Watch Makers of Magic: The Faces of Carolina Puppetry

Makers of Magic: The Faces of Carolina Puppetry is a fascinating documentary exploring the rich history of puppetry in North Carolina. Directed by Clyde Hollifield and co-directed by Cindy Ball, the film takes a deep dive into the world of puppetry and sheds light on the talented artists who make it happen. The documentary is a unique blend of interviews, archival footage, and performances, all coming together to showcase the incredible artform that is puppetry. The film covers a wide range of puppetry styles, from traditional hand puppets to marionettes and shadow puppets.

The film explores the history of puppetry in North Carolina, dating back to the early 1900s when puppetry was used as a form of education and entertainment. The documentary features interviews with puppetry veterans as well as up-and-coming artists, all discussing their love for puppetry and what it means to them.

One of the most interesting parts of the film is the behind-the-scenes look at how puppetry is created. The filmmakers go into detail on how puppets are made, from the initial sketches and designs to the construction of the puppets themselves. We see artists working with a variety of materials, from wood to fabric to foam, all in the pursuit of creating the perfect puppet.

Throughout the film, we are treated to some incredible puppet performances, showcasing the diverse range of puppetry styles and techniques. There are traditional hand puppet performances, marionette shows, and even some cutting-edge digital puppetry featured in the film.

The film also touches on the important role that puppetry plays in education and social change. We see how puppetry has been used to teach children about important issues like diversity and acceptance, and how puppetry can be a powerful tool for social change. We hear from artists who have used their puppets to address important issues like immigration and the environment.

One of the most poignant moments of the film comes towards the end, when we hear from artists who fear that puppetry may be a dying artform. They worry that younger generations of artists are not interested in puppetry and that the artform may not survive into the future. It's a sobering reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and supporting the arts.

Overall, Makers of Magic: The Faces of Carolina Puppetry is an engrossing documentary that will appeal to anyone with an interest in puppetry or the arts in general. The film is beautifully shot and expertly edited, weaving together a variety of voices and perspectives to create a cohesive and compelling narrative. It's a fitting tribute to the talented artists who make puppetry such a magical and enchanting artform.