Representatives from ArtsRevive, The Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce, Blackbelt Benefit Group (BBG) and Blue Magnolia Films could be seen around downtown Selma yesterday putting up photos for Selma200: Bicentennial Gallery.

Selma200 is a community storytelling project made possible by a collaboration between Selma residents and Blue Magnolia Films.

After equipping the Selma participants with the skills needed to take top notch photographs, the ones being put up around downtown Tuesday afternoon, Blue Magnolia worked with the residents to create a 4 to 5 minute “mini-documentary” telling a unique story about the city.

Afriye We-kandodis, who’s photo can be seen at 26 Broad Street once the pictures are unveiled tomorrow, was thrilled to be a part of the project.

“It was awesome and it also brought the community together,” she said. “And it allowed us to appreciate each others perspective of how we view Selma. I think it’s also given us the opportunity to come together and heal by embracing all the narrative of the history.”

We-kandodis’ story is one of eight that can be found around downtown Selma.

Once the pictures are unveiled tomorrow, spectators can scan the QR code in the bottom left hand corner of each image to view the mini-documentary that accompanies each photograph.

“The biggest emphasis is on story,” said Aaron Phillips of Blue Magnolia Films. “The photos really support the words.”

Selma200 is the first project that Blue Magnolia Films has taken part in outside of Mississippi, where the production company is based.

According to Phillips, Blue Magnolia Films has told hundreds of stories within Mississippi using the same format as Selma200.

“It’s a powerful format,” said Phillips, “And some really amazing stories are coming out of it.”

All eight of the mini-documentaries will be screened at ArtsRevive on Thursday night from 5 – 7 p.m.