THE FILMS OF DECO DAWSON

Synopsis

Using archival footage, newsprint images, text and an innovative use of sound, Deco Dawson has created a sensitive yet harrowing collage account of the 1947 Black Dahlia murder. Created exclusively using lo-fi digital technology, the film presents a human side to the murder, focusing on the victim Elizabeth Short and not the often-sensationalized aspects of the murder and unknown murderer.

NOTES:

Elizabeth Short was originally created as part of the Winnipeg Film Group’s 48hr Film Festival. The film was originally 5min long and won the 1st prize at the competition.

After an extended cut and exhaustive sound mix, with engineer Scott Stewart, the film was accepted to premiere at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival.

The exact same weekend as the Film’s premiere in Toronto, the Brian DePalma feature film entitled The Black Dahlia was also released.

Elizabeth Short is Dawson’s first foray into the world of video, though a 16mm print of the film is also available.