Documentary Films
My documentary films have been described to me as “an exploration into the dark side of kitsch.” I love that. What appeals to me about kitsch is that it appears so one dimensional and self-evident, but just under the surface is something so complex and dark that it’s just begging to be unearthed. And the more I dig, no matter what the topic, the more I find broken heart after broken heart.
Murder in a Nutshell: The Frances Glessner Lee Story
The enigmatic and ever mysterious, Frances Glessner Lee, is affectionately revered as the Patron Saint of Forensics. But outside the criminal justice system, very few people know she was one of the greatest crusaders for criminal justice of all time. The film explores Lee's odd, isolating childhood, scandalous divorce, tumultuous career as a criminalist and the creation of her legendary Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death - dollhouse crime scenes.
Of Dolls & Murder
This documentary film explores a haunting collection of dollhouse crime scenes and our universal fascination with murder. It features the dioramas, the unlikely grandmother who created them, and the connection to modern day forensics. From the iconic CSI television series to the Body Farm and criminally minded college, iconic filmmaker and true crime aficionado, John Waters narrates the tiny world of big time murder .
Inside the Speakeasy Dollhouse
Inspired by a collection of dollhouse crime scenes known as “The Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death,” Cynthia von Buhler recreates the story of her grandfather’s prohibition-era murder with a dollhouse replica of his speakeasy club and bakery. This documentary film goes inside Cynthia’s world of miniature murder and steps back in time through her off-broadway immersive play. With these investigative techniques she attempts to unravel the curious mystery surrounding her grandfather’s death.
From Twin Peaks to Two Harbors with Artist Michael Horse
From a Pioneer PBS segment on Postcards: Indigenous artist Michael Horse is well-known for his portrayal of Deputy Hawk on the iconic television series, Twin Peaks. He’s also an award-winning ledger artist and jewelry maker. Michael takes inspiration from the nature surrounding him in his new home in Two Harbors, Minnesota with Pennie Opal Plant – lifelong protector and defender of the sacred system – at his side.