Films

Melanie has directed plays and films and acted in both theatre and film. She has worked in many other aspects of film from field sound recording work for documentaries and narrative projects to on-set still photographer and film production. Her additional production work included time as assistant producer and sound engineer on Jim Hightower's live radio show. Then, as production and touring coordinator at Texas Folklife Resources she booked bands and produced large-scale shows across Texas. Her projects have screened at SXSW, CinemaTexas, Santa Fe Film Festival, Lady Fest, Rural Route Film Festival, Dallas Video Festival, Film Fest New Haven, Austin Cinemaker Co-Op, and at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston for Foto Fest.

Shane Come Back

Melanie West directed and co-shot Shane Come Back in New Mexico.

The experimental/poetic video explores development and change in the West through the personal reflections of the cowboy, Archie West, and his friendship with Jack Schaefer, the author of Shane.

5 minutes 20 seconds

The World Feels Dusty

This film by Melanie West explores a woman's creativity, the power of water in the high desert and searching for personal release. Emily Dickinson's poem, with arrangement by Aaron Copland, is sung by the young opera singer Eleanor Ranney. Melanie grew up in New Mexico on Sweetwater Ranch and this film was shot nearby at the Ranney home.

3 minutes 10 seconds

Eight Movements

An experimental documentary about movement by Melanie West and Geoff Marslett. This documentary was shot entirely on Super 8 film. The film features family, friends, artists and interesting folks, as well as atmospheric (and driving) music by Joe West and Howe Gelb.

22 minutes 59 seconds