Bill Wisneski, a filmmaker, is returning to his ancestral home in South Carolina for the premiere of his late grandfather's documentary. This documentary, shot by Lee Parsons in 1976, was recently discovered in a time capsule and will be shown at the Andrews Library on August 18th. The film provides a glimpse into life in Andrews during that era, featuring familiar scenes and faces for many locals.
Wisneski, who was 12 when his grandfather died, shares a passion for photography, writing, poetry, and gourmet cooking with Parsons. However, it was the discovery of the documentary that revealed a deeper connection between them. Wisneski's family was unaware of the film's existence, and the voiceover recorded by Parsons brought a wave of emotion to everyone involved.
Wisneski has fond memories of visiting his grandfather in Andrews, including trips to the ocean and the 1979 Fourth of July parade. He also recalls the family's Southern cuisine and the two pugs they owned. Parsons, a 'Hemingway-like character', had a diverse career, including football, military service, radio work, acting, and a government job under U.S. Sen. Burnet Maybank. He also traveled extensively, living in London and Brussels, and made a documentary about sea turtles in the Cayman Islands.
Wisneski, a producer at Palomar College Television, has won numerous Emmy Awards for his work. He is excited to learn about his grandfather's filmmaking process, which involved physically cutting and splicing film. Wisneski is enhancing the Andrews film using his video editing skills, aiming to preserve its historical quality while adding a polished touch through color grading.
During his five-day visit to South Carolina, Wisneski plans to trace his family history, visit local cemeteries, and sightsee in Andrews and Georgetown. He is also booked for a kayak tour of the Black River, his grandfather's favorite. Wisneski wants to share his journey with his mother, who cannot travel, through photography, video, and FaceTime. He is packing his grandfather's 1967 Canon camera, a tool he hasn't used in 30 years, for this special occasion.
