We’re thrilled to be working with N’Jeri Eaton from The Independent Television Service (ITVS) as part of our Documentary Short Jury. ITVS is a unique and strong force for good in the world of documentary filmmaking. Dedicated to finding new documentarians and storytellers, ITVS funds and promotes great documentaries, brings important stories to the forefront, and gives exciting new films the audiences they deserve through various platforms, including their Emmy Award-winning series Independent Lens, which airs Monday nights on PBS. N’Jeri serves on ITVS as the Content Development & Initiatives Manager, and manages both the Diversity Development Fund and the Open Call production funding initiatives. She has a keen eye for new and talented voices, and continues to empower and support filmmakers. Learn more about ITVS here and check out all of our confirmed jurors here.
What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day consists of reading applications, watching a rough cut of a funded film, check in with one of our filmmakers on the progress of a project, giving feedback to a filmmaker has applied and drinking massive amounts of coffee throughout the day.
What’s the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is that I get paid to watch and talk about documentary films all day, every day!
What’s your favorite movie and why?
This is a very hard question but I’ll go with Nights of Cabiria. Cabiria is the type of heroine that speaks to me. She’s complicated and messy, quick to anger and judgement but also so vulnerable. Whenever I’m feeling like life is kicking me around, I think of that last shot of her face and my whole attitude starts to change.
Who’s your favorite writer and why?
I don’t have a favorite writer but I can talk about someone who I’m always excited to read: Mat Johnson. His books always find interesting ways to talk about race that are often hilarious and absurdist. I can’t wait to read his latest book Loving Day.
What’s your favorite part about Austin Film Festival?
I haven’t been yet! But I can’t wait to go and have an answer for you next year.
What was your first job or worst job?
My first job was working in the hosiery department at a department store in suburban Massachusetts. No one ever came by because it was the summer and who could image working stockings in such hot, sticky weather. I was bored out of my mind.