By Kristin Feeley, Documentary Film Program Interim Director
When a film is well edited the audience won’t notice the “invisible hand” of the editor — the audience is so immersed in the story they’re not paying attention to its construction. For nonfiction filmmakers, especially, editing is the heart of storytelling. To quote Walter Murch: “The notion of directing a film is the invention of critics — the whole eloquence of cinema is achieved in the editing room.”
For over 20 years, the Sundance Documentary Film Program has supported nonfiction editors and placed a spotlight on editing through labs, fellowships, and partnerships to support the next generation of editors. We believe that editing is an art form; editing a nonfiction feature is not a linear path. It’s work that demands experimentation, an openness to possibilities and a commitment to keep trying and failing until it works. We know that creating a space that embraces failure and experimentation is a vital part of the creative process. Every summer we gather experienced editors and directors to work with projects-in-process to advance their narratives at a critical point in post-production. This summer, Sundance Institute is providing deep support for one nonfiction project through our Documentary Edit Intensive hosted at the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville, New York (July 15–19)
The nonfiction project selected for the 2024 Sundance Institute Documentary Edit Intensive is #NunsToo from Emmy Award–winning director-editor Lorena Luciano and producer-cinematographer Filippo Piscopo. #NunsToo explores how, in the shadows of the Catholic Church, nuns have endured unspeakable abuse at the hands of male clergy. But now, a group of courageous women breaks the silence, defying the institution that once silenced them. In a powerful story of resilience, these survivors find their voices, inspiring a movement challenging the very foundations of faith and power.
This year’s Intensive advisors are award-winning filmmakers, musicians, and multimedia artists Mike Palmieri and Donal Mosher (The Gospel Of Eureka, October Country), and Emmy-nominated documentary editor Erin Casper (Fire of Love, American Promise).
We were moved by the courage of the film team and film participants making #NunsToo. Lorena and Filippo’s extraordinary work required a deep, long-term commitment to honoring the stories of courageous women. Though they are masters of their craft, even experienced filmmakers can benefit from collaboration with other artists. We are our best when we come together in support of bold voices and powerful stories. We will continue to support Lorena and Filippo’s vision after the Intensive with creative and strategic support, continuing to uplift the voices centered in their story and the as yet unheard voices to whom the film is dedicated.
2024 Documentary Edit Intensive Fellows:
Lorena Luciano (director-editor) is a fellow of the Sundance Film Institute, IDA Enterprise, and the MacArthur Foundation. An indomitable storyteller, her impactful films resonate with global audiences. Her worldwide distributed work has won Best Directing and Best Documentary awards. Raised in Italy, she lives in New York City with her husband, and film partner, Filippo Piscopo and her two sons.
Filippo Piscopo (producer-cinematographer) is an Emmy Award–winning filmmaker and 2024 Academy Award–nominated cinematographer of The ABC’s of Book Banning. Piscopo intersects his true passion as a film producer with impactful camera work. He has crafted engaging stories featured at film venues such as the Venice Film Festival, IDFA’s Central Pitch, and the IFP’s Spotlight on Documentaries. Filippo’s documentary work, often in collaboration with his wife and film director/partner Lorena Luciano, has been distributed globally.
