Mason
From the Archives
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Documentary, Short Films, 10-Apr-2023
A young boy in rural America moves through a typical day trying to keep himself entertained and out of trouble. The observational documentary, “Mason,” directed by Oliver Shahery, follows the titular subject as he shoots at squirrels, plays with toy cars, and drinks Coke. Shahery refrains from exposition or voiceover but we can glean a good deal about Mason and his small-town family — their tactics of teaching toughness and responsibility, as well as their media consumption (Fox News blares in the background of indoor scenes); life lessons come in the form of playful taunts or tough love. Captured with a fly-on-the-wall authenticity, it’s less of a judgement than a depiction — more than anything, it succeeds in getting into the head of a boy and his quest for action and experience, the joys and fragility of childhood on full display. -KA. Directed and Photographed by Oliver Shahery. Produced by Andrew Fox. Starring Mason, Kerri and GW Watson.
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