‘Emily’s Do’ is a documentary-style film on Emily Sewell Smith, who is someone who uses her hair, makeup, and clothing as her mediums to bring out her own self-expression. We caught up with director Gary Beeber with an interview on film.
UniversalCinema Magazine (UM): When you first met Emily, what was your reaction to her?
Gary Beeber (GB): I wanted to take her photograph.
(UM): Why did you pick Emily to be a part of your documentary?
(GB): Most people use their look as a means of self expression (whether they realize it or not), but with Emily her look is actually her artform. Every month she and her hairdresser/colorist Meghan Ritter (who is also an artist) collaborate on a new artwork painted with hair dye on her head. A statement is made which is political, absurd, or humorous.
(UM): Are most of your films documenting unique people in your life?
(GB): For the most part yes, but not always.
(UM): As a photographer, how do you differentiate yourself from others in
taking photos?
(GB): My photography is my vision, their photography is their vision.
(UM): Do you often approach a lot of interesting people to hear their
stories?
(GB): Only people who have an interesting look, often there’s a good story behind the look. However not everyone is comfortable with having their picture taken or telling their story.
(UM): Where can we see this documentary?
(GB): Right now in film festivals, but you can see the trailer here: https://www.filmsbygarybeeber.
(UM): What do you hope the viewers will get out of watching Emily’s Do?
(GB): Be more accepting of people who are different than you are. Don’t judge people solely by the way they look.
(UM): Aside from people, what draws you in to creating photos or films?
(GB): Subjects that have more than one meaning to me, subjects that I wonder about.
(UM): What future projects do you have on the go?
(GB): A continuation of several of my photographic projects: Pictures from Sylvester Manor, Slide Show, Passages, Personalities, and Portraits. Also a book and more films.
by: Trevor Brooks