His films include “Bonhoeffer,” about the German theologian and Nazi resister Dietrich Bonhoeffer; “The Power of Forgiveness”; “Albert Schweitzer: Called to Africa,” and “The Adventists,” about the history and contemporary story of Seventh-day Adventists, a documentary that was partly filmed in Dayton.
In addition to winning an Emmy for his documentary “Washington National Cathedral,” Doblmeier is a six-time winner of the Gabriel Award for best film on a topic of religion and a two-time winner of the top award from the Religious Communicators Council.
We asked the documentary filmmaker a few questions about his personal journey:
Q What is your overall goal in making films?
A I have made nearly 30 documentary films on a topic of religion, faith and spirituality and for me each film is an exploration. It is a chance to understand in a deeper way how people respond to the presence of God and the divine in our lives and then act out of that response. I find it endlessly fascinating because it touches on topics and emotions that reach into the deepest levels of what it means to be human.
So my goal with each film is less about teaching and more about a chance to explore, and if I am able to do it well, the viewer has a unique and unforgettable experience that can be in some small way transforming.
Q Why is this award meaningful to you?
A The Daniel Kane Award has particular meaning for me because I did know Dan Kane and admired his commitment to communicating religion and faith through the media.
Q What have you learned from your experiences?
A Over the years, I have learned that while the media often likes to focus on religious extremism and fanatical behavior, there are countless people out there every day trying to transform the world for the better out of their understanding of God and the divine. Their lives inspire me, and I feel a great responsibility to tell their stories in such a way that the viewer can be as inspired as I was.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-24400 or MMoss@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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