When planning the lineup for the 25th annual Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival, programming director Minah Oh wanted the films to be filled with inspiration and hope.
The festival opened on Wednesday and Thursday with four documentaries and one drama, all setting the tone that Ms. Oh hoped for.
On Wednesday evening at the Capawock Theatre, food was the conduit in Marcella, which chronicled the journey of Marcella Hazan, a disabled immigrant who became a famed cookbook author.
Thursday’s lineup moved to the Grange Hall in West Tisbury, the main hub for the weekend, with food and music rounding out the cinematic offerings.
For the 5 p.m. showing of Beyond the Gaze: Jule Campbell’s Swimsuit Issue, moviegoers settled into the signature couches located on the second floor, bags of popcorn at the ready. There was no bad seat in the house, whether seated on the couches or on chairs at the side of the room.
Beyond the Gaze chronicles the career of Jule Campbell, the longtime editor of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The film was directed by her daughter in law Jill Campbell, who led a Q&A after the showing.
The film drew a lively reaction from the crowd throughout, with loud laughter and audible sniffles. Filled with archival footage and interviews, the documentary detailed Jules’ career triumphs and struggles, as well as her relationships with the models. The subject of beauty and aging was paramount.
“Cheers to old age,” Jule says in the film, which drew laughter from the crowd. “It’s a hoax.”
Carol Alt, one of the swimsuit models who was interviewed in the film, also attended the screening and participated in the Q&A.
Ms. Alt recalled when Jill reached out to her and how thrilled she was to be a part of the film. She then called many of the other models to see if they would be interested. Everyone said yes.
“It’s amazing when people come through for you,” Jill said.
Jule was a documentarian’s dream, never throwing away anything. In the film, there is footage of Jill sorting through thousands of photos and film rolls that her mother in law could never part with.
“That was really a blessing, [having] slides and Polaroids and just being able to save all of this,” she said. “I am continuing to digitize and it’s a lifelong job.”
Ms. Alt talked fondly about her time at Sports Illustrated with Jule.
“I think with something like this, there’s just something that made you feel so beautiful, to be beautiful in the eyes of the camera,” Ms. Alt said
After the movie and talk, the audience headed downstairs for a dinner of curry paired with yogurt and rice, prepared by chef Nina Levin of Stoney Hill Pizza.
It was also time to check on the rest of the weekend’s schedule of films and plan accordingly. Friday’s lineup includes five films, along with dinner at the Grange Hall.
Prime Minister will be shown at the Performing Arts Center, and includes a discussion with the film’s subject, the Rt. Hon. Dame Jacinda Ardern, who has traveled to the Vineyard to talk with the film’s director and the Vineyard audience. The talk will be moderated by filmmaker Dawn Porter.
The festival continues through Sunday. Visit tmvff.org for tickets and a full schedule of movies and events.
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