Collodion: The Process of Preservation

Collodion: The Process of Preservation is a potent, heartfelt experimental documentary that weaves together rich historical narrative, kaleidoscopic visuals and native storytelling to explore themes of culture, identity, and conservation. Released in 2020, the film was directed, written, and produced by Eric Overton, an accomplished photographer and filmmaker. The film boasts notable performances from Angelo Baca, Rich Ingebretson, and Jeffrey D. Morgan, among others.

The film takes its title from the Collodion process, a mid-19th century photographic technique, and Overton skillfully uses this photographical concept as a metaphor to frame the movie's narrative around the preservation of ancient landscapes, native American culture, and environmental resources. Importantly, the choice of title reflects the film's unique style, combining historic photographic techniques with modern filmmaking to narrate this multifaceted story.

The documentary opens with the introduction of the protagonist, Angelo Baca, a Native American scholar and filmmaker, playing himself in the movie. Residing in the heart of the Bears Ears National Monument in Southeastern Utah, Baca is ensconced in native traditions, culture, and the natural world. The film captures his passion for storytelling, his ties to the landscape, and his commitment to protecting the heritage embedded within it.

Baca's character brings to the forefront the indigenous perspective on land, heritage, and culture, providing thought-provoking insights about the deep interconnection between the native tribes and these territories. As various legal battles and controversies surrounding the land's preservation unfold, Baca's character reaffirms the importance of cultural survivance, standing up against the forces that threaten to erase this deep-rooted connection.

Complementing Baca's resonating Native American storytelling is Rich Ingebretson, a medical doctor and founder of the Great Salt Lake Institute at Westminster College. Ingebretson brings a scientific perspective to the narrative, offering the viewer a keen understanding of the ecological importance of these ancient lands and environmental conservation. Jeffrey D. Morgan further extends the narrative by portraying preservation through the lens of photography, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding invaluable human history and culture for future generations.

Eric Overton, besides directing the film, doubles as a photographer in the narrative, essentially becoming the eyes through which viewers experience the film. His mettlesome journey through diverse environmental and political landscapes infuses a palpable sense of realism and immersion into the narrative. His intricate snapshots of monumental sandstones, winding canyons, and native tribes offer a visceral, intimate look at a world at risk and imbue a deeper understanding of the escalating tension between land preservation and economic development.

Collodion: The Process of Preservation is an intriguing meander through time, from the age-old ancient lands and indigenous traditions to the photographic techniques of the mid-19th century and the contemporary threats to conservation. By juxtaposing the old and new, it underscores the urgency for action and vigilance in the face of rapidly growing threats to the environment and cultural heritage.

The film differentiates itself through its distinctive cinematographic style, a riveting blend of classic and contemporary techniques that evokes a sense of nostalgia while emphasizing the imperativeness of the present moment. Overton skillfully exploits the visual and emotive potency of the collodion process to create a unique, spellbinding style that engages the viewer in a profound, introspective journey. The visually striking frames paralleled with the soothing narration carry a passionate undercurrent that leaves a lasting impression.

Throughout the film, the three leads – Baca, Ingebretson, and Morgan - offer fascinating insights, bringing unique viewpoints and expertise to drive the narrative forward. The intriguing dynamic amongst the trio forms the film's backbone, making it incredibly engaging.

Exploring the intricate ties between culture, land, and identity, Collodion: The Process of Preservation is a remarkable sensory journey that captivates, educates, and provokes thought. Far from merely capturing images, the collodion process symbolizes the broader ethos of cultural and environmental conservation - capturing moments, history, and essence for posterity.

By the end, Collodion: The Process of Preservation leaves its audiences with a provocative question to ponder: In our pursuit of progress, what are we willing to lose, and most importantly, what should we strive to preserve? With its strong message and bold storytelling, this documentary aspires to be more than a film - it sets out to inspire a movement.