History of Plymouth – focus of documentary film
Oct. 22, 2019 PLYMOUTH EAGLE.
Plymouth Michigan News
Julie Brown
Staff Writer
Mark Salloum, an 18-year Plymouth Township resident, knows his community well. His film about the history of the Plymouth community will soon air at the Penn Theatre in downtown Plymouth.
“I’m just thrilled to make my first feature-length film,” said Salloum, who owns and runs Canton-based Highway Media. “I think the greatest part is just watching the evolution of this town.”
He focused the film work on people and events “that have formed this community. I think that’s what really will make it great for the viewing audience.”
“Plymouth, Michigan: A Rich History” will air at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 15- 16, as well as 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, at the Penn Theatre, across from Kellogg Park in Plymouth. It will also air 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, there.
Salloum said tickets are selling well.
“They’re actually selling pretty quickly,” he said. Tickets are $20 for the Friday VIP/Red Carpet gala, $10 for other showings.
“It (the film) basically looks at the nearly 200-year history of the town. We take people on a 200-year journey, the good, the bad, and everything in between,” he said.
Those topics encompass: local schools; the air rifle industry; the Alter car history and production; early settlers who arrived from New York state; the 1960s fire that destroyed the P&A movie theater and the origins of the Plymouth Fall Festival.
Salloum was aware of the recent 150th anniversary of Plymouth.
“My first thought was Kellogg Park,” he said of early plans for the documentary.
As the work began and money became available, his nine interviews expanded to 19 people. Dennis Neubacher narrates the film: “He sort of helps weave things together,” said Salloum.
Patrick Johnson from the Michigan Philharmonic com- posed the music for the film, which impressed Salloum.
“I was just reinvigorated” by hearing it. It ranges from Johnson’s writings to music of the 1800s.
A Vimeo posting of the trailer has drawn a significant number of followers since it was posted in late September. Salloum said he finds people beyond Plymouth are interested in the production.
“It does seem like they’re coming from different communities,” said Salloum. “Very rewarding. It got me choked up. I’m looking forward to seeing how people enjoy this movie.”
He does promotional marketing and branding through his firm, and holds a degree in film production/marketing. He compares his love of cooking to the new documentary, adding “I love when people enjoy a meal I prepare.”
Visit www.penntheatre.com for ticket information.
Plymouth Voice.
