Laura Poitras had a romantic relationship with computer security researcher, activist, and journalist Jacob Appelbaum, after the filming phase was over for her documentary film project about WikiLeaks which resulted in the feature Risk (2016). She often mentions Appelbaum in her book "Astro Noise" using the affectionate form 'Jake'. The opening photo in "Astro Noise" shows Poitras stretched out on a daybed in the sunlight and is credited to Appelbaum.
[on drama] The films that really resonate for me capture a human drama as it unfolds. Someone once asked me what drama was. Drama is this [she picks up a plastic honey container and moves it a few inches away to another spot on the table]. It's movement. It's not people talking about what they did but it is what they do and the choices they make. I'm bringing these ideas about drama, which are old ones, into these kinds of contemporary forums and finding those stories. Those principles of documentary filmmaking have been around a long time - what makes a good story? It's finding those compelling characters that are confronting some sort of conflict.[2008]
