First Light: Martha's Vineyard

Filmmaker Rich Holzer's "artumentary" on popular playground for the rich and famous Martha's Vineyard combines beautiful images, music, and commentary from the locals, including members of the Wampanoags, or People of the First Light, who've made this land of sand dunes and sea cliffs their home for thousands of years. In addition to interviews with elders of the tribe, the program features clips with local naturalists and fishermen, boat builders, and even the lighthouse keeper, each of whom provide a unique non-tourist perspective of Martha's Vineyard. Featuring spectacular scenery accompanied by traditional music, the program sometimes feels like a cross between a documentary and a stationary bike video, and I'm not convinced that the audiences are the same (viewers interested in a travelogue-type video that provides a more solid overview of places to go and things to see might want to check out Memories of Martha's Vineyard [VL-11/97] instead). Still, libraries should consider this a strong optional purchase for its stunning visuals and enchanting Native American music. A companion volume, First Light: Cape Cod and Magical Islands, is also available for the same price, or the two can be purchased together for $34.95. Aud: P. (J. Asala)