Ep 290: Liz Moughon: Turning Type 1 Diabetes into Art
Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyShow Notes
Show Notes
What does it really mean to film something that can't be seen? In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, I sit down with award-winning documentary cinematographer Liz Moughon to explore the emotional and technical craft of visual storytelling. Liz has worked with ProPublica, Blue Chalk Media and some of the world's leading documentary filmmakers, creating films that explore grief, illness, identity, hope and resilience. From documenting families affected by stillbirth to investigating one of the largest medical device recalls in history, her work demonstrates how cinematography can reveal emotional truth through observation rather than spectacle.
We discuss why perspective matters just as much as composition, how documentary filmmakers earn trust during intimate moments, and the importance of knowing when to keep filming—and when to simply listen.
Liz also opens up about living with Type 1 diabetes, explaining how she transformed a deeply personal experience into an artistic project by photographing an entire year's worth of the medical supplies that kept her alive. Rather than seeing them as waste, she began seeing them as evidence of resilience, creativity and survival.
This is a thoughtful conversation about empathy, collaboration, vulnerability, emotional landscapes, and why the most powerful stories are often found in the quiet moments people overlook. In this episode we discuss:
• How Liz discovered filmmaking through photojournalism • Why documentary cinematography is about perspective rather than simply beautiful images • Capturing grief, hope and emotional truth on camera • Filming intimate moments ethically • The visual language of documentary filmmaking • Working with ProPublica and investigative documentaries • Turning Type 1 diabetes into an artistic project • Why details and visual metaphors create emotional impact • The importance of collaboration in filmmaking • Why curiosity is a filmmaker's greatest strength
Mentioned in this episode • Liz Moughon's website https://lizmoughon.com/about • Before a Breath • With Every Breath • Blue Chalk Media • ProPublica
From Liz Moughon
A to Z music video https://tennmore.com/atoz/ Inspired by movement, identity, Baltimore street culture, discipline, and emotional transformation, the film blends intimate visuals with a reimagined performance of Ludovico Einaudi’s “Experience.” Filmed across Baltimore with a focus on texture, motion, stillness, and human connection, A to Z represents the beginning of a larger body of work from TennMore Studios – combining documentary sensibilities, cinematic filmmaking, and emotionally grounded storytelling.
Team Type 1 https://lizmoughon.com/teamtype1 Type 1 Diabetes is full of routines no one sees, especially the supplies that pile up quietly in the background. Most of the time, those supplies get thrown away. What if we turned them into something cool?
For one year I saved every pod, sensor, alcohol wipe, etc. that helped keep me alive, and I made a self-portrait surrounded by all of it. I'm inviting you to do the same thing – your way. Save your supplies for a few months, a year or whatever feels right. Then create something: a photo, video, sculpture, collage, anything. This is your invitation.
Support Independent Filmmaking Please check out the links below to support two previous Filmmaking Conversations guests.
🎬 A Life Together https://seedandspark.com/fund/a-life-together-short-film#story — Michael Ferrell and Devin Sanchez's heartfelt comedy-drama about family, ambition and unexpected relationships. The film is currently raising funds as both a festival short and proof-of-concept feature.
🎬 The Deer https://www.shelterfilm.com/thedeerfilmcampaign— Julia Campanelli's powerful short film exploring PTSD through the eyes of a first responder following the aftermath of a school shooting, helping shine a light on the often unseen emotional cost carried by emergency workers.
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