-Written by Michelle Vorob.
2024 CAMDEN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW!
History is Written at Night is a creative documentary by Alejandro Alonso, which takes place during a power outage in Cuba. With this short documentary, Alonso has achieved something I've never seen before; a documentary that in tone and style, comes as close to a horror film as I've ever seen. Using skillful cinematography and angles, Alonso makes use of a real event to create something that transcends the blackout.
At first, it's hard to discern what is happening on screen, because it's so dark. It finally appears that a fire is being lit. Inside their home, Alonso's mother (Teresita Estrella) relays ghost stories of sorts. Intermingled with this, we also see what appears to be explosions outside in the distance, coinciding with the blackout enveloping the entire area. It's so quiet that every sound is amplified; car signals from a stranded driver, matches being struck, a broadcast that sounds like an old radio program. More than anything, the sounds of the ocean and wind are strong and prevalent throughout. There's something else though; a clicking sound that comes and goes. I won't reveal the source of the clicking, so you can be surprised when you watch History is Written at Night for yourself. I will tell you I was surprised when the source was revealed and it only served to further the “horror” feel of this very creative documentary, when the scope of the source came into view.
Since watching History is Written at Night, I've wondered how many people might miss out on the experience of watching this, specifically because it's a documentary. Don't judge a film by its classification. There's something very powerful and moving about History is Written at Night. Alonso is able to capture the essence of the human experience by filming during this blackout. What are we, who are we, when everything else is stripped away? At one point, Teresita says, “We are all trying to do the same thing; to find our way.” The camera pans out and one flame in the dark becomes tens and then hundreds, maybe even countless flames in the dark.
History is Written at Night is currently available to watch online, during the virtual half of the 20th annual Camden International Film Festival [CIFF]. There are many wonderful documentaries available online, now through September 30th.
Written and Directed by Alejandro Alonso
Starring Teresita Estrella & Alejandro Alonso.
8.5/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING
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