WATCH AN EXCERPT HERE
WATCH THE FILM HERE with all proceeds going to the filmmakers!
First, the Recap:
What is the nature of lore in the South? Is it steeped in the myriad of historical occurrences well-documented over centuries of scholars and others who have lived within these regions? Or, it is more to be discovered within the folktales of storytellers, immersed in things both pagan and divine? There is the essence of the South, and for those who choose to enter into its domain, there just may be an eccentric adventure waiting to unfold as we try to digest all there is to take in, with the paths of all beings who have trod there before showing the way.
Next, my Mind:
If there’s one thing this critic has learned during the previous two times covering the various incarnations of what is now officially the current 2020 Berlin Revolution Film Festival, it is to expect the obscure and experimental aspects of the indie film world to rise up with an unflinching cry to be seen, acknowledged, and interpreted. That is unquestionably the case here with this 9-minute short from director Jasper Lee, and it is not a bad thing, folks!
Now, I will freely admit that upon screening the effort, which becomes an offering that relies solely on its non-narrative based, visual-and-audio-centric delivery to capture our attention, it lost me. Even upon initially taking in the quick snippet of what the basis of it was about, I still found it confounding until you begin to realize that while the ultimate gist of the film may still be limited to those more familiar with Southern superstitions and/or folklore here in the U.S., it doesn’t take anything away from the sheer creative boldness to present something outside the box and ask that viewers at minimum appreciate it for the piece of art it is.
Sit back and take in this intentionally repetitive imagery and soundscapes unfolding before you, accompanied by some equally surrealistic music, as it makes its case for moments of human awareness and connection while displaying random depictions of spinning chairs, metronomes, gates that appear to open on their own, hats, snakes, fire, numerical sequence, building structures, smke and embers, concepts of ritual and sacrifice, beautiful landscapes, etc. etc. As mentioned above, many of these visual facets and their associated sounds tend to repeat, yet it creates this strangely mesmerizing ambiance that makes you long for learning more about the South!
It sounds odd to say that perhaps, but what better medium than this film and its quickly passing by indicators of Southern culture and history to make a convincing case to understand the director’s notions and deep love for his home region? It is highly experimental, yes, and is well outside mainstream, but is this also not the point of artistic expression found within indie cinema. This critic alludes to that a lot, but it’s hard not to when witnessing an effort like this, and I truly do hope other viewers can take this project and really be willing to give it its just understanding and due, even if NOT fully being knowledgeable in detail of all characterized here.
Plus, I love the fact that while this wasn’t a narrative film, Lee still incorporated plenty of friends to make this happen and who in some form appear here, including Lizzie Little, Virginia Lee, Phillip Lee, Horace Lee, Patsy Lee, Zavier Taylor, Leah Hamby, Jimmy Griffin, Laura Little, Travis Craig, Mae Godfrey, Tanner White, Joel Nelson, Nancy Richmond, Marie Rossettie, Kathleen Hairston, and Danielle Dyer. I so appreciate the fact that these individuals took the time to assist a friend and/or family member in creating a passion project that reflects his goals as a director to maintain love of the South while being willing to share it with the world as well.
In total, “Silver In The Churn” isn’t remotely standard cinema fare, not even necessarily typical indie fare either, and that is by no means any kind of strike against it. It represents the very core of indie filmmaking through its creator’s willingness to simply go with what inspires and drives them, take the time to film it, and then put it together in a way that illustrates something that we should always be proud of and wish to share with others–yes, a culture, but moreso, a heritage and place called home.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
