Written by Daryl Bell
The smell of popcorn crunching underfoot elicits only one place where the lights are perpetually dim and the working mill about in black. But this past week something different was in the mix here in Salem: The cerebral stimulation of social commentary, injustices around the world, information in, above and below the mainstream, some with comedic undertones, all with a message that only a documentary film can provide. Package this for seven days…you have the third annual Salem (all documentary) Film Festival. 
Billed as the largest documentary film festival in New England with over 34 films ranging in styles and genres, this year’s success can be attributed to the support of an entire community. Of sponsors, volunteers, and of course the film makers themselves over 1/3 were available for after screening commentary and Q&A. Major sponsors include the Salem Waterfront Hotel, Peabody Essex Museum, and Rule Boston Camera to other sponsors such as Bewitched in Salem, Café Graziani and of course Salem Cinema, without which there would be no festival. For a full listing of sponsors, go to http://salemfilmfest.com/info/current-sponsors. It’s an impressive lot.
A few of the dedicated heart and souls involved had the following to say about the film festival: Joe Cultrera one of the original founders of this festival has the enviable task of viewing all the candidate films, this year numbering 70 films. A little history, the first year was organized in about two months showing only 15 films. This year, Joe pared those 70 down to the 34 films that you all enjoyed. “There is a solid line up of films this year,” says Joe and “The Salem Festival is a favorite of film makers”. This he adds is due to how well the film makers are cared for during this festival and that the audience is supportive and really cares about the films asking great questions of the film makers. Joe is also a founder of the Salem Community Arts Center, and he hopes to be back behind the camera soon.
Liz Cronin, volunteer coordinator and chief logistician of the event starts out simply stating, “I love films”. From the beginning of this project three years ago, Liz has worked making sure the film makers are well cared for. She organizes all the volunteers, handles on-sight logistics and information booths, the veritable muscle of this festival. Liz’s favorite part of the festival is when the film makers talk. Their perspective of the films allows a deeper understanding of the films, allowing us to ‘live it’ in a way. Liz’s favorite this year is Rock Prophecies by John Chester.
Each film begins the same whether in one of three large viewing areas or in the private screening room that certainly gives you a behind the scenes feel, especially when a film maker comes in and discusses the brain candy just witnessed. “The fire marshal has asked me to point out the exits of this theater…” Then a short introduction of the film and ACTION! You are now: Guarding our southern borders; saving cetaceans; eating garlic, selling family heirlooms; giving your best imitation of Pat Benatar or Deborah Harry; boxing in Cuba, jamming with Lightnin’ Hopkins, invading Iraq, living on ice, revisiting Buddha’s lost children or simply in awe of the inimitable Les Blank.
If you missed it, don’t fret, because the good news is you can catch it next year. So keep your eyes and ears open and check in to www.salemfilmfest.com.
