LAND AND SEA Shorts Block
10 mins | 2024
Alex Fleming-McNeil
Back At the Foot of the Tower
For 45 years, Rolf Erikson has volunteered time and materials to maintain the Depression-era watchtower atop Mount Constitution on Orcas Island, WA. The film explores the importance of working on historical preservation to maintain a collective sense of identity.
About
For 45 years, Rolf Erikson has volunteered time and materials to maintain a Great Depression-era watchtower on Orcas Island, Washington. Built on a mountain and from local sandstone, the tower began to erode before it was even completed. Now, Rolf contends with hard weather, tourist traffic, and little support from the state to preserve "the sacred beauties of life at the tower atop Mount Constitution."
Following Eriksen, Back at the Foot of the Tower explores the meaning of work—including that which appears futile—the importance of historical preservation, and the role of physical objects in maintaining a collective sense of identity.
Back at the Foot of the Tower brings attention to Rolf's work while also inviting viewers to consider the meaning of their own labor, and how their sense of identity and tradition are informed by structure and place.
FILMMAKER BIO
Alex Fleming-McNeil
Alex Fleming-McNeil is a first-time director based in Washington State. He is interested in making movies about how capitalism changes our institutions and everyday life. He studied political theory at SF State and UC Berkeley and holds a graduate degree in political science.
CREDITS
Director
Alex Fleming-McNeil
Cinematography
Alex Fleming-McNeil
Recorded by
Alex Fleming-McNeil
Edited by
Alex Fleming-McNeil
Edited by
Michael Beuttler
Original Music
Keenan Dubois
Remix recording
Keenan Dubois