LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Nevada’s largest film festival is underway in Boulder City this weekend, with the 22nd annual Dam Film Festival showcasing 150 short films over six days and spotlighting talent from around the world.
Despite being an international event, the festival also gives local artists an opportunity to showcase their work. One filmmaker who lives in Las Vegas created a film that pays homage to one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods: the Arts District.
Mary Pearce has lived in Las Vegas for about five years. She said when she arrived, she was immediately captivated by the Arts District and decided to make a short film about the neighborhood.
She said when she began her project, she had no idea that she would capture so much growth, redevelopment and resilience.
Film captures rapid neighborhood transformation
From street art to local studios, live music and small businesses, Pearce said she fell in love with the Arts District, a neighborhood that she said was built by locals and is fueled by locals. When she began her film, “@LASVEGASARTSDISTRICT” in 2022, she knew she wanted her viewers to experience that. What she didn’t expect to capture was the rapid transformation taking place in the district.
“What’s going to be left of Vegas? Is it just always going to be a renovated version of itself and where does our history sort of have its footing? I think that’s, what’s kind of cool is that our history is moving so quickly. And the film just captures like almost two years of change,” said Pearce.
She said now she hopes her film will serve as a testament.
“I think this just serves as like a great contribution to who we had as our, as our neighbors and our partners when we were there. And I think above all, like, as long as it honors the community and has a good perspective on, you know, what they offer to Vegas and at least if they can feel appreciated, I think that’s a good, a good win for the film,” Pearce said.
Pearce’s film will be shown at the Dam Festival Saturday afternoon. Tickets are still available. The Dam Film Festival ends Sunday.
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