Dir: Lee Shulman | UK Doc
This new documentary raises the profile of the maverick Magnum photographer Martin Parr through the prism of a personal road trip across England with the artist, director Lee Shulman
From the 1970s onwards British documentary photographer Martin Parr turned his tragicomic anti-establishment gaze on everything he considered wrong with the UK: from consumerist to politics to kitsch to produce some of the most ironic and telling images of the past century.
Shulman mines the archives for exclusive footage along with insightful commentary from individuals involved in Martin’s life and career – such as Grayson Perry and musician Mark Bedford – along with members of his family and personal friends. I Am Martin Parr shows how he championed his own style to revolutionise contemporary photography by making his subject matter more relatable for the average punter.
Martin Parr and Shulman start their intimate odyssey in Bristol – which is also home to Martin’s acclaimed photography Foundation – to and end up in New Brighton where Parr reshoots his acclaimed work ‘The Last Resort’ 40 years later. Parr famously said “a good photo is one that tells a story with an energy that attracts the viewer” and that pithy statement seems to incapsulate his iconic work. @MeredithTaylor
ON RELEASE from 21 FEBRUARY 2025 in UK Cinemas