TCFF: Community Collage: The Bright Side

Synopsis: "Community Collage is a poignant documentary that captures the essence of a unique photography project celebrating Mankato, Minnesota’s rich diversity while fostering a deep sense of unity. What began in 2023 as three free photo shoots by photographer Josh Madson quickly blossomed into a transformative artistic endeavor. Over 800 black-and-white portraits were captured, highlighting the faces and stories from all walks of life. These portraits were then showcased in a compelling installation that revealed the beauty and resilience within the community—especially meaningful in the wake of political divisions and pandemic-induced isolation. As the project gained traction, it attracted the backing of a foundation that expanded the initiative to include 5,000 participants, culminating in a remarkable 3,000-square-foot photo installation set to debut in September 2024. Having recently returned to Minnesota after 20 years of collaborating on high-profile campaigns and collaborations with icons like Jason Bell and Annie Leibovitz and clients like L’Oreal, Vogue, and Nike, Madson directed the film to share the project’s magic and impact. Community Collage: The Bright Side of Community transcends traditional filmmaking, serving as a powerful testament to art’s ability to bring people together and ignite pride, joy, and hope for a brighter future. "