Where Are They Now? Catching Up with DOC NYC Alum: Laura Israel

Written by Nikki Erlick

This new DOC NYC blog series profiles DOC NYC alum and where they are today. We’re kicking off with Laura Israel, 2010 Viewfinders Grand Jury Prize winner and director of the groundbreaking film Windfall (pictured above at moment when award was announced). At DOC NYC, Israel stunned viewers through her portrayal of the dangers and disadvantages of the ostensibly attractive avenue of wind power in America. Windfall followed the residents of rural New York who were asked to allow the construction of turbines on their property.

Laura Israel has not let Windfall’s success slow her down. The documentary continues to be featured in screenings across North America, and in May, Israel spoke on the Wind Wise radio station. She recently worked as an editor of this year’s upcoming documentary ZIPPER: Coney Island’s Last Wild Ride, directed by Amy Nicholson, that recounts the struggle over the proposed economic development of the historical and cherished amusement park. She also plans to create another documentary, this time returning to a familiar subject matter – Robert Frank – having worked as an editor for the famed photographer and filmmaker for almost twenty years. In an interview with Filmmaker Magazine, where she was named one of the 25 new faces of independent film, Israel stated that “[Frank’s] work incorporates poetry, music, theater, politics and New York City history” and that she hoped “to reveal his creative process and his relationship with images.” After the success of Windfall at DOC NYC, there is no doubt that Laura Israel’s future endeavors will be equally impassioned and inspired.