There Are No Small Films, Only Small Ideas

by Charles Judson

The doc’s at this year’s AFF [Atlanta Film Festival] have been strong. They’ve been more consistent and entertaining than the narratives. Screened as a preview of IMAGE’s Out on Film, Miss Lil’s Camp does more in 26 minutes than most documentary features do in 90 minutes. And, the film never devolves into a “look, she’s a lesbian, see a lesbian in the 40’s” kind of flick. Directors Anberin Pasha and Suzanne Niedland keep the focus on creating a complete picture of Lillian Smith. Out of the 26 minutes, less than 5 minutes are spent discussing Smith’s love life. The rest of the time is spent on Laurel Falls Camp and Smith’s respect for the intellectual and natural curiosity of the girls she taught. And what she taught them was powerful stuff for the time. She never hid the ugliness of the world from them, speaking honestly on segregation and lynching. Knowing that most of her girls couldn’t and wouldn’t find answers at home, she answered their questions about sex. Miss Lil, who had taught in China and would later co-found and edit literary magazines with her partner, wanted to create thinkers and doers. And she more than succeeded. She created a legacy that continues to influence and inspire.

This small film succeeds where big budget fare, such as the heavy handed Mona Lisa Smiles fail. Miss Lil’s Camp is an honest and emotionally engaging love song to the strength and fierce intelligence of women.

Cinematl – Atlanta Based Regional Film & Video Magazine