Spotlight Q&A with Nicole Betancourt

Nicole shares her experiences in making her feature documentary film "The Unfixing"

“The Unfixing” explores the idea of "unfixing" our perspectives. What inspired you to take on this concept as the central theme?

If we don’t believe things can change, who will? So many young people are anxious and in despair, and why wouldn't they be? My child Blue at the age of 12 says in the film, “I don't really have hope that the world's going to turn around.” They are growing up with looming pandemics and climate disasters. Grieving for the ravages of climate change, like grieving for lost abilities with a chronic illness, is ongoing and often involves fears about an uncertain future. “Unfixing” refers to moving out of a fixed position defined by this fear or doom loop in the brain. The Unfixing is about aligning with a vision of the future that supports life on Earth.

Can you talk about the research process behind the documentary? How did you decide which stories to include?

I saw the film as a series of spirals or loops that I had to play with to fit into a linear story. In systems theory, we are taught to see life as a web of relationships. The film is a web of stories and styles that weave together in a tighter pattern as the film progresses. It was a trial and error process in the editing room - weaving together the stories of myself, my family, my teachers, and my dreams - to build a compelling momentum.

How has making this documentary changed your own perspective on the subject?

I would say that it still is changing me - especially when I am feeling ill or reading a devastating news story. I have a powerful impulse to add layers of fear and anxiety in a misguided attempt at survival. The creative process of making this film has given me an alternate response - a softer one that includes acceptance of what is and a vision of a healed future.

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