John Caulkins

John Caulkins, oh boy, this guy has a fascinating fingerprint on the world of documentary film. You might not see his name flashing in neon lights, but trust me, his work? It sticks with you. He’s one of those behind-the-scenes brains that actually shapes what you feel when you’re watching. Go back to “Liyana” (2017) and you’ll notice his touch—the way raw human stories get woven with a dreamy, animated twist. It’s not just a straight-up doc; it’s a blend, a mashup of reality and imagination. Not everyone can pull that off without it feeling weird or forced, but Caulkins and the team, well, they nailed it. Then there’s “Keep on Keepin’ On” (2014), which, honestly, is a whole different vibe. This one’s about jazz legend Clark Terry mentoring a young, blind pianist. Emotional? Oh, for sure. But cheesy? Not even close. The film gives you that intimate, gritty look at what it means to love music and fight for your dreams, even when the cards are stacked against you. Caulkins knows how to capture that tension between hope and hardship, letting the real moments breathe. And, don’t sleep on “Leaning Into the Wind: Andy Goldsworthy” (2017). Here, the guy dives into the world of land art—yeah, that’s a thing—and Goldsworthy’s obsession with nature. It’s meditative without being boring, full of shots that’ll make you wanna go outside and just look at rocks differently. Caulkins doesn’t yell for attention; he just kind of sneaks up on you, making you see stories and people in a way you maybe never would’ve.