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The freedom to film Stories in Motion winner Olz McCoy details his experiences in documentary filmmaking, starting with Passion, Purpose and Parkinson’s and arriving at Uhuru
W hen his grandfather passed away, it changed Olz McCoy’s life. While, of course, he mourned this loss, what he gained was something much bigger. While going through the belongings his grandfather left behind, McCoy found an old video camera from his grandfather’s early days as a filmmaker. In that moment, he realised he’d found his calling. After graduating sixth form, McCoy went straight into the industry, picking up his first gig at RSA Films (founded by Ridley Scott and his brother Tony). He worked as a production assistant for a while, shooting passion projects in his own time. Until one day, he took the leap
into freelance directing and editing. It hasn’t always been steady since – the pandemic took its toll, unsurprisingly – but McCoy has nonetheless found success, evidenced by his most recent documentary, Uhuru , winning this year’s Filmed on location in Tanzania, Uhuru – which translates into ‘freedom’ in Swahili – follows several locals living with Parkinson’s disease. Although McCoy has no personal connection with the neurodegenerative disorder, he’s made three films about it thus far; Uhuru is his latest documentary. Stories in Motion competition. Movies with a message
His interest in Parkinson’s began with wildlife photographer David Plummer, who’s been diagnosed with the disease. After hearing his story, McCoy only wanted to amplify it; he reached out, and Plummer was in. The final result was Passion, Purpose and Parkinson’s , a five-minute film in which Plummer, artist Alex Echo and musician Nigel Bates share their experiences with the disease, from how it’s impacted their careers to how, in a sense, it’s inspired them to keep living. Parkinson’s UK and Cure Parkinson’s both supported the project. After Passion, Purpose and Parkinson’s , McCoy made Shaking Hands with the Devil , collaborating again with Plummer
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