SYNOPSIS
A girl recollects a boy named Moon.
REVIEW
Moon v. State recounts a deadly robbery that threw a small Texas town into turmoil in the 1950s. This retelling, however, serves less to confirm historical truth than to recontextualize the pervasive racism in American society. Director James N. Kienitz Wilkins juxtaposes narration with black-and-white archival photographs, creatively interpreting the aftermath of historical events. His approach combines conceptual rigor and precision, demonstrating an ability to uncover the uncanny in the everyday. The film explores the provenance of photographic images, meditates on expanding meanings, examines racist representations, and reflects on Hollywood history and American life under capitalism. Kienitz Wilkins proves that any reality-derived material can fall into the category of hybrid nonfiction. The breathy narration by Broadway actress Emily Davis lends a unique rhythm to the piece.
DIRECTOR'S NOTE
The photographs used in Moon v. State are scans of archival prints and negatives taken by the press during coverage of the arrest and trial of Nearvel Moon between 1958-1960.
CONTACT
Automatic Moving Co
email@automaticmoving.com
