Short form documentary film making is a hard nut to crack. Either you don’t have enough time to make your point, or you make it too long to be palatable on the web. Donald Kilgore’s “Paper Flowers & A Little Patience” is a powerful example of what you get when you do it right.
It’s the story of a homeless man in Houston who makes paper flowers. It takes him about a day to make each and they are made entirely out of napkins. The entire thing is shot as he sings a song about his life, his experiences and living on the street. For only being 2:20 long, the depth of insight you get is impressive. It’s also unexpectedly and refreshingly upbeat considering the subject matter, showing one man who is taking the cards he has been dealt and using them for something positive.
I only wish that it was longer but as it stands it in an amazing snapshot of what had to be an amazing experience for the filmmakers.
For anyone interested in social change this is a must see video.
Creator: Donald Kilgore
Vimeo Channel: Paper Flowers and a Little Patience
Website: Donald Kilgore
Great cuts, great framing, nice use of black and white (Style 3.5)
You are never bored listening to this man tell his story (Pacing 4)
Storytelling 4
Great footage but a little mic noise throws it off (Polish 3)
Watchability 4
This is so much different than other “social change” films, it’s beautiful and refreshing. (Novelty 5)
Overall Rating: 



