Ode to a Flea Market Economy

Dubbed "A eulogy for shoppers by shoppers", Fish Kill Flea, which has its world premiere at this year's South by Southwest Festival, is a fascinating little documentary about the mauling of a mall, and the decay of the American dream. The once thriving Dutchess mall in Fishkill, New York closed its doors in the early 90s, a victim of the mega-mall and superstore phenomenon that has been spreading like cancer across this country in recent years. The dilapidated structure became home to a large flea market, where vendors offered everything from old camera equipment, slot machines, junk jewelry, and even the odd bit of Nazi memorabilia. Shot mostly cinema vérité style, the film does a wonderful job at capturing the last throes of a subculture that is nearly extinct thanks to the rise of eBay and other virtual flea markets. Full disclosure: the talented trio that created this film -- Brian Cassidy, Aaron (Cinephiliac) Hillis, and Jennifer Loeber -- are all friends of Filmbrain, so naturally I'm a bit biased. However, this truly DIY project, shot on a shoestring budget over a period of about six months, has a markedly un-amateurish quality to it, both in its visual aesthetic (Jennifer and Brian are both professional photographers) as well as its unintrusive approach to the subject, which in the wrong hands could easily play out like a bit of patronizing hipster posturing. All three are quite passionate about documentary film (Aaron and I have had a few heated debates on the subject), and in an age where video docs are churned out at a seemingly ever-increasing rate, they've skillfully managed to make Fish Kill Flea a genuine standout in a crowded genre. With an almost Marxist gaze, yet devoid of commentary or editorializing, Fish Kill Flea paints a depressing but honest portrait of the cannibalistic nature of a market based economy. If you're anywhere near Austin, Tehas this weekend, be sure to check out the premiere on Saturday 10 March @ 4:30 at the Alamo Lamar 1. Complete screening information here. For those in the New York area, be sure to check out Jennifer Loeber's photographs from the film, which will be on display from March 13-24 at the Humble Arts Foundation's 'group show' at the New Century Artists gallery, 530 West 25th St., Suite 406.