What started as a creative work of nonfiction, a documentary about the Pine Barrens and an exploration of how identity is tied to place ultimately shaped the filmmaker’s own identity.

A conversation with David Kessler, writer and director of the award-winning independent documentary “The Pine Barrens,” reveals the artist’s openness of vision, supported by his background in not only film, but also fine art, motion graphics design, music videos and experimental animation.