A still from The Treasury of Human Inheritance on a blue background, blending archival footage and abstract visuals to explore human connection.

The Treasury of Human Inheritance: A Poetic Reflection on Humanity

ByMercedes Diane Griffin Forbes

When I watched The Treasury of Human Inheritance by Alexis Kyle Mitchell, I didn’t expect such an emotional journey. This 60-minute poetic film essay weaves together home movies, abstract film, and recordings of the director’s online calls to create something truly unique. Taking its title from an early scientific journal on eugenics, the film boldly explores the intersections of desire, suffering, and existence. It’s not just a film—it’s an experience that lingers in your mind and heart long after it ends.

Like A Fidai Film, which also reconstructs archival footage to tell a deeper story, Mitchell’s film transforms the past into a personal, poetic statement. Both films remind us of the power of reclamation—whether it’s cultural, historical, or deeply personal.

A Tapestry of Film and Memory

What struck me first was how Mitchell used archival footage. By blending home movies with hand-processed abstract film, she creates a visual language that feels both deeply personal and universal. Watching it felt like flipping through someone else’s memories while reflecting on my own. The recordings of her online calls added another layer, grounding the abstract visuals in raw human connection.

This approach reminded me of the layered storytelling in The Ballad of Suzanne Césaire, where fragmented narratives are used to honor a writer’s legacy. Both films rely on sensory experiences to draw the audience in, allowing us to connect emotionally even when the structure isn’t linear.

A still from The Treasury of Human Inheritance, blending archival footage and abstract visuals to explore human connection.

Revisiting a Troubled Legacy

The film’s title references The Treasury of Human Inheritance, an early 20th-century scientific journal tied to eugenics. Mitchell reframes this troubling legacy by centering lived experiences rather than cold, clinical theories. The film pulses with life, contrasting the dehumanizing history of eugenics with the vibrancy of human connection.

As I watched, I found myself thinking about the resilience of the human spirit. The film doesn’t shy away from suffering, but it also celebrates joy, desire, and the beauty of simply existing. It’s a poignant reminder that our humanity is our greatest inheritance.

For more context on this complex history, read this article on eugenics and its legacy. Mitchell’s work, much like Small Hours of the Night, challenges us to sit with uncomfortable truths and find meaning in them.

Why You Should Watch The Treasury of Human Inheritance

This film isn’t for everyone, but it’s essential for those who appreciate experimental cinema. Its abstract visuals and non-linear structure might feel challenging at first, but if you let yourself sink into it, the rewards are profound. It’s a film that asks you to slow down, to reflect, and to engage with the complexity of being human.

For me, The Treasury of Human Inheritance was a reminder of why art matters. It’s not just about entertainment—it’s about connection, reflection, and transformation. If you’re ready for a film that will challenge you and move you in equal measure, this one is worth your time.

Mitchell’s approach to blending archival material with human intimacy aligns with what I loved about A Fidai Film. Both films use abstract techniques to create stories that feel deeply personal and universal. If you’re curious about Mitchell’s creative process, you can explore her filmmaking journey here.