Marblehead student plays role in film fest

This article ran in the Salem News on Feb. 12, 2010

By Alysa Obert
Gordon College News Service

MARBLEHEAD — Marble-head High junior Jessica Doherty competes on the swim and tennis teams, helps out with the recycling club, made the honor roll, and started her film career — all before her 17th birthday.

Melissa Doherty, a junior at Marblehead High, is a volunteer at the Salem Film Fest. Courtesy photo

“It’s important for people my age to get out there and actually do something that they’re interested in,” said Doherty, who is also volunteering at this year’s Salem Film Fest, Feb. 26 to March 4.

Chris Gilbert, director of the festival’s volunteers, said Doherty stood out when he gathered volunteers last week at CinemaSalem, where most of the festival will take place.

“She was inspiring,” Gilbert said. “She was the youngest person in the room and yet the most confident and the most excited.”

But Doherty has always had a passion for the cinema.

“Growing up, I felt like everyone had that one thing, you know, like being good at soccer,” she said. “I never had that with anything but film.”

It might be in her blood. Her aunt and uncle were the executive producers of “Enlighten Up,” a documentary about a man and his journey with yoga. Although the documentary will not be shown at this year’s screenings, it did spark Doherty’s interest in a festival that focused solely on documentaries.

So when her mom made her aware of the volunteer opportunity, Doherty wasted no time applying.

“I figured if it was really awkward, I’d just call my mom to pick me up,” she said.

Instead, the experience has been both a confirmation of her interest and has inspired her to share it with others. She started a film class with the help of English teacher Connor Ryan. Ryan told Doherty he would take the class to the film festival if she took care of the details.

“The best way to spread the word,” Doherty said, “is to get people in the door. Once they’re in, they’ll want to come back.”

Doherty’s confidence in the documentaries lies not only in the variety but in the quality of the films.

“There’s not one that I would say is boring. There’s Brazilian women’s wrestling, a sequel to a film that did really well two years ago, and four submissions from the famous Les Blank,” Doherty said. “This is also the first film festival where Blank and his son are showing films at the same place, which is totally great.”

With 34 films total, the 2010 film festival is the largest in New England.

In the pre-festival stage, volunteers are assigned a film to promote. They tell their friends, families and anyone who will take a flier. Doherty chose to promote “Superman of Malegaon,” which is about filmmaking in India, but as for the details, “you’ll just have to come and watch,” she said.

Doherty said viewers should come expecting to be surprised.

“Most people don’t watch documentaries,” Doherty said. “They will be surprised at how interesting they can be.”

As for her dreams for her future in film, Doherty plans to start with film school.

“But who knows?” she said. “My philosophy is: Take as many chances as I can because no one knows what’s going to happen tomorrow. Today’s the best you’re gonna get.”