Documentary
United States of America
Mark Hogancamp was beaten almost to death by five men outside of a bar in Kingston, New York, after he told them he enjoyed cross-dressing. Following the attack, Hogancamp had no memory of his life before the incident and struggled to read, write, and walk properly. He finds a way to cope with his trauma by constructing a miniature town called Marwencol in his backyard, and populates it with dolls that represent himself, his friends, and his attackers. The dolls interact in intricate storylines that are often based on the personalities of people in Hogancamp's real life, including himself when he was an alcoholic.
Through the act of creating Marwencol and photographing it, Hogancamp finds a way to process his trauma and to reclaim his identity. He is supported by his friend and neighbor, who eventually get him a gallery show in New York based on his photographs of the town. Hogancamp is hesitant to share his work with others because it is so personal, and he is worried that people will not understand or will make fun of him. However, he ultimately decides to share his art with the world, and it becomes a sensation. The film explores themes of trauma, healing, identity, and community, and is a powerful meditation on the human capacity for resilience and creativity in the face of adversity.
