Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: MONTANA SHORTS [Big Sky Documentary Film Festival 2021 - Virtual]
The creation of documentary, even from the starting point is about subject and perspective. Of the shorts picked to view, the 4, and it seems all of them are from students, have their own aspects of potential. Some of them are interrelated from class requirements at Montana State University (located in Bozeman). The credits on many of them speak to the part of the degree which focuses on natural and nature photography which is a phenomenal subsection , especially with the background of Montana. But to find the subjects and the path they take is interesting in terms of which films find a certain balance.
The best and most ambitious is "Bitterroot" which seems like it was made by a recent student (meant in the best possible way).That said, it was made by Adam Meeks through the Jacob Film Center in Pleasantville, NY which is within Westchester County just north of NYC. The film's subject though has its basis in Montana. It is the story of Meeks' parents and the separation in their lives after they moved to Montana. Adam's father fell in love with the beauty there but after Meeks and his sister were born, there becomes a separation of ideals between his parents. His mother became very involved in church and, in a twist of the film that won't be revealed here, was motivated by that and to be baptized in the Bitterroot River. The interviews are very intrinsic with his actual parents (who still are fairly young). It is a very immersive view of this American Family but the way it is done (at just 15 minutes) shows an interesting control of facilities even with a subject so close. It is a talent many cannot master after years.
The next, from MSU, is by Erinn Hemsen called "The Rivers That Shape Us". While it is structured, like the remaining films in a way, within the wrapper of a PSA, this one is very personal in that it can relate its subject to a wider movement. It is speaking to a Legacy Act in Montana to protect the rivers there in the future from being adjusted and dammed. Hemsen uses the interview with a local dad and his daughter to show its impact of life lessons, nostalgia and family while interspersing facts and connection. It is very direct but still emotional.
The other two films take differing approaches. MSU Student Richard Barker in his short (these are all 7 minute form): "Sweetwater" takes an approach in what is apparently his hometown of Gainesville, Florida. He shows the path of the Sweetwater River and all the places it goes, even through pollution and underground. He is not critical but simply shows the facts . But his mastery of some of the visuals, especially underwater and elsewhere, show an aept hand of the visual realm which will serve him well in the nature filmmaking business. It is a good film but it is interesting that he is attending MSU's program but he decided to do the film about where he is from. Just ironic since Montana is there but you make what you know, which makes sense. The other short from MSU is a little more basic in its logic but no less proficient...just shorter at 4 minutes. "Propagation" by Nate Kenney focuses on an Avalanche Expert in Montana and the focus on the job. It is matter of fact but still straight to the point though the drone shots look almost too professional [though good] (and, if so, clearances to shoot on the mountains, were likely extensive) so it would be interesting to see the balance between stock and filmed footage.
The shorts examined shows a dexterity and master of visuals with students at various points in their paths but all with definitive strengths for a bright future, many born from the inspiration and life that is Montana.
By Tim Wassberg
