Some documentary filmmakers give audiences anywhere between 30 to 120 minutes with the subject of their films. In his documentary “The Flag Day Parade,” Curtis Gaston only allows you to spend twelve minutes with Jim Martin, resident of King Mountain, North Carolina. As tour guide, Jim provides a succinct explanation on the origins of the Flag Day Parade. He founded the two-block long procession to see how many people would have the conviction and backbone to publicly declare that the Confederate flag is a part of their heritage.
In the time you have to learn about who he is, you notice that he owns two pairs of suede shoes (one in beige with bells attached to the ankle area, and one that’s tan-colored), and walks around with a revolver strapped to his belt. Silver/gray, thinly framed glasses outline his eyes.
An earring, consisting of a brownish feather and a small black stone encased with metallic swirls, dangles from Jim Martin’s left ear. You only get twelve minutes with him, and “The Flag Day Parade” leaves you wanting more.
