Comments on: Joey L’s Stunning New Documentary: “Beyond” Varanasi, India

By: William Hatcher

William Hatcher — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 01:25:00 +0000

In reference to your comment “Try shooting a subject without relationship/research/personal investment, it most likely going to be crap!” -I recommend the film “Baraka”. It is deviod of any of these traits and it one of the most visually stunning films produced imo…and it contains no dialogue. Highly recommended.

By: Alex Rivera

Alex Rivera — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 18:47:00 +0000

I am loving this video I have never felt so inspired until today.

By: Vincent Lamoureux

Vincent Lamoureux — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 15:10:00 +0000

Such an awesome video. While the photography is stunning as usual, the message is even more important.

By: simeonquarrie

simeonquarrie — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 22:22:00 +0000

This is an absolutely stunning documentary! The cinematography here is nothing short of outstanding. The technical structure of creating a storytelling documentary is tough. I have shot photography and cinematography in India and travelled. What these guys did here was not easy. Don’t just watch this video on a surface level, but analyse each shot as if it were a photo. Unbelievably good.

By: Josh cunliffe

Josh cunliffe — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 21:44:00 +0000

Assuming you’re replying to me… You don’t need a hollywood setup to produce stuff that looks hollywood, and access through relationship is documentary 101 – it is not a novel idea. Try shooting a subject without relationship/research/personal investment; it’s most likely going to be crap! Anybody claiming to present truths through documentary without a deep understanding and relationships with the subject matter isn’t presenting truths. I’m not Saying Joey doesn’t do this – it would appear that he does – I’m just responding to some of your comments.

As for the video – I know it’s legit, but for me the whole commercialism of the style distances me from the subject matter, which surely isn’t a good thing. Over production gives it that hollywood feel that I do not associate with truths. Obviously this is all subjective and I’m just giving my opinion here.

Take a look at any of Maisie Crow’s multimedia projects. From 5-15 minutes and filled with so much information, projected in a completely beautiful and emotionally involving way.

By: Jens Eklund

Jens Eklund — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 16:52:00 +0000

Very inspiring and beautiful video! The pictures are great and the guys really show respect to these very special men.

By: Katherine Shah

Katherine Shah — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 06:39:00 +0000

I also greatly admire Joey’s work and am inspired by the way he captures the unique dignity of his subjects and
creates portraits which, despite barriers of culture and religion, reflect a common humanity. I loved this documentary although partially because I’ve spent some time myself living in Varanasi so it brought back fond memories. The end piece where they celebrate Shivaratri really cracked me up as it reflected the chaos, wonder, and excitement of the festival..and India itself! It was also wonderful to see a bit of how Joey and his friends work together and connect with their subjects and environment. Powerful and inspiring images and documentary.

By: AmandaK

AmandaK — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 05:35:00 +0000

I remember Joey as a young, talented photographer on DPChallenge. His work continues to be inspiring to many. I found this piece not only as a documentary of India and it’s fascinating culture, but also a documentary of how Joey works with his subjects by forming relationships. I look forward to seeing more of his work in the future!

By: Bert McLendon

Bert McLendon — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 02:37:00 +0000

I wish it were twice as long and had some bts of the actual shoots and stuff. Otherwise I loved it, and of course it wasn’t scripted and didn’t have any hollywood setup, it was 3 white dudes in the middle of nowhere. That goes to show what they were talking about in the video is legit. They get access to all of these cool people because they actually genuinely get to know a small group of the locals. Awesome job… now off to befriend my local homeless peeps so I can gain access to their awesome underground lair!

By: Zach Sutton Photography

Zach Sutton Photography — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 02:10:00 +0000

Wow, that was inspiring…