Meet Amy Miller

We were lucky to catch up with Amy Miller recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy , thank you so much for joining us today. There are so many topics we could discuss, but perhaps one of the most relevant is empathy because it’s at the core of great leadership and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your empathy?

My empathy was shaped by a combination of personal experiences and the deep connections I’ve formed with others through my activism and filmmaking. From my involvement in the anti-war movement to working alongside marginalized communities impacted by environmental degradation and corporate greed, I’ve witnessed firsthand the struggles people face globally.

These experiences taught me to listen deeply and approach storytelling from a place of respect and solidarity. Being based in Montreal, surrounded by creatives and activists, further nurtured my sense of responsibility to tell stories that aren’t just reflective of my own perspective but that give voice to those who are often unheard. I believe empathy is an ongoing process—cultivated by being open to others’ realities, acknowledging privilege, and consistently challenging oneself to remain engaged in the issues that matter.

Documentaries became a natural extension of this empathy, as they allow me to bring forward critical conversations in a way that resonates emotionally with audiences. This work continually fuels my ability to connect with others on a human level.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m a documentary filmmaker based in Montreal, and my work has always been deeply rooted in activism and social justice. I founded Wide Open Exposure Productions as a way to merge art with critical analysis, using film as a tool to bring important issues to the forefront of public consciousness. Over the years, I’ve tackled topics like war profiteering, environmental destruction, food sovereignty, and more—always with a focus on amplifying the voices of those most affected by these crises.

What excites me most about this work is the power documentaries have to engage people emotionally and intellectually. When I make a film, I’m not just telling a story—I’m inviting viewers to think critically, to question systems of power, and to become more aware of their own roles in global struggles for justice. For me, the most special part is the opportunity to collaborate with passionate activists and communities who are doing incredible work on the ground. I see my role as one of bridging their stories with broader audiences who may not otherwise have access to these perspectives.

As for what’s new, I recently released Manufacturing the Threat (2023), a film that dives into state surveillance and the criminalization of dissent, exploring how governments manufacture threats to justify increased policing and repression. This was a deeply personal project for me, and we were able to complete it thanks to community support and independent funding. Moving forward, I’m excited about expanding into spaces that allow for more collaborative storytelling, where communities are not just subjects but active participants in the filmmaking process.

For me, filmmaking isn’t just about creating something beautiful—it’s about making information accessible, inspiring action, and being part of movements that push for a more equitable world. That’s at the heart of everything I do.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey as a filmmaker and activist, I would say three qualities that were most impactful for me were empathy, perseverance, and a commitment to critical thinking.

First, empathy has been key. Whether it’s connecting with people whose stories I’m telling or building relationships with the communities I collaborate with, empathy allows me to approach each project from a place of genuine understanding. Developing empathy takes time and patience—it’s about listening deeply and setting aside your own assumptions to truly hear others’ experiences. For those early in their journey, I’d encourage actively engaging with perspectives outside your own, whether through travel, activism, or simply cultivating relationships across different communities.

Perseverance is another quality that has been essential. The nature of documentary filmmaking—especially when tackling difficult or controversial subjects—requires resilience. There are always challenges, whether it’s funding, access, or navigating sensitive topics, and it’s easy to get discouraged. My advice is to hold on to your vision and remember why you started the journey in the first place. Every setback is an opportunity to learn, and each step forward, no matter how small, is progress.

Lastly, a commitment to critical thinking has shaped my work and approach to storytelling. Being able to question dominant narratives, dig deeper into complex systems, and analyze how power operates in society is crucial for the kind of films I make. To develop this skill, I recommend reading widely, engaging in political and social theory, and seeking out spaces where critical debates are happening. This will allow you to create work that not only informs but challenges people to think and act differently.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to stay curious, be willing to learn from your mistakes, and above all, stay true to your vision. Looking back on my journey as a filmmaker and activist, I would say three qualities that were most impactful for me were empathy, perseverance, and a commitment to critical thinking.

First, empathy has been key. Whether it’s connecting with people whose stories I’m telling or building relationships with the communities I collaborate with, empathy allows me to approach each project from a place of genuine understanding. Developing empathy takes time and patience—it’s about listening deeply and setting aside your own assumptions to truly hear others’ experiences. For those early in their journey, I’d encourage actively engaging with perspectives outside your own, whether through travel, activism, or simply cultivating relationships across different communities.

Perseverance is another quality that has been essential. The nature of documentary filmmaking—especially when tackling difficult or controversial subjects—requires resilience. There are always challenges, whether it’s funding, access, or navigating sensitive topics, and it’s easy to get discouraged. My advice is to hold on to your vision and remember why you started the journey in the first place. Every setback is an opportunity to learn, and each step forward, no matter how small, is progress.

Lastly, a commitment to critical thinking has shaped my work and approach to storytelling. Being able to question dominant narratives, dig deeper into complex systems, and analyze how power operates in society is crucial for the kind of films I make. To develop this skill, I recommend reading widely, engaging in political and social theory, and seeking out spaces where critical debates are happening. This will allow you to create work that not only informs but challenges people to think and act differently.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to stay curious, be willing to learn from your mistakes, and above all, stay true to your vision.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I try to ground myself by reconnecting with the reasons why I do this work in the first place. It’s easy to get lost in the enormity of the issues I tackle—whether it’s the intensity of a production schedule or the weight of the stories we’re telling—but I find that returning to the core values of the work helps me regain perspective. Often, I remind myself that I’m part of a larger collective effort for change, and that I’m not alone in the struggle.

Practically, I give myself permission to pause. Sometimes that means stepping away from a project for a short time to regain clarity, or spending time in nature, which I find immensely restorative. I also make time to connect with people who inspire and support me—whether it’s fellow filmmakers, activists, or close friends. Having a community that understands the pressures and shares in the vision can be grounding.

For those seeking strategies when feeling overwhelmed, my advice is to be kind to yourself. It’s okay to acknowledge that you’re struggling. Break things down into smaller, more manageable steps, and don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you need it. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary to sustain long-term engagement in meaningful work. Finding balance is crucial, even in a field driven by passion, and taking care of your mental and emotional well-being will ultimately make you stronger in your efforts.

Additionally, planning is the foundation that holds everything together. I’ve learned over the years that when I take the time to meticulously lay out each step of the project, from the early conceptual phases to the final edits, it allows me to work more fluidly and adapt when things inevitably shift. Being good at planning doesn’t just mean creating a roadmap—it means being consistent in following it, refining it, and knowing when to pivot while still keeping the bigger picture in focus.

Once the backbone of the project is set, everything becomes more manageable. It creates a sense of structure and order, which then allows me to focus on the creative and human elements of the work. Planning becomes second nature after a while, and with that consistency, things get easier. You start to see patterns, anticipate challenges, and find ways to keep the process moving forward without losing momentum. In a way, having a solid plan in place gives me the freedom to be more present in the moment, whether I’m on set or in the editing room, because I know I have that structure to fall back on.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wideopenexposure.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wideopenexposureproductions/