West is most remembered as the co-founder of Working Films in Wilmington, North Carolina. Working Films is a nationally recognized non-profit organization which seeks to bring about social education and social activism through its nonfiction films. West tragically lost his battle with cancer last spring, but his legacy lives on through this organization, his passion for life and the arts, and most of all, those whom he influenced. It was West’s early life that would instill in him this passion for art, literature and film, and it was something that would change the direction of his life. West lost his father when he was only fourteen years old, and his family moved to Virginia. He attended Virginia Commonwealth University, and it was here that he cultivated his passion for the arts, and social activism.
His early career in publishing and bookselling landed him the position of film and video curator for the Mint Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina. He held the position from 1985-1999, and it was here where West began to make a huge impact, not only in the film community, but in his local community as well. West founded the Charlotte Film and Video Festival, which grew into an international festival, attracting filmmakers from all around the globe. During this time he also founded Charlotte’s Gay and Lesbian Film series, created with the help of a team of friends. West’s heartfelt belief that the curation of a public convening around independent film was an art form itself, capable of uniting people and creating a change in the community. West is one of many to use film as a catalyst for change, tapping in and speaking to the hearts and minds of all people. West’s impact on the cultural scene in Charlotte is immeasurable, creating a climate for change not only in the community, but buoying local artists and filmmakers with confidence and recognition for their works.
Leaving Charlotte in 1999, West moved to Wilmington where he founded Working Films. The success he enjoyed in Charlotte, along with his passion for the arts also led to the success of Working Films. The world lost an incredible advocate for film and the arts last spring, and most importantly, a great human being. Robert West’s legacy is one of social change, and his belief in the power of film being capable of joining people together. This is what makes him one of the most deserving people to ever be heralded as a visionary. West’s own artistic mission is the embodiment of Visions’ purpose, and we could not be more honored to partner with Working Films once again in 2014.
Written by Jacob Smith Chamelin
Web Content Writer
Visions FIlm Festival & Conference
Wilmington, NC
Visit our website: www.visionsfilm.org
Visit our website: www.visionsfilm.org
2006 interview with Robert West from New Day Films on Vimeo.
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