TIFTON — A film experience just like the old days made its appearance in Tifton this past Monday, courtesy of filmmaker Joseph Talerico.

Regina’s School of Dance became the impromptu theatre for Talerico’s 15 minute short film “Living with Loss: Hope & Healing for the Mind, Body, and Spirit” the night of Jan. 15.

Shot in 35 mm format and projected through the Motiograph Model No. 1A, a hand-crank projector first created in 1908, the film was accompanied by a live fiddle performance from South Georgia musician Kelby Clark to serve as a score and create a truly authentic historical viewing experience.

“The culmination of that–the film and [Kelby’s] musical element applied–is just kind of what’s creating the whole spectacle, really,” Talerico said. “We’re super happy to do it and bring it around to people.

Talerico was inspired to create the film while in the process of creating another movie, when his grandmother contacted him and requested he visit so she could pass some of his late grandfather’s keepsakes down to him.

Much of “Living with Loss” is focused upon this, depicting Talerico’s grandmother examining some of her husband’s treasured items and sharing the stories behind them. Items that were featured on screen were displayed alongside the showing. Segments of the film also explored the relationships in other families and the stages of life one goes through.

Talerico has a good deal of experience working with 35mm and the motiograph, with the latter being his preferred format, and was excited to bring both to Tifton as part of his tour of the film, which will see it shown in Gainesville, FL, Opelika, AL, and Atlanta, GA. He was especially appreciative to witness patrons’ interest in the equipment following the movie.

“Living with Loss” is one of a series of 35mm films Talerico has and plans to make, though the other movies in the collection will not have any connection to this short film.