DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

Finding Creativity was quite simply born out of my own curiosity about the creative process. 

As a filmmaker and photographer, creativity has brought so much richness to my life, but I have always found it very hard to explain where it comes from. To live a creative life seemed inevitable to me… and in most cases I feel like creativity controls me, not the other way around.

Creating something is such a cathartic and empowering practice yet it can be an arduous journey. Throughout history, creative people have been greatly admired and have made significant contributions in so many areas – not just the arts! Being creative is such a personal experience and I wanted to ask other creative people how it feels to them and where it stems from.  

I have always loved observing the creative achievements of others, and this was the catalyst for the film. My initial thoughts were along the lines of: ‘Wouldn’t it be fascinating to see someone creating something whilst hearing about their creative process…’ And so it began! 

I wanted the film to have a generous snapshot into where and how creativity is harnessed, and so I selected four really interesting and different subjects to share their stories. Throughout the narrative we hear the struggles and successes of a glass artist, chef, singer/songwriter, and social entrepreneur, as well as insights from a creative educator who outlines the history and pragmatic components of creativity.

I included a significant amount of picturesque landscapes and time-lapse footage that I had collected over the years to represent the existential aspect of creativity and how the environment can evoke creative inspiration. I want the audience to be inspired by the imagery and stories in the film; ideally I want them to walk away feeling like they want to do something creative, even if they don’t see themselves as typically “creative”. 

There were several challenges making this film. I directed, produced, shot and edited it, which can sometimes feel like I am spreading myself a little thin. However, the process of taking on all these roles, although difficult, is very rewarding. And halfway through the project, COVID-19 took hold in Victoria, quashing the schedule and making it very difficult to progress. As the making of the documentary is my own creative endeavor, the onset of the pandemic certainly momentarily killed my capacity to wield my creativity to the best of my ability. But I have always known that creativity is innate in me and will always find its way back. Thankfully after a few months, it did, and I was able to finish the film. 

This film is so special to me as it was created in the face of my own creative adversity and because a creative approach was used to make the film, as well as creativity being the central subject. For that reason, I certainly feel like I am also one of the characters in this documentary.

Hopefully after watching Finding Creativity, you have a good sense of the creative process, how other people approach it, and are inspired to discover your own creativity even if you don’t necessarily identify as a creative person. I feel that inspiration is everywhere we look… I hope you agree! 

-Roger Ungers, Director