A short documentary that explores ‘simpler times’ through home movies.
CREDITS
Directed & Edited by: Chris Esper
Music by: Steven Lanning-Cafaro
AWARDS & HONORS
Nominated for Best Documentary, Feel the Reel International Film Festival (Glasgow, Scotland) (2020)
Official Selection, The Shawana Shea Film Festival (Uxbridge, MA) (2020)
Official Selection, Sanford Independent Film Festival (Sanford, ME) (2020)
Nominated for Best Documentary Short, Best Editing & Best Music, Top Indie Film Awards (2020)
Official Selection, UK Film Review Festival (2020)
Semi-Finalist, IndieX Film Fest (Los Angeles, CA) (2020)
Official Selection, Golden Door International Film Festival (Jersey City, NJ) (2020)
Winner of Best Documentary Short, Oniros Film Awards (New York, NY) (2020)
LINKS
REVIEWS
“Scenes with grandparents are particularly poignant because, even those these people may be strangers to us, we feel a sense of loss knowing that the elders are likely no longer with us. That is perhaps the most significant achievement of this 15-minute visit to the late 20th century. The experiences and emotions exhibited by the unknown people we see in this film are so universal that they provoke emotional reactions by reminding us of our own families, childhoods, milestones and memories.” - Scott Larson, Scott’s Movie Comments
“Esper's film is a quiet stunner. It is a film of it's time. It is a cry into the night that we will get through these difficult times and remember them fondly on the other end. It is a lovesong to the memories that give us hope for tomorrow.” - Steve Kopian, Unseen Films
“Yesteryear is a beautifully touching film well made with love and affection, about memories, mortality, and most importantly of all, family. Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.” - Carl Burgess, ScreenCritix
“A movie like ‘Yesteryear’ is a reminder that life is more than just what we have to do in the present, but looking at the past, and seeing how we can take that into the future. Rating: A” - Brian Skutle, Sonic Cinema
“Even though I don’t know any of the people in the film, I was able to transfer what I saw to my own family. I love that ‘Yesteryear’ is non-linear making it almost like reading in the stream of consciousness. I was emotionally touched by what I saw (and will see again).” - Amos Lassen, Reviews by Amos Lassen
“...one of the most fascinating, emotive and wholly poignant documentaries I’ve ever seen. I doubt there’s been a more honest and loving testament about family ever made. Simply stunning. Rating: 5 out of 5 stars” - Darren Tilby, UK FIlm Review
“…the result is oddly mesmerizing, as without given any cultural or social or historical context beyond what's really on screen (like "birthday", "Christmas", "New Year's Eve"), one just starts to liken the footage to one's own memories, explore one's own past through the memories of a complete stranger - and that's really quite a fascinating process.” - Michael Haberfelner, (re)SearchMyTrash
“‘Yesteryear’ is intimate and inspiring. A masterpiece that continues to showcase his [Esper’s] undeniable talent and ability to compel audiences with a personal nature of what is on screen. Rating: 5 out of 5 stars” - Andrew Buckner, A Word of Dreams
“‘Yesteryear’ is a beautifully put together short film for lockdown, one that I wasn’t expecting to be quite as moving as it was. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars” - OC Movie Reviews
“At a time in our society when tension is in the air and in our relationships and COVID-19 remains an ever-present threat, there's a refreshing simplicity and innocence in Yesteryear that makes it an even more powerful experience. Rating: 4 out of 4 stars.” - Richard Propes, The Independent Critic
“…a dramatic, moving, inspiring, necessary short film effort in a time of utter chaos, a portrait of the building blocks of life and all that encompasses it. Some things are temporary, others longer-lasting, but the sum of it remains within us in mind, spirit, and heart forever. This is what we need to grasp onto. This is what we need to share with others. This is what we need to survive.” - Kirk S. Fernwood, One Film Fan
“‘Yesteryear’ is a smart little film that visually represents two words - in an excellently stylistic way, ‘Remember when…’ Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.” - Billy Conrad, IndyRed
“I was lost in thought, and that's what this film seemed to do to me. Allow my mind to wander, much like an old familiar song. That's meant as a compliment because it wouldn't have been possible if Yesteryear were presented any other way. I believe this phenomenon is the one thread of consistency that holds this title in place. It's ability to get you thinking, get you remembering. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.” - Arthur Turner, ReelRomp
“Yesteryear is near brilliant in what it delivers. A no nonsense heartfelt trip down memory lane. Even though it's not your life you're tripping down because somewhere, in all these moving images there is a connection. There is something most people will instantly relate to. Yesteryear is that catalyst, that instrument. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.” - 22 Indie Street
“A film like Yesteryear really goes to show how powerful film as a medium and communication device can be. It unites people and proves why movies are so beloved across the entire world.” - Jeremie Sabourin, Cinema Smack
“This film took a simple concept and gracefully used it to add depth and a larger meaning, it’s a lovely reminder of simpler times, of appreciating family and how life has been immeasurably changed with the advancement of technology. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.” - Rebecca Cherry, Film Carnage
“An emotional window into humanity.” - Mark Krawczyk, The Final Cut
"There’s a mystery in each frame of film footage that allows us to be forever the age which is captured on screen. These precious movies pay homage to the life we’ve lived – alongside the people we’ve loved. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.” - Take 2 Indie Review
“…a very personal look into some family moments of years gone past. Intruding on these intimate occasions allows us to look back and see our own family get-togethers and reflect on our own memories. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.” - Graham Blake, Movie-Blogger.com
“Documentaries are designed to be informative and educational, but ones such as these are simply reminders of what human creativity is capable of. In the unknown and unplanned footage and videos made some three decades ago, we find that binding them together in a relatively measured way can still spring us with surprise. And, Yesteryear does that and more. Rating: 3.4 out of 5 stars.” - Indie Shorts Mag
