Even though Local Sightings came to a close yesterday, I had to fit in one more set of shorts. There were just so very many to choose from, I know I missed out on more than a few that deserved attention but following are the ones that really stood out in the bunch I was able to get to. If you’re able to seek them out, I highly recommend finding them and enjoying them as much as I did.
The Black Panthers in the Emerald City presents: The Dixon Brothers (2021 | USA | 29 mins | Tremalle LaBee)
While Seattle may not be the first city you think of when it comes to the Black Panther movement, they were one of the first cities to organize, create a chapter, and take part in protests. This film introduces that story and more specifically two brothers, Aaron and Elmer Dixon, who were on the forefront of the organization.
The only complaint I have about The Dixon Brothers is that it wasn’t long enough, but that’s not even a fair critique because it’s a short film. I certainly hope director Tremalle LaBee plans on making it into a feature-length in the future. I didn’t grow up in Seattle, but I’ve come to call it home and I love learning about the history of this city. While we have seen an uptick in the number of films about black history in this nation, regional-specific information hasn’t gotten its due quite yet. LaBee dips a toe into this history and every moment of it is fascinating. If you’ve had a chance to watch Judas and the Black Messiah, The Dixon Brothers adds a PNW association that further deepens our connection with the story.
Listen Asshole (2021 | USA | 3 mins | Masahiro Sugano)
Based on a poem, spoken now by the two women who wrote and performed it thirty years ago. It’s a discussion of rights, privilege, being underestimated, walked all over and taken advantage of. Long before the Me Too movement, this intelligent and poignant poem shouted what women, more importantly women of color, all over the world were feeling but was yet to be heard. In black and white, there was nothing to detract from their voices, their gestures, and their body language that spoke almost as loudly as their words. Powerful and painfully relevant despite how long ago it was written.
DIS / APPEAR (2021 | USA | 11 mins | Alia Swersky)
A dance short meant to represent the impermanence and constant change that not only we as living beings go through but also the planet around us. We ebb and flow, bend and break but always continue on. This short was a gorgeous amalgam of textures, sounds and colors. Taking every opportunity to help the viewer feel, experience and envelop themselves in the where the dancers were and what they were doing. The seascape where it was performed was a huge part of the film itself and it wasn’t just people dancing, it was an experience.
Joe Buffalo (2021 | USA | 16 mins | Amar Chebib)
Joe Buffalo is an indigenous professional skateboarder, residential school survivor, recovering addict and so much more. This short attempts to compress an impressive, difficult and expansive life into sixteen minutes of film as the protagonist voices his feelings, thoughts and experiences coupled with beautiful and poignant visuals
How do you fit a lifetime of memories, pain and experiences into sixteen minutes? It seems an insurmountable task, and while there is much more to Joe Buffalo than what is seen and heard in this film, director Amar Chebib does an enviable job at accomplishing such a feat. Stunning visual storytelling without actual dialogue is difficult but I was enthralled from beginning to end listening to Joe describe the highs and lows of his life as it is acted out both literally and texturally.
someone i used to know (2021 | USA | 4 mins | Cris Romento)
All visuals and music, you’re taken through the highlights of a sweet young romance and an abrupt end when life takes them in different directions. I love the simplicity of this short and all the emotions it stirs in the viewer. We’ve all been in love in one way or another in our lives and this takes you back to those sensory experiences in a wistful way.
All films listed here are a part of the Local Sightings Film Festival and are available virtually through September 26th.
Follow other updates from this year’s festival via our Local Sightings 2021 coverage.