Written by Bailey Gregory, Photo courtesy of SCAD
“Best of Fest” began at 10 a.m. and screened diverse films all day and well into the night. The categories included narratives, documentary features, shorts spotlight and student films. I couldn’t stay to watch every film, but I can talk about the three that impacted me the most: “Selfies,” “Martha: A Picture Story” and “Sylvia.”
“Selfies”
It’s become a reflex to take out your phone to snap a picture. This film makes the point that pictures can show the highs and lows of life. It shows people outside, people with their families, people connecting and having fun, but then also shows more graphic images. This makes the point that selfies also document moments, whether they are positive or negative. It shows photos of people as they age.
“Martha: A Picture Story”
is an inspiring and interesting documentary of what can happen if you follow your heart. We are introduced to an older lady named Martha Cooper, a funny, passionate photographer who fell in love with the 1970s graffiti scene in New York.
Carlos Rodriguez, an artist who grew up during that time said, “The poverty gave the city a soul.” Cooper found a way to capture that by taking action shots of children. “Subway Art,” a book that she and Henry Chaulfant created, simultaneously features their photos and also supports other art. It achieves this by explaining certain techniques graffiti artists use.
Cooper’s heart remains in photography. She continues to inspire others to follow their own passions, but she doesn’t think of herself as a star, she is just Martha Cooper.
“Sylvia”
The short film takes us through the true story of love, loss and a car. It shows how objects important to families can, in a sense, become memories. In the opening scene, a mother bustles around, packing her things into her car. Although clearly upset, she is comforted by her family.
