Interview with Filmmaker Blaise Kolodychuk

   Straight Jacket Guerrilla Film Festival (2017)

What does your film Night Of The Shadow People express about today’s generation?

The film takes place in another reality on another planet. As do today's generation.

What social circumstances lead you to make your new film?

Night of the Shadow People is my first attempt at a live action film that resides within an entirely made up world. It's actually about childhood trauma and the difference between avoiding things and using escapism to solve your problems and confronting your fears and solving problems. All the characters are different aspects of a single struggle. This is all placed within a fantasy sci-fi world of robots, wizards, monsters, heroes and villains.

What do you think about the PINK8 Manifesto & Punk Cinema?

At quick glance of this manifesto, the the spirit of what I believe in is in there, I think however there are too many rules and it isn't very punk. Do what you damn well want instead of subscribing to some kind of manifesto written by someone else. If you went to film school, make a movie, if you wanna make a movie, make a movie, if you want people off the street get them, if you want someone who considers them self an actor get them.. Make it any fucking length you want. Everything is valid, acceptance is the key, not grunge elitism. Sometimes I make movies following every point of that manifesto, and sometimes I don't. Who gives a fuck. as long as you are telling people your story or or message or whatever. 

Whats next for you?

I'm completing a slasher film series that was started in 1981 by my brother. It is a 10 part horror series and he completed part 10 in 1993. The problem is he never made part 9. So that's what I am doing this summer. 24 years later this whole twisted saga about a guy and his Teddy bear who kill people is going to be completed.Lots of blood.

Interview with filmmaker Thomas Eikrem

    Straight Jacket Guerrilla Film Festival   (2017)

What does your film express about today’s generation?

Today’s generation is doomed and is going to Hell! I was shooting the feature “Le Accelerator”, and this short is one scene from the movie. I believe in yesterday and shot it entirely on Super 8mm. www.leaccelerator.com

What social circumstances lead you to make your new film?

I was originally shooting a post traumatic horror movie in Detroit called “Detroit Rising”. One of the actors died, and the writer never finished the voice over, so I decided to put that one on hold and make a movie where I would do everything myself. Now, with “Le Accelerator” done, I have resurrected “Detroit Rising”, replacing the actor with Jim VanBebber of “Manson Family”-fame and the writer with Tim Dry (“Xtro”, “Return of the Jedi”).

What do you think about the PINK8 Manifesto & Punk Cinema?

It’s good! Rules are there to be broken, especially as cinema has deteriorated. Everything looks the same.

Whats next for you?

Finish the Detroit horror movie “Detroit Rising”, release “Le Accelerator” and shot the third instalment in my vampire saga “Vampiras Satanicas”. www.detroit-rising.com

Interview with filmmaker Jasmine Smoot

Straight Jacket Guerrilla Film Festival   (2017)

What does your film A Year in the Life of a Disgruntled Teen express about today’s generation?

It addresses the fact that younger teenagers are going through a lot more emotional turmoil than most people would expect. 

What social circumstances lead you to make your new film?

I was a freshman/sophomore in high school when I made this film, so social cliques and peer pressure heavily inspired the overall 'feel' of the film. Although, it was heavily influenced by mental illness and personal friendships/relationships everyone makes during high school.

What do you think about the PINK8 Manifesto & Punk Cinema?

I think it's revolutionary and a great kick-starter for young, self-sufficient filmmakers. 

Whats next for you?

I am currently working on my family photography business while simultaneously going to college to get a bachelor's degree in digital photography. I am also working on making short movies and montages on my YouTube channel for fun.

Interview with filmmaker William Brown

     Straight Jacket Guerrilla Film Festival

What does your film express about today’s generation?

Three films in one festival! I am honored. The New Hope is a complete takedown of cinema. It's based on the first part of Don Quixote, except where the Don in Cervantes' novel believes that he's a knight errant in a chivalric romance, our knight thinks that he's a Jedi, more specifically Obi Wan Kenobi. But not only does Obi Wan continually come against a reality that refuses to conform to his romantic ideals, but so does the film itself 'tilt at windmills' by claiming to be a film despite breaking more or less every rule about how a film should be made. But you know what? If you love Star Wars and buy into all of that Jedi bullshit about the force being everywhere and about the importance of the smallest things in our vast universe, but if after buying into that you still judge a film not by its attitude but by its cosmetic appearance... then you're a hypocrite.

So what does this film express about today's generation? That appearances don't matter and that it is spirit and attitude that are far more important than the look of a film. And we deliberately make an 'ugly' film and we deliberately take on the biggest fucking franchise in the world, because it we don't, then no one will... And why do we do this? Because as Disney basically buys up everything and prepares us for a world in which all films basically are the same (tired blockbusters spinning endlessly the same yarns from the same fictional universes), then we need to preserve difference, and to preserve a cinema of poverty, because poor images count just as much as rich ones (ones made with massive budgets). In this way, we are not just creating a new hope for cinema. Maybe we are creating the new hope.

As for Roehampton Guerrillas, this is a movie made by a large collective of young filmmakers in southwest London. As with The New Hope, they also deliberately make imperfect films in order to show how people are talking out of their arses every time they bang on about some film that they would make if they had the money or the equipment, but end up doing nothing because they're afraid that their movie will be judged negatively because it wasn't made with that equipment or that money. If you want to make a film, make a film. All films are equal, motherfucker.

And finally Selfie is an analysis of selfie culture. What does it express about today's generation? If you don't know what a selfie is, you're living under a rock.

What social circumstances led you to make your new film?

Like what political events lead to these films? The ongoing neoliberalisation of the contemporary world, in which you do not exist unless you exist as an image that grabs attention, leading to everyone adopting either a homogeneous aesthetic whereby everyone looks the same (generally as 'cinematic' as possible), or to people doing ever-more-dumbass things in the race to the bottom. In some senses all of these are anti-films, because we live a world in which everyone thinks in movies and thinks that their life might make a good movie and dreams about being in movies and it it all superficial horseshit. You know what? These are movies, too. And if you don't like them or if you don't agree, then you need to think about why you think only some films are worthy of the name cinema and what it says about you to think that way.

What do you think about the PINK8 Manifesto & Punk Cinema?

Radical. Bold. Brave. We are kindred spirits. Though I do break some of the rules some of the time. (What the fuck are rules, anyway?)

Whats next for you?

Making four films simultaneously at the moment. Trying to find audiences for a bunch of others. Discovering more and wonderful alternative film cultures out there, making friends and learning - always learning.

Interview with filmmaker Guillaume Campanacci

                Straight Jacket Guerrilla Film Festival   (2017)

What does your film express about today’s generation?

Devils in Disguise explores the fact that today's generation is blind, hence easily manipulated. This is especially true in Los Angeles where the film is taking place. It also introduces a character who is a writer, myself. He hates his life, and only lives through what he writes, where he can finally be who he really is, a very dangerous person. Devils in Disguise is non linear, leaping from past, present, future, black and white, color, dream, reality and fantasy.

What social circumstances lead you to make your new film?

I was told I couldn't do it, making a feature film with almost no budget and almost no team, so I had to do it. 

What do you think about the PINK8 Manifesto & Punk Cinema?

I would add two important rules: 

Never ask for for the permission to make ART.

Don't wait for the right moment.

Whats next for you?

I am about to co direct, with my girlfriend Vedrana Egon, my second feature film: WHENEVER I'M ALONE WITH YOU. We start shooting mid July in my hometown, Cannes. It is a punk romantic comedy in the vein of Godard, Jarmush and Carax.

facebook.com/wheneverimalonewithyou

Interview with filmmaker Luc

Straight Jacket Guerrilla Film Festival   (2017)


What does your film express about today's generation?

My film expresses the mindset and direction of today's generation as well as the past. "MayDay" is a call for help. We all need it so, the aim was focused on hitting points that matter to ALL people and no one specific. It seems like people these days aren't too concerned with living for the future but, living for now. A time where a designer belt or sneaker is valued over life. A time where being called a bad female dog means that you're top notch. A time where bragging about killing your own whether drugs or fire arms means that you're considered the man. And a time where sleeping around for money would make you look like you're worth something. It saddens me how vanity has so much control over our actions that we would stoop to our lowest to seek that attention of people who doesn't care at all. I feel that things aren't getting worse but, because of all this technology we're exposed to way too much and now we see what's happening. Once it's in our face constantly it becomes normal and familiar that we now accept it.  

What social circumstances lead you to make your new film?

Just being fed up with all this craziness. Drug dealing (Trapping), gang violence, jealousy, crooked police officers and politicians, prostitution, wars, greed etc. Things that we see and hear constantly but no one ever seems to do anything but complain. I decided to address these issues and let it be known that we need assistance. Every time I turn around it's something negative that seems to draw the people in so, I decided to talk about the negative. Only the real stuff and let the visuals bring my lyrics to life.

What do you think about the PINK8 Manifesto & Punk Cinema?

I think that PINK8 Manifesto is brilliant and not like other film movements. It goes against the grain while creating good art by being bold and using their resources. Now days, everyone is mimicking whatever is successful at the moment to try and accomplish the same thing without being different. Without working on THEIR craft and thinking for themselves or working hard. Originality plays a big part and I can relate to that to its zenith. Punk Cinema on the other hand, creates movies that incorporates the punk lifestyle which lets the viewers know that punk is truly in their heart. It shows appreciation and loyalty. Again, we all should know that we are as one but, lets remember that everyone is different and there is nothing wrong with it. Be different, show your creativity and become a leader. Know and identify yourself.

What's next for you?

To expand my brand Man-Of-Flames and let the people know who Luc' is. That I am a dedicated and ambitious Artiste. That I produce music, direct and edit videos, and write and perform all of my own material and that I write and co- write for others also. I write hip-hop, dancehall, reggae, R&B, alternative rock, poetry, you name it. It has to feel good and has to have that appeal that catches the listeners ear to appreciate real good music. When ideas flow I'm ready to move on it. I have patience but I don't procrastinate. Whether it's ideas for film, videos, clothing, songwriting, ways to keep the peoples interest, or helping people to stay motivated I'm doing that. As you already know, the lyricist in my "MayDay" video was me. I just want the world to be exposed to my hard work and talent. Hopefully, we all can benefit from such positivity and grow into better individuals. 

Interview with filmmaker Francisco Sanchez

     Straight Jacket Guerrilla Film Festival (2017)


What does your film say about today's generation?
The elements in the film are timeless. Below the plot of the film, find universal ideas; Lies and deceptions, dreams and illusions.
Finally we get the belief. Faith does not need to arise from something real.
Faith can be a lie, it is enough.

What social circumstances lead you to make your new film?
I did "Not Humans" with the illusion of being able to progress, to take a step forward. Without budget, without producers, without technical equipment. It should not matter. The movie would be flawed, not perfect, but it had to be done.
He had something very important, the actors wanted to participate, nobody made money, this is something ... sad for work, but great for his will.


What do you think about the PINK8 Manifesto & Punk Cinema?
I like these two points a lot * The director must edit the movie alone.
* Errors are beautiful.
The first by "selfishness to take all control", for me is a great defect, I do not like to have the opinion of other people. He is already listening when he is finished. It's a mistake, I know.
The second: * Errors are beautiful. . I guess I like it, because it seems impossible to me to be wrong, it seems impossible to achieve perfection.
Hollywood has perfect movies, I'm not hollywood.
Unfortunately I do not fulfill all the points of the manifesto, but in essence, in the marginal, yeah.

What next for you?
I prepare when time leaves me (and the mood), a series of very crazy little stories, very Garbage, Maybe a year of these can join them in the purest style of films like Heavy Metal.