Reflections on Sharp End
Honoring history through motion. Reflections on Sharp End tells the story of a once-thriving Black neighborhood in Columbia, home to vibrant businesses and close-knit families, before it was erased by federal Urban Renewal programs in the mid-20th century.
The title sequence needed to do more than introduce the film, it needed to honor a community’s memory. The goal was to transform archival photographs into a living tribute that captured both the pride and the loss of the Sharp End story.
Drawing inspiration from the name itself, I incorporated triangles and diagonal lines to symbolize a “sharp end.” The color palette and typography echoed 1950s-era signage, vintage yellows and pinks that recalled the period’s advertisements. Using subtle animation and tinting techniques, I brought still photographs gently to life, creating a motion title that feels both nostalgic and celebratory.