When I feature time capsule houses, I sometimes note how they are archaeology — they show and help us to understand how people of a certain time and certain place lived. In this documentary — “306 Hollywood” — siblings Elan and Jonathan Bogarín interviewed their grandmother Annette Ontell annually for 10 years. When she is gone, they then examined and analyzed everything in her house, like archaeologists. And then, as filmmakers, they put it all together… in a tender, magical way. The documentary airs on March 18 on POV on PBS, already is available on itunes, and will be streaming on Amazon Prime soon. Thank you, Gloria, for this wonderful tip!
“A loving archaeological expedition”
Was just listening to NPR and they were discussing a new documentary called “306 Hollywood.” A pair of siblings went through the house their grandmother lived in for over 70 years and treated it like a loving archaeological expedition. Furniture, dresses, foundation garments and wait till you see the green and chartreuse dinner set! … It will be on POV on PBS March 18, 9 pm. I hope you get a chance to see it. Thanks for this wonderful site. Gloria
“Transforming the dusty fragments of an unassuming life into an epic metaphor for the nature of memory, time, and history”
From 306 Hollywood’s website:
When siblings Elan and Jonathan Bogarín undertake an archaeological excavation of their late grandmother’s house, they embark on a magical-realist journey in search of what life remains in the objects we leave behind. 306 HOLLYWOOD transforms the dusty fragments of an unassuming life into an epic metaphor for the nature of memory, time, and history.
With boundless creativity and an irrepressible bouncing energy, 306 HOLLYWOOD memorializes and honors the life of the filmmakers’ grandmother Annette Ontell. Housewife, fashion designer, and beloved family member, Ontell lived seven decades in the same house—306 Hollywood Avenue in Hillside, New Jersey. Ultimately a profound reflection on how we examine and deal with the past, the film can also be viewed as a quirky instruction manual on how to live in the present….
Yes, this is where I will be March 18, 9 p.m. (also streaming Amazon Prime mid-2019). I am also… mesmerized… by this story and its exploration. More to come.
Stefanie says
Thank you for sharing this. I will certainly watch. It appears to be a beautiful tribute. The grandmother reminds me of my own departed mother, which will make it even more enjoyable for me.
Pam Kueber says
🙂
Diana says
Thank you for the info Pam. Looks totally fascinating and right up my alley.
Jean says
I will be watching as well! What a great tribute and a beautiful way to honor and say goodbye to a loved one.
Holland VanDieren says
Looks like an out-of-the-ordinary, riveting doc. Having given up fiction for Lent (all manner, from streaming to print and audio) I’m on the lookout for factual content to keep me from straying from my vow!
Cathy says
My local PBS shows it airing on 3/19.
Carolyn says
I hope this is a positive spin on an era that is reaching its zenith. Recently watched a PBS of a road trip in Elvis’ Rolls that left me baffled and bummed. Just read an article of a gal who refused to listen to her mother’s stories of her possessions because she wasn’t ready to deal with her demise and now has issues trying to let go of her things.
I will set my timer hoping the tribute will bring back some of my own memories of “I remember that!” (My first viewing of color tv (neighbor’s) was Star Trek while they transported. I was 15 when my parents bought a small color tv – and put it atop the non-working console tv!)
I’m looking forward to the discussions to come. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.
carolyn says
I can not recommend this show after enduring it. I watch the 3 PBS stations here so I know somewhat what to expect but this was not a tribute to their grandma or did it shed much light on the artifacts from the 70 yrs in her home. Humiliating Grandma isn’t my cup of tea. Attribute it to my Midwest upbringing.
Karin Jeffrey says
Thank you for mentioning this documentary. The trailer is mesmerizing.
BobinAlabama says
I will be in front of the TV for this premiere. Thank you for the heads-up, and I look forward to the journey.
Reader Deb says
Check your local listings. Just went to set my DVR and in my area it doesn’t air until 1 AM on the 19th.
louiseb says
I lost my mother a few years ago and this program really pulls at me. I have my DVR set to record it and shared the information with my sisters. Thank you for sharing