Jasper Mall (film)

Jasper Mall is a 2020 documentary film directed by Bradford Thomason and Brett Whitcomb. It revolves around the Jasper Mall, a dying mall in Jasper, Alabama.

Jasper Mall
Film poster
Directed by
  • Bradford Thomason
  • Brett Whitcomb
Distributed byPrime Video
Release date
Running time
85 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Synopsis

The film often revolves around Mike McClelland, a former zookeeper, who serves as the mall's superintendent and works in a security and caretaking role.[1] The mall, which opened in 1981, has recently lost two of its anchors, K-Mart and JC Penney.[2] As a result, foot traffic has declined and the parking lot is often barren.[3] The only remaining anchor store is Belk and according to one shopper, “If Belk goes, we are in deep woo-woo.”[2]

The film also follows the day-to-day operations of the remaining 20 or so store owners with a focus on the slowdown of customers.[1] The mall's frequent visitors including groups of mall walkers and domino players are also frequently shown.[2] Also, chronicled are events hosted by the mall such as a carnival, visits from Santa Claus and an ensemble of singers.[4]

Towards the end of the film, more shops including Subway, Grady's Sandwich Shop, Robin's Nest Flowers & Gifts and Jewelry Doctor all close or move.[2][5]

Release

Jasper Mall premiered at January 27th, 2020 at the Slamdance Film Festival and to the general public on June 23, 2020.[6]

Production

Jasper Mall was co-directed and co-produced by Bradford Thomason and Brett Whitcomb. Cinematography was also directed by Whitcomb.[4] The Jasper Mall was chosen as the site of the film because it had not been remodeled since it opened in 1981.[4] The film was shot throughout 2018 and McClelland would alert the directors about any events that were occurring at the mall. However, Thomason and Whitcomb would often sit in the food court and wait for a scene to develop.[4] The soundtrack contains a collection of songs by the musicians HAHA Mart, Chayse Porter, and Baker Knight. The soundtrack was released on vinyl and cassette via the Alabama based independent record label Earth Libraries.

Awards

The film was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Slamdance Film Festival and won the Best Alabama Film award at the Sidewalk Film Festival.[7]

References
  1. "Alabama shopping mall subject of new documentary film". AL.com. Retrieved 2020-11-17.
  2. "'Jasper Mall' presents the last act of a small town mall". Chain Store Age. Retrieved 2020-11-17.
  3. "Alabama shopping mall subject of new documentary film". The Gadsden Times. Retrieved 2020-11-17.
  4. "A Year In The Life Of A Dying Alabama Mall". WBHM. Retrieved 2020-11-17.
  5. "Jasper Mall". Cinnecentric. Retrieved 2020-11-17.
  6. "Documentary on Jasper Mall to be released Tuesday". Daily Mountain Eagle. Retrieved 2020-11-17.
  7. "ANNOUNCING OUR 2020 SIDEWALK FILM FESTIVAL AT THE DRIVE-IN AWARD WINNERS!". Sidewalk Film Festival. Retrieved 2020-11-17.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.