Living in the Story documents thirty-five years of art-making by photographer Patrick Nagatani. The film portrays an artist deeply concerned with world events, who uses imagery and storytelling to raise awareness about modern anxieties, with an emphasis on the threat of nuclear weapons. Despite the serious content of his subject matter, his innovative images are compelling and entertaining. An engaging raconteur and teacher, Nagatani talks in the film about his projects, his unorthodox photographic techniques, and his subtle weaving together of fiction and fact.
A short version exploring three photographic series dealing with immigration/internment and nuclear issues is available. These issues are particularly relevant today, in light of escalating threats of war, toxic pollution and a growing refugee population worldwide.
Scott Nagatani’s hauntingly beautiful music score provides the film’s soundtrack.