Movie Title: Memories Recorded, Memories Stored
Director: Jake Alexander McAfee
Festival website: Amsterdam International Film Festival
Trailer link on Youtube: Memories Recorded, Memories Stored
Award: Best Short Documentary
“Memories Recorded, Memories Stored” is a documentary which chronicles the creation of “Our Memories“, a participatory artwork which weaves people’s lives and experiences into a collective memory. It was awarded Best Short Documentary at the Amsterdam International Film Festival where it was screened on Wednesday, August 15, 2018, at 2:05 PM at the NH Amsterdam Hotel in screening room 2. Last year, Memories Recorded, Memories Stored was named “Best Documentary Short for Science and Education 2017” at the 6th Annual Madrid International Film Festival.
Our Memories in Thomas Paine Park, 2018, New York, NY
THE ARTIST AT THE CENTER OF THE FILM
The film follows sculptor Judith Modrak as she creates her first interactive art installation, Our Memories, on New York’s Governors Island. Modrak invites the public to complete the sculpture, sharing memories, represented by colored stones, to create a unique, transformative work of art.
Judith Modrak pictured with Our Memories in Central Park, 2018, New York, NY
“The public really seemed to enjoy participating in the installation and creating a collective memorial piece,” Modrak says, “and now it looks like the audience appreciates the film as well. It’s been an electrifying experience all around!”
OUR VISIONARY DIRECTOR
This is the fourth short film for director Jake Alexander McAfee, and his first documentary. McAfee’s previous films include “The Commute” for Goodwill Industries in 2014, and “2nd Life,” which won the HBO Best Short Film Award for 2015, and qualified for Academy Award Consideration for Best Live Action Short Film. “2nd Life” caught the attention of Academy Award-winning director Ron Howard, who is now a mentor to Jake and his blossoming career. “My vision for the film was to highlight Judith’s style and artistic aesthetic.” McAfee says, “more importantly, I wanted to capture Judith’s drive and spirit as an artist, and her journey to create Our Memories. At the same time I wanted the film to reflect the impact the sculptures had on the public,” says McAfee, ” its effect on them, both their interaction with and reaction to the work.”
PRODUCING A WINNING PROJECT
After many successful years as a Vice President of technology firms, Mark Lobene is now a full-time actor, producer and founder of Gramercy Empire Productions LLC. He met McAfee while co-starring in “2nd Life.” “Working with Jake once again was a real pleasure. I knew his sensitivity and strong narrative sense would come through on this project. We were honored in Madrid and we’re very thankful for this vote of confidence in our story.” Lobene says,”making this documentary fulfilled a long-held desire of mine. We were able to capture the creation of a sculptor’s work and capture the audience reaction and appreciation in one film. This, to me, was a complete feedback loop of the artistic process.”
“Often we see the completed work in a gallery, or we see it being created, but rarely do we see the start to finish which, in my opinion, should always include the viewer’s interaction. Having sculpture that was designed to be interactive, made this story that much more compelling.” The film was screened at the Queens World Film Festival and won an award in Madrid. “We appreciate the recognition from the Madrid International Film Festival, “ Lobene says, “and we hope to continue showing this documentary around the world and we appreciate all the interest in it.”
Our Memories in Central Park, 2018, New York, NY