by Carol Bales
Doc : Doc is an interview series from the Duke Center for Documentary Studies (CDS), where we talk shop with documentary artists and explore the evolving field of nonfiction storytelling. Through candid conversations, we illuminate the creative process, celebrate the power of documentary and highlight the programs that make it all possible.
In this feature, we sit down with Brittany Shyne, a young filmmaker whose deeply moving and visually stunning film Seeds won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2025 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival. Shyne reflects on her first time at Full Frame — she first heard about it from her mentors, Steven Bognar and his late partner Julia Reichert — and how it compares to other stops on the documentary circuit. She shares insights into the journey of Seeds, the importance of community in filmmaking and the experience of screening the film with her composer, Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe, in front of a live audience.
Full Frame launched in 1998, and it continues to be our flagship program. Last April, Full Frame hosted more than 100 filmmakers like Shyne and Lowe in Durham to screen their films. The Call for Entries for next year’s festival closes November 15, and we invite filmmakers to submit their shorts and features.
