Members of The Marlin Chronicle attended the May 2 showing of the documentary.
Luke Arters|Courtesy
Five stars to ‘Eyes and Ears: The Marlin Chronicle,’ the documentary that told a story of Virginia Wesleyan’s student newspaper.
I began my Editor-in-Chief experience with a microphone on and cameras rolling, all as part of sophomore Liam Castellano’s creative vision to produce a documentary on The Marlin Chronicle.
Throughout the entire process, Liam made every move to capture the authentic operation of the newspaper while ensuring that the team remained comfortable.
With cameras on us at our ups and downs, I had confidence that Liam would do justice to every moment that made the final cut. Upon viewing the documentary at its debut on May 2, I can say that every second was deliberate and meaningful.
From the stress of deadlines to the joy of our small community, the footage gathered the story of the people who tell the stories. For what I imagine is the first time in history, a student journalistic organization became the subject of a documentary film.
Editor-in-Chief Lily Reslink and Liam Castellano, creator of the documentary, pose in front of the title screen.
Luke Arters|Courtesy
The ins and outs of student journalism came together in a sequence that could be appreciated by a range of people, from those who have lived it to those who have never even had a reason to think about it before. I shared this documentary with my friends and family members, feeling personally grateful to have an artifact that offers an inside look at something that I dedicate so much of myself to. It shares a glimpse of the struggles and triumphs that team members, past and present, can feel recognized by.
I have always found the student journalist experience difficult to accurately convey. Yet, through art, Liam achieved this. By telling the story of the people who write the stories, this documentary leaves every person who watches it with a better understanding.
QR code generated by Canva. Scan to watch the full documentary on YouTube.
Lily Reslink|Marlin Chronicle
While Liam captured the essence of The Chronicle through mastery in their craft of video production, the least I can do is extend my endless gratitude to Liam through my own craft: publishing in the newspaper. Thank you, Liam. I know your talent will get you far.
Perhaps I say this with the greatest amount of bias that I have ever published in The Marlin Chronicle, but I encourage everyone to go watch it.
Team reviews:
★★★★★
“This documentary is a wonderful display of art, craft and it had me at the edge of my seat –– but I was one being filmed. The storyline was gripping and rewarding, making 17 minutes feel like five. Watch it.”
- News Editor and Opinions Editor Isaac Fick
★★★★★
“You can really tell a lot of work went into it, it was really well made and organized!”
- Photographer Laila Jones
★★★
“I enjoyed the visuals. It was well edited. I don’t think it was very objective.”
- Managing Editor and Copy Editor Victoria Haneline
★★★★★
“Liam’s documentary on The Marlin Chronicle was really well done — it looked super professional and gave a great behind the scenes look at how much hard work and heart the whole team puts in. It felt real, honest and impressive from start to finish.”
- Staff Writer Lora Young
By Lily Reslink
