narratives across mediums.

Fellowship and reciprocal care for artistic processes and intentions are essential for building a generative space. During orientation week, fellows participated in community-building sessions with Owens, Chow and visiting artists. They shared meals and engaged in candid conversations that sparked questions, revelations and laughter. 
 

Smiling DocX fellows huddle with leaders and guest artists outside of CDS
Beaming at the beginning: the six DocX fellows gather with program creators and guest artists at CDS. Clockwise from top left: Nyssa Chow, Stephanie Owens, Arielle Knight, Dominic Yarabe, Emily Mkrtichian, Kamee Abrahamian, Imani Dennison and J Wortham with guest artists Lois Griffth and Khalid Taylor. Guest artists not pictured: Darol Olu Kae, Rosine Mbakam, Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese and Beatriz Santiago Muñoz.

These early moments laid the foundation for a nourishing support system throughout the residency. Fellows then engaged with Duke faculty and students, joined in the annual Full Frame Documentary Film Festival and took in local offerings — all while devoting time to their own creative practice in studio space at CDS.

As the residency came to a close, we asked each fellow to pause and reflect. Their responses are poetic, personal and often intertwined. They speak of the alchemy of slowness, of how embodiment and rest deepen artistic engagement. They find intersections between creativity and caregiving, solitude and solidarity. Some delight in renewed direction — and even redefined artistic identities.

Read their reflections below and get a sense of what it’s like to be a documentarian given the freedom to explore.

DocX Diaries: Reflections From Imani Dennison

DocX Diaries: Reflections From Arielle Knight

DocX Diaries: Reflections From Emily Mkrtichian and Kamee Abrahamian

DocX Diaries: Reflections From J Wortham

DocX Diaries: Reflections From Dominic Yarabe