I believe the mission statement I created for Whirlygig Productions in 2002 set the foundation for the kind of films I have produced and will continue to direct and produce. Telling stories that help us see ourselves and others in new ways, promote healing, and connect us as human beings.” I love stories that inspire, offer hope, and serve as catalysts for change. A Binding Truth is certainly one of those stories that I believe will set the table for meaningful conversations. The film is already doing that.
For the budding documentarian reading this. Was the narrative already decided ahead of time?
Louise Woehrle: I always go into a project knowing the nugget of the story and maybe an outline of where I think it will go, knowing that the story will lead me at some point. I think the most important thing to remember is that the filmmaker is there to serve the story, not the other way around. You need to stay open. Listening is key to getting to the truth of the narrative. Authenticity requires trust by all involved so people can be vulnerable and, at the same time, feel safe that their story is being told with integrity. The process of the journey will take you there. I trust the process. I never go into a project with answers because they are always revealed if you stick to your process. I experienced a lot of Grace with this project.
“…the filmmaker is there to serve the story, not the other way around.”
How much planning did you do leading up to filming, and how much planning did you do with Jimmie and De?
Louise Woehrle: There was a lot of research leading up to production with my consultant/associate producer, Gary Schwab, and others. Gary was a journalist for the Charlotte Observer who discovered the story of Jimmie and wrote a three-part series on him, and subsequently wrote another series on Jimmie and De. Gary was an incredible resource. Regarding Jimmie and De, I interviewed each of them for several hours with questions. Those questions led to new discoveries in their story and led us to the other characters we meet in our film. De and Jimmie were both forthcoming and open to the process.
What do you hope audiences walk away with in A Binding Truth?
Louise Woehrle: I hope audiences will see themselves somewhere in this film and be inspired by Jimmie, De, and others. I hope it sets the table for a real conversation about race and the truth of our history. I also hope it gives white people a new perspective that we have work to do, and it’s not Black people or any people of color’s job to teach us.
