Episode
#278 – Skye Fitzgerald: Hunger, War, and Human Suffering
2:34:50
Published: Wed Apr 20 2022
Description
Skye Fitzgerald is a two-time Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker, his films include Hunger Ward, Lifeboat, and 50 Feet from Syria. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - Notion: https://notion.com/startups to get up to $1000 off team plan - Mizzen+Main: https://mizzenandmain.com and use code LEX to get $35 off - BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/lex to get 10% off - Onnit: https://lexfridman.com/onnit to get up to 10% off - Eight Sleep: https://www.eightsleep.com/lex and use code LEX to get special savings EPISODE LINKS: Skye's Twitter: https://twitter.com/spin_film Skye's Instagram: https://instagram.com/spin_film Hunger Ward (movie): https://hungerward.org Lifeboat (movie): https://lifeboatdocumentary.com 50 Feet from Syria (movie): https://50feetfromsyria.com PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here's the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Introduction (06:34) - World hunger (12:37) - Hunger Ward (35:04) - Language (40:15) - Famine (50:59) - Authoritarianism (57:27) - Storytelling (1:11:01) - Access (1:15:24) - Trust (1:19:06) - Film equipment (1:23:52) - Editing (1:30:21) - Filmmaking (1:43:20) - Favorite Films (1:54:28) - Lifeboat (2:01:53) - Breaking rules (2:04:48) - Fear (2:08:27) - 50 feet from Syria (2:13:24) - Money and distribution (2:21:02) - Advice for young people (2:24:07) - Books (2:26:01) - Darkest moments (2:30:32) - Meaning of life (2:32:30) - Mortality
Chapters
Two-time Oscar nominated documentary filmmaker Sky Fitzgerald discusses his experiences filming in conflict zones around the world, including Yemen, Libya, and Syria, and the importance of using storytelling to raise awareness of humanitarian crises.
00:00 - 02:01 (02:01)
Summary
Two-time Oscar nominated documentary filmmaker Sky Fitzgerald discusses his experiences filming in conflict zones around the world, including Yemen, Libya, and Syria, and the importance of using storytelling to raise awareness of humanitarian crises.
Episode#278 – Skye Fitzgerald: Hunger, War, and Human Suffering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
From napping to identifying lead and follow moments in teamwork, there are various ways to foster mental refreshment and concentration in work and life.
02:01 - 06:46 (04:45)
Summary
From napping to identifying lead and follow moments in teamwork, there are various ways to foster mental refreshment and concentration in work and life.
Episode#278 – Skye Fitzgerald: Hunger, War, and Human Suffering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The Geneva Conventions were created to ban the use of starvation as a weapon of war due to the suffering and murder caused by Hitler during WWII.
06:46 - 18:24 (11:38)
Summary
The Geneva Conventions were created to ban the use of starvation as a weapon of war due to the suffering and murder caused by Hitler during WWII. Today, many people are still affected by this intentional act of war by their leaders, causing a disturbing number of people to go hungry despite the existence of resources to feed them.
Episode#278 – Skye Fitzgerald: Hunger, War, and Human Suffering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A documentary filmmaker shares how his background in theater and ability to empathize with others is essential in understanding perspectives and presenting unbiased stories, including those of individuals who have done evil onto the world.
18:24 - 24:51 (06:26)
Summary
A documentary filmmaker shares how his background in theater and ability to empathize with others is essential in understanding perspectives and presenting unbiased stories, including those of individuals who have done evil onto the world.
Episode#278 – Skye Fitzgerald: Hunger, War, and Human Suffering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The filmmaker discusses his approach to avoiding psychic numbing by focusing on the individuals affected by the suffering, such as those in Therapeutic Feeding Centers.
24:51 - 31:26 (06:34)
Summary
The filmmaker discusses his approach to avoiding psychic numbing by focusing on the individuals affected by the suffering, such as those in Therapeutic Feeding Centers. He also reflects on the privilege of having access to food and freedom in the US compared to the children he encountered.
Episode#278 – Skye Fitzgerald: Hunger, War, and Human Suffering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Despite the gravity of the situation in Yemen's Hunger Ward, a 10-year-old girl named Omeyma offers hope through her generosity and resilience during her own treatment for malnutrition.
31:26 - 36:47 (05:20)
Summary
Despite the gravity of the situation in Yemen's Hunger Ward, a 10-year-old girl named Omeyma offers hope through her generosity and resilience during her own treatment for malnutrition.
Episode#278 – Skye Fitzgerald: Hunger, War, and Human Suffering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The struggle to creatively approach and depict famine in Hunger Ward with the universal language of cinema by distilling the complexities of the issue down to imagery was a concern for the filmmakers.
36:47 - 45:12 (08:25)
Summary
The struggle to creatively approach and depict famine in Hunger Ward with the universal language of cinema by distilling the complexities of the issue down to imagery was a concern for the filmmakers. The majority of famines on the planet are believed to be manufactured by leaders as a weapon.
Episode#278 – Skye Fitzgerald: Hunger, War, and Human Suffering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker argues that might is justified in instances of barrel bombs being dropped on civilians in Syria and explores the power of the military versus sanctions versus conversation in addressing global conflict, citing the situation in Yemen as an example.
45:12 - 51:18 (06:06)
Summary
The speaker argues that might is justified in instances of barrel bombs being dropped on civilians in Syria and explores the power of the military versus sanctions versus conversation in addressing global conflict, citing the situation in Yemen as an example.
Episode#278 – Skye Fitzgerald: Hunger, War, and Human Suffering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast, a filmmaker discusses how his work can raise awareness on issues such as authoritarian regimes and their effects on citizens, and the responsibility of political leaders.
51:20 - 57:02 (05:42)
Summary
In this podcast, a filmmaker discusses how his work can raise awareness on issues such as authoritarian regimes and their effects on citizens, and the responsibility of political leaders.
Episode#278 – Skye Fitzgerald: Hunger, War, and Human Suffering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the significance of the topics they choose to film and how it can have a meaningful impact on the world.
57:02 - 1:01:31 (04:28)
Summary
The speaker discusses the significance of the topics they choose to film and how it can have a meaningful impact on the world. They explain how they believe film can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and marshalling resources to solve global problems.
Episode#278 – Skye Fitzgerald: Hunger, War, and Human Suffering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Filmmakers need to be creative in capturing intimate, vulnerable moments in documentary filming.
1:01:31 - 1:06:11 (04:40)
Summary
Filmmakers need to be creative in capturing intimate, vulnerable moments in documentary filming. The access to these moments is hard-fought and informs the way the filmmaker approaches the shoot.
Episode#278 – Skye Fitzgerald: Hunger, War, and Human Suffering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast episode discusses how the journey to shoot a scene is more important than the scene itself, and how personal connections can open up opportunities for access in the film industry.
1:06:11 - 1:13:27 (07:15)
Summary
This podcast episode discusses how the journey to shoot a scene is more important than the scene itself, and how personal connections can open up opportunities for access in the film industry.
Episode#278 – Skye Fitzgerald: Hunger, War, and Human Suffering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The key to telling a good story is developing relationships, as demonstrated by the example of a journalist and a Yemeni doctor who continue to maintain contact.
1:13:27 - 1:20:35 (07:07)
Summary
The key to telling a good story is developing relationships, as demonstrated by the example of a journalist and a Yemeni doctor who continue to maintain contact. Each project is an opportunity for growth and improvement, as the journalist seeks to better understand and convey the narrative.
Episode#278 – Skye Fitzgerald: Hunger, War, and Human Suffering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The use of natural light can add a unique and authentic touch to filmography, as showcased in small human rights documentaries.
1:20:35 - 1:23:49 (03:13)
Summary
The use of natural light can add a unique and authentic touch to filmography, as showcased in small human rights documentaries. While filmmakers may opt for artificial lighting in certain situations, it is ultimately the sun that is the best lighting instrument.
Episode#278 – Skye Fitzgerald: Hunger, War, and Human Suffering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Filmmaking requires the transformation of preconceived visualizations into the actual film, based on what is captured in the actual filming process.
1:23:49 - 1:28:20 (04:31)
Summary
Filmmaking requires the transformation of preconceived visualizations into the actual film, based on what is captured in the actual filming process. This often leads to a final product that is significantly different from the original vision.
Episode#278 – Skye Fitzgerald: Hunger, War, and Human Suffering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares their experience of finding their niche in directing by taking a chance and enrolling in a television directing class, realizing it was more their "wheelhouse" than stage directing.
1:28:20 - 1:33:33 (05:12)
Summary
The speaker shares their experience of finding their niche in directing by taking a chance and enrolling in a television directing class, realizing it was more their "wheelhouse" than stage directing.
Episode#278 – Skye Fitzgerald: Hunger, War, and Human Suffering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker spent a few years freelancing and living out of their car after grad school, which helped them learn quickly.
1:33:33 - 1:36:00 (02:26)
Summary
The speaker spent a few years freelancing and living out of their car after grad school, which helped them learn quickly. They also went on voyages around the world with Semester at Sea and worked on small human rights documentaries, working hard to make ends meet.
Episode#278 – Skye Fitzgerald: Hunger, War, and Human Suffering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the advantages of using multiple cameras and lenses for documentary filmmaking, including the ability to capture more footage and to have multiple filmmakers shooting simultaneously.
1:36:00 - 1:39:51 (03:51)
Summary
In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the advantages of using multiple cameras and lenses for documentary filmmaking, including the ability to capture more footage and to have multiple filmmakers shooting simultaneously. They also touch on the benefits of co-shooting and how it can free up the directors to focus on other aspects of the production.
Episode#278 – Skye Fitzgerald: Hunger, War, and Human Suffering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The traditional formalized process of obtaining consent from participants in nonfiction filmmaking may not be enough.
1:39:51 - 1:46:43 (06:52)
Summary
The traditional formalized process of obtaining consent from participants in nonfiction filmmaking may not be enough. Instead, a focus on human connection and ongoing, minute-by-minute consent is necessary.
Episode#278 – Skye Fitzgerald: Hunger, War, and Human Suffering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The importance of showing empathy in documentaries and putting a little bit of oneself in the movie.
1:46:43 - 1:54:05 (07:21)
Summary
The importance of showing empathy in documentaries and putting a little bit of oneself in the movie.
Episode#278 – Skye Fitzgerald: Hunger, War, and Human Suffering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Lifeboat is a documentary that showcases the desperate plight of refugees trying to escape to safer shores.
1:54:05 - 2:01:58 (07:53)
Summary
Lifeboat is a documentary that showcases the desperate plight of refugees trying to escape to safer shores. It follows the efforts of NGO Sea Watch as its volunteer crew rescues these refugees from the perilous waters of the Mediterranean.
Episode#278 – Skye Fitzgerald: Hunger, War, and Human Suffering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Some filmmakers believe it's necessary to break the rules in order to tell a compelling story, even if it means going against the bureaucracy and regulations in certain places with less enforced laws, such as authoritarian regimes.
2:01:58 - 2:06:30 (04:31)
Summary
Some filmmakers believe it's necessary to break the rules in order to tell a compelling story, even if it means going against the bureaucracy and regulations in certain places with less enforced laws, such as authoritarian regimes.
Episode#278 – Skye Fitzgerald: Hunger, War, and Human Suffering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A local businessman saw the medical need of the people living in camps just across the border and decided to help.
2:06:30 - 2:13:23 (06:53)
Summary
A local businessman saw the medical need of the people living in camps just across the border and decided to help. This story exemplifies how people are tested during the whims of war.
Episode#278 – Skye Fitzgerald: Hunger, War, and Human Suffering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker expresses frustration over the difficulty of accessing documentaries and films online, but praises platforms like YouTube for making content more accessible with a payment model.
2:13:23 - 2:16:31 (03:08)
Summary
The speaker expresses frustration over the difficulty of accessing documentaries and films online, but praises platforms like YouTube for making content more accessible with a payment model.
Episode#278 – Skye Fitzgerald: Hunger, War, and Human Suffering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The reliance on platforms has become a huge part of our daily lives, as people need platforms to discover niche things like films, but in turn are missing out on a lot of new and exciting things.
2:16:31 - 2:23:25 (06:54)
Summary
The reliance on platforms has become a huge part of our daily lives, as people need platforms to discover niche things like films, but in turn are missing out on a lot of new and exciting things. This could lead to a huge amount of dysfunctionality if platforms were suddenly gone.
Episode#278 – Skye Fitzgerald: Hunger, War, and Human Suffering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The guest shares a personal experience that taught them to act despite fear, and discusses the impact of failure on their work, before examining the meaning of individual human life.
2:23:25 - 2:32:52 (09:27)
Summary
The guest shares a personal experience that taught them to act despite fear, and discusses the impact of failure on their work, before examining the meaning of individual human life.
Episode#278 – Skye Fitzgerald: Hunger, War, and Human Suffering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast episode, the guest talks about coming to terms with his mortality and viewing it as a dance partner in life.
2:32:52 - 2:34:43 (01:51)
Summary
In this podcast episode, the guest talks about coming to terms with his mortality and viewing it as a dance partner in life. He also discusses the importance of trying to live beautifully and minimize risks.