THE MASKED MAN is a short documentary about Southwest Virginia photographer Mike Miller. Written, directed and produced by Stephen Newton and co-directed by Mike Mille, the film was shot with iPhones, a DJI Mini Pro 3 drone and recorded with a $19 mic. It was edited with DaVInci Studio.

2024 FILM FESTIVALS

The Masked Man was nominated for Best Short Documentary at the Southern Oasis Film Festival, Knoxville, Tennessee. The film was screened at Southeast Cinemas - Governor's Crossing 14 on March 23rd & 24th.

The Masked Man is an official selection of the 2024 Bedford International Film Festival and screened there on July 6, 2024.

PUBLICATIONS

The film is featured in the winter 2024 issue of Still: The Journal

FILM SYNOPSIS

The Masked Man is dedicated to the unrecognized outsider artists and artisans of Southern Appalachia and explores the creative process of self-taught photographer Mike Miller, of Glade Spring, Virginia, who has been creating masked self-portraits for more than ten years. Miller’s central theme is the exploration of his own psyche in an effort to better understand himself and the world he inhabits.

At first glance, Miller’s photographs may evoke our worst nightmares, but they speak volumes about the human condition in the 21st century. In a recent interview, Miller said he has been fascinated by masks since childhood. “I’ve always covered my face a lot even when I was younger,” he said. “Maybe I think it will hide the other side of me. Or maybe it’s a way to let people know I have another side without letting it out.”

REVIEWS:

The Masked Man film has been viewed throughout the US, Asia and Europe.

”The contrast of light and dark in the photos underscores the enigmatic theme of his work and translates to the film itself.”—Lee Quinby, NYC Filmmaker

“Profoundly honest.” —Sandra Fluck, Publisher

“Made me think of the recent miniseries "Crowded Room" with Tom Holland” —Jeffrey Robinson, Sculptor

“Represents Mike and his work so well.”—Jane Hillhouse, President Create Appalachia