The Uncertainty - about developing character driven documentaries

Hi, I'm Mikael Opstrup

I have written a book, THE UNCERTAINTY about developing character driven documentary films.

For a few decades I have met a couple of hundred documentary film teams a year. We have discussed their projects and the meetings with these wonderful and hardworking creators are the inspiration for THE UNCERTAINTY.

The book reflects on all the different elements of creating character driven documentaries: directing, writing, filming, editing, producing. But also chapters like: Subtext, The scene, Looking for moments, Let’s get nerdy.

29 chapters, 9 scenes, 61 pages. It’s an approach to documentary film making and it’s a handbook.

The Uncertainty Readers wrote

See what some of the readers have written about the book

"Wauw! What a wise, coherent and funny book."

“This is the real stuff, and The Uncertainty is very missed, valuable and long-wished for. Mikael shares a unique perspective on the world of documentary film. A perspective that is complex, refined, and sophisticated and yet at the same time as nude as direct cinema.”

"I have a lot of respect for his skills and now that respect also includes having done this fine work that hopefully will find many readers, who like you and I love documentaries. Total recommendation from my side."

"Mikael's reflections, analysis and stories are absolutely inspiring - and entertaining to read! Yes, there is a good chance that you will also smile when reading The Uncertainty. I did."

Talk at IDFA about
the uncertainty

THE UNCERTAINTY, 1. edition was launched at IDFA in 2021.

Here I had a session with Georgian director Salomé Jashi about the book.

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THE UNCERTAINTY by Mikael Opstrup

THE UNCERTAINTY by Mikael Opstrup

THE UNCERTAINTY
by Mikael Opstrup

THE UNCERTAINTY
by Mikael Opstrup

THE UNCERTAINTY
by Mikael Opstrup

THE UNCERTAINTY
by Mikael Opstrup

Hi, I'm Mikael Opstrup

I have written a book, THE UNCERTAINTY about developing character driven documentary films.

The Uncertainty Readers wrote

Talk at IDFA about
the uncertainty

Hi, I'm Mikael Opstrup

I have written a book, THE UNCERTAINTY about developing character driven documentary films.

The Uncertainty Readers wrote

Talk at IDFA about the uncertainty

Talk at IDFA about
the uncertainty