The work and life of photographer Winston Vargas is the subject of this film, but it is actually more about his love for his adopted home of Washington Heights, New York City. He is originally from the Dominican Republic, hence the title of the film which translates to “Here and There.” While we see how much his neighborhood has changed from the 1940’s when he was a child, he remains an elusive presence to the viewer.
He does not remember much of the Dominican Republic and is somewhat vague as to why his parents immigrated to Northern Manhattan at a time when Washington Heights was a melting pot of mostly Jewish, Irish and other Eastern European immigrants. His reason for picking up a camera is also almost too simple. A class trip to the Bronx Zoo where a teacher took photos of the animals inspired him to take up photography. But Winston Vargas was not a mere hobbyist; his photos have been displayed in such respected showcases as the Smithsonian American Art Museum. But this film makes no mention of his fame, focusing instead on his wistfulness on how much his boyhood home has evolved over the years.
While it is a great treat to see some of his work, it is also somewhat frustrating not to gain more insight into the man himself who is quite charming. His remembrance of his first time seeing snow as a young boy is endearing and leaves us wishing to hear more. Director Isabella Breton tantalizes with a brief glimpse into Vargas’ world, but he remains like those snowflakes that amazed him so as a child, fluttering out of reach.
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