A Riveting Documentary on a Legendary Photographer’s Rediscovered Work
Adirondack Film is launching its winter film series with a powerful, must-see documentary: Ernest Cole: Lost and Found. Screening at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts on February 28 at 7 p.m., this film sheds light on the extraordinary work and life of Ernest Cole, a South African photographer whose fearless images exposed the brutal realities of apartheid.
Cole’s work was once thought to be lost to history—until a staggering 60,000 of his negatives were discovered in a Swedish bank vault decades after his death. Directed by Academy Award nominee Raoul Peck (I Am Not Your Negro), this documentary takes a deeply immersive approach, using actor LaKeith Stanfield (Judas and the Black Messiah) to bring Cole’s own words and photographs to life.
For Peck, this is more than just a biography; it’s a cinematic story that unfolds with characters, conflict, evolution, and redemption. “I want you to be able to watch this film twice, get into the story, and be caught by it,” he explains. The result is a gripping narrative that not only honors Cole’s legacy but also examines the power of images to drive social change.
This screening is the first in Adirondack Film’s “See Something That Means Something” series, dedicated to showcasing films that inspire conversation and reflection. “When you see those incredible photographs on the big screen, there’s nothing quite like it,” says Gary Smith, Board Chairperson for Adirondack Film. To make the event even more special, filmmaker Raoul Peck will provide an exclusive message for attendees.
Tickets for Ernest Cole: Lost and Found are $15 and can be purchased online at adirondackfilm.org or at the door.
About Adirondack Film
Adirondack Film is a nonprofit dedicated to bringing high-quality independent, documentary, art-house, and international films to the greater Adirondack region. Their mission includes supporting regional filmmakers and fostering a deeper appreciation for film as an art form.
For more information, visit www.adirondackfilm.org or contact info@adirondackfilm.org.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience the power of Ernest Cole’s photography on the big screen and discover a story that still resonates today.