Melody Gilbert is an independent documentary filmmaker who has directed and produced for film and television for more than 20 years. She has made four independent feature-length documentaries in the past five years: URBAN EXPLORERS: INTO THE DARKNESS (2007), A LIFE WITHOUT PAIN (2005), WHOLE (2003) and MARRIED AT THE MALL (2002). All of her films have screened at major film festivals, in theaters and on television worldwide, including the Sundance Channel. She produces, directs, and shoots most of her films.
Melody is the Featured Filmmaker on the Documentary Channel!Divorce Camp (in production)
When a woman faces the shocking reality of divorce, her life is shattered. Whether the cause was abuse, infidelity, or lack of love, everything in her life that could be trusted disappears. Enter “Daisy Camp,” a place where women are taught how to pick up the pieces and move on. Over the course of a weekend, “campers” learn the “nuts and bolts” of divorce as well as struggle to regain their sense of power. Through tears and fear, each creates a vision of a new life beyond her divorce where she can believe in herself again.
Fritz: The Walter Mondale Story (in production)
Walter “Fritz” Mondale believes politics and public service can build bridges rather than barriers. This documentary explores the former Vice President’s extraordinary life from the 1960’s through today, from Minnesota to the White House and back. Along the way, he transformed the role of the Vice President and led the country’s newfound commitment to provide equality and opportunity to all. Through his teaching at the University of Minnesota, Mr. Mondale probes the issue of American values and accountability of power while inspiring a new generation to seek a life of public service.
Urban Explorers: Into The Darkness (2007)
URBAN EXPLORERS: INTO THE DARKNESS delves into the world of urban exploration, a growing sub-culture of adventure-seekers from around the world who explore where most “normal people” would never go. After watching this documentary, you’ll never look at a manhole cover the same!
A Life Without Pain (2005)
What happens when a person can’t feel pain? As we follow three-year-old Gabby from Minnesota, 7-year-old Miriam from Norway and 10-year-old Jamilah from Germany coping with this enormous challenge, we learn that pain is really a gift that no one wants, but none of us can do without.
Whole (2003)
WHOLE takes you into the world of physically healthy people who are obsessed with becoming an amputee. This documentary reveals the impact the obsession has on loved ones, and also examines how medical professionals are dealing with the growing worldwide network of amputee wannabes.
Married At The Mall (2002)
MARRIED AT THE MALL features an assortment of lovebirds who tie the knot at the Chapel of Love in the Mall of America, the largest shopping mall in the U.S. Come see who gets married while everyone else is shopping. Vegas, shmegas!
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