Short documentary

Echoes of Baltic Village

Alex Roth

Old Lyme, CT

Advisor: Heather Cassano

Artist Bio

Alex is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Digital Media and Design at the University of Connecticut, with a concentration in Film and Video Production. Alongside his studies, he is a member of the UConn Football Creative Content team, where he produces short and longform content for social media, website, and recruiting efforts. Alex is also the owner of his own production business, Alex Roth Media LLC. Alex collaborates closely with clients to help them tell clear, compelling stories. He has directed projects and campaigns for organizations across New England, including The National Coast Guard Museum, The Spencer Brothers Foundation, Frank Pepe’s Pizza, and Island Cove Marina. His work often explores themes of history, identity, and place, with a focus on human centered storytelling.

Artist Statement

The town of Baltic, Connecticut is a historic New England Mill town, once home to the largest textile mill in the western hemisphere. The current decay of the once bustling Baltic Mill is a physical symbol of what happens when we neglect the industries that built our communities and families. Located in the shadows of the decaying mill, Tad Fallon’s antique restoration and preservation work becomes a counterexample. Together, they speak to a broader cultural message that we need to take better care of the objects and places that shaped us.

This film follows themes of industry and decay, and how people shape the places they inhabit. Using a mix of observational footage and archival material, the film highlights the contrast between the present day and the generations who came before us. Tad Fallon’s careful restoration work, residing alongside the rubble of the once thriving Baltic Mill, shows the tension between preservation and neglect. Growing up in historic New England, I have spent time exploring museums, historic sites, and preserved spaces. These experiences show how easily history can disappear when it is not cared for. This project is my way of exploring how we can preserve the places and stories that have shaped the communities around us.