There may be a myriad of ways to celebrate our semiquincentennial, but pronouncing it probably isn’t one of them. I, for one, am relieved to see the milestone referred to simply as “the 250th.” Most people know exactly what that means. As lectures, festivals, and commemorations honoring our nation’s founding begin to fill calendars, the staff at TAMIS is excited to join the fray with its “Remix the Past” Film Contest, inspired by the theme “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Top entries will be screened at the Tennessee Theatre on August 15, and if that weren’t reward enough, prizes will be awarded for the best 1–3-minute film ($500), the best 30 second-one minute film ($150), and the People’s Choice Award ($250). The submission deadline is July 15. Registration is required.
Using a curated selection of clips from the TAMIS vaults, filmmakers are invited to combine archival footage spanning more than a century and remix it however they choose—colorize it, alter the speed, add sound, or create entirely original dialogue and music. With nearly four hours of footage available, your imagination is the only limit. If you’re not sure where to begin, just click around the playlist and see what sparks your creativity. Here’s an example to whet your whistle.
Looking for patriotic themes? Don’t miss beautiful parade footage like the American Legion Parade, veterans at work and in service in Memories of the War Years, or renditions of the national anthem found in Tennessee Review and Theatrical Shorts.
Interested in technology and progress? Explore the challenges of 1918 mountain life in Our Southern Mountaineers, America’s space race through Gemini 11 Retrieval, the latest in home furnishings in the Own Your Own Home Show (1929), Knoxville’s educational system in Knox County Schools, or regional economic growth in Four Pillars of Income.
If local East Tennessee imagery calls to you, dive into Kidnapper’s Foil shot in Bristol, tourist films such as Knoxville & the Great Smokies, local advertising like the Lay’s Commercials or Brown Squirrel Commercials, and historic community moments including the Lenoir City Jubilee or the Dedication of the Loudon Bridge.
Perhaps you’re drawn to more artistic expression. While creativity can be found throughout the collection, be sure to check out Damaged Film for striking film decomposition perfect for overlays; artistic shots of a Drum Set from the Weinstein Collection; musicians performing in Video Talent Scout; and performers captured at the Melrose Art Festival of 1928.
Remix the Past Film Contest is made possible by the generous support of the Friends of the Library and the Tennessee Theatre.
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Mary Pom Claiborne is assistant director for marketing, communications and development for Knox County Public Library.
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