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.

Interview with filmmaker Harry Ostrem

Straight Jacket Guerrilla Film Festival  (2017)

WHAT DOES YOUR FILM EXPRESS ABOUT TODAY’S GENERATION?

I’m not sure if my music video says anything about today’s generation, but I think it is an illustration of the fascination that many people have with eras past.  Personally, I have always been obsessed with the 1970’s and early 80’s.  Most modern amenities were available, but digital technology was in its infancy and people were looking around instead of continuously down or at a screen.  It just seems like a magical era, where anything was possible in the music and entertainment industry. Regardless of which time period someone lives, which is kind of a lottery if you think of it, all of us are faced with our own day-to-day struggles and patterns of life.  Usually, we’re just trying to get by.  That’s why I decided to take my favorite era, and construct my own alternate reality where I’m partying with Hall and Oates and winning Tony awards like it’s no tomorrow!  The Pleasure Dome video is silly and goofy comedy that comes from a genuine place of love and fascination.

WHAT SOCIAL CIRCUMSTANCES LEAD YOU TO MAKE YOUR NEW FILM?

Making funk-disco-comedy songs is probably not the best way to get noticed in today’s music scene, but we all have to create from the heart.  I decided to make an album inspired by 70’s disco and R&B; while also poking fun of the era in a loving way.  It’s amazing to watch old footage and see the crazy style choices of artists from back in the day.  Whether it was Dr. Hook’s maraca shaker dance moves, or Cameo’s flamboyant full-body leotards, it was all good back then.  So much of today’s music is about portraying a “cool” image, but the songwriting is often suspect at best.  I would much rather have questionable style and great song-writing any day.    

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE PINK8 MANIFESTO AND PUNK CINEMA

I think the idea of being free from conventional rules when creating film and art is amazing.  It’s all too easy to forget why we started creating in the first place.  If the love is not there, frustration is bound to become overwhelming and it is all too easy to get frustrated and give up when production becomes challenging.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?

I’m currently working on my next video: “Garbage Island”.  It’s about how I become so disenchanted with society, that I move out to the Pacific Garbage Patch and claim it as my new home.   I’m also booking gigs for the late summer and fall.  Some more Harry Muffs Disco gigs are on the horizon!

Interview with filmmaker Glenn Triggs

 Straight Jacket Guerrilla Film Festival  (2017)

What does your film express about today’s generation?

I wanted to mix 'Halloween' with 'The Breakfast Club' into a horror film. I was a very young filmmaker at the time of 'Cinemaphobia' so a lot of me at that age was put into the film. Lots of silly jokes and over the top death scenes. It was really the only film I could of made at that time. It's a real fun film that shows our generation in their element with movies and serial killers! 

What social circumstances lead you to make your new film?

I was working away at a call centre job which I hated and had the itch to make another feature film and I really wanted to tackle a horror film and quickly fell in love with the idea of a film set in a cinema. It had huge logistical challenges which I didn't really think

about before writing it. So the hard part was turning the script into the film without compromise which we managed to do! It was a two year project and I'm 

glad to say I did all the music myself which took more time that I'd like to admit! :) 

Whats next for you?

Since Cinemaphobia I have made 3 features film. '41', 'Apocalyptic' and most recently 'The Comet Kids' - which has been a 2.5 year project. It's my favourite film of the lot. Cinemaphobia was a huge learning curve about story, pacing and organization - it's the funniest film I've ever made and we're glad to be part of 'Straight Jacket Guerrilla Film Festival'. 

Interview with filmmaker Mathew Fisher

                Straight Jacket Guerrilla Film Festival  (2017)

What does your film express about today’s generation?

DJ Stan Da Man is an older character but I think he fits the free spirited kind of "fuck you' I'm gonna do what I want" attitude of today's generation. He is who he is and doesn't care who's watching and what there opinion is.  

What social circumstances lead you to make your new film?

Well... The film came about while I was working as a wedding DJ's assistant and the behind the scenes of the biggest days of people's lives are hectic, dramatic and pure comedy. Every character and situation stems from an actual person or event. One of the best compliments I've gotten from people who work in that field is how accurately the situations are directed, the film really is an inside look at the wedding business. Drunks, drug addicts, bridezilla's and colorful characters. 

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

I think the movement is the new independence, the underground. In a medium so run my money and PC values it's nice to have a group still making films for the love of it. Films they want to see and make... Instead of film schools that pump out cookie cutter film makers we have film makers that have trained themselves by trial and error and a love for cinema. Studying the films of the people who inspired them and telling their stories instead of what's "hot" at the current moment in time but once that moment is over so is the shelf life of most of those films. Good, long lasting films come from passion and creativity. The art form is like any other art form you do it because it's in you and you have to get it out not because it's a job ... I've hated every job I've ever had but I've loved every production I've ever worked on... So that probably sums it up best. 

Whats next for you? 

I'm premiering my latest short film INSOMNIAC on June 22nd starring Richard Chandler, Ray Boutin, Alexander Hauck and Sabrina Dennison from Alejandro Jodorowsky's Santa Sangre. I'm also prepping for my next feature a horror film called The Wicked Hollows.

Interview with filmmaker Joe Brown

What does your film express about today’s generation?

I believe that my film expresses that we're not exactly going downhill, but more in a circle. It just seems like we're trying, but not giving it our all, so we end up right back were we started so we need to do things over again. I really feel that we need to learn how to do things right the first time, and then we wont have to do things over and over again.

What social circumstances lead you to make your new film?

The social circumstances that lead me to make this film was that no matter what I did, I ended up right back where I started. I felt like life was a cycle, only this time the circle was bigger, so next time there were more obstacles.

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

I like the Pink8 Manifesto because of it's rawness. It gives the guy with no money a chance. I made "The Circle" with the money in my pocket, and if anyone messed up, the movie wouldn't have gotten made or at least there would have been one huge and obvious mistake. I love punk cinema. I am a punk cinema artist.

Whats next for you?

As for my next movie, I'd like to get a little bit more serious. I have a script in the making, and Im nearly finished. It will be more sci-fi where "The Circle" was more fantasy.

Interview with filmmaker Lorenzo Fassina

                       
 Straight Jacket Guerrilla Film Festival  (2017)

What does your film express about today’s generation?

I don't make movies about this or any generation: I think everyone has a mind of their own, I for instance find things interesting only if they involve satanism, blood and skateboarding. That's my way to express myself. Hopefully people who share my antagonism toward religion and social norms will enjoy my movies.

What social circumstances lead you to make your new film?

A couple of years ago I made a feature, Creepy Tales of Pizza and Gore, and asked Insanity Alert for their music. They agreed to let me use their songs and we got to know each other. The next step was me directing a music video for them. They are from Austria and I'm Italian, it was an awesome cultural exchange.

 

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

Having a Manifesto and strict rules of filmmaking helps focusing on the message you want to convey, I can't really relate to every single dogma (I'm all about preparation and scripts) but I fully support it and I think free online platforms are the perfect media for this kind of cinema!

 

Whats next for you?

I'm post producing a short titled "Presepe Vivente" ("the Living Nativity" in english). It's a Christmas movie that mocks religion and traditions and gives a new perspective to the good old possession storyline.

Interview with filmmakers Gordon Robertson & Anthony Reynolds

   Straight Jacket Guerrilla Film Festival (2017)

1. What does your film express about today's generation?

The desire for instant gratification, the need for more 'likes' on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, the constant fear of somehow being left behind unless you're in the lead, all of these things are convincing today's social media-led generation that 'life's too long', and that everything has to happen NOW. Our film highlights the inevitable result of such thinking, while cautioning that things can be different, if only we allow ourselves to believe it.

2. What social circumstances led you to make your new film?

This film was made out of a desire to create something very low-budget, almost as an antidote to the big-budget music videos that dominate the stagnant satellite music channels 24/7. Black and white was chosen, again, for the same reason. It's boldness reflects what we, the makers of the film, see as a challenge: to the prevailing commercial aesthetic, and to the idea that everything has to be beautiful and bright.

3. What do you think about the PINK8 Manifesto and Punk Cinema?

The PINK8 manifesto liberates the filmmaker in that it asks only what is necessary to him or herself, rather than asking what is necessary to make the film a commercial success. Not everything has to be monetised in order to be seen as valid.

4. What's next for you?

I've writtten a magical realist animation feature script called 'The Girl Who Grew Shorter In Summer' that I'm currently in the process of seeking animators for. I also have a First World War musical script called 'War Of Love' that I'm trying to attract interest in.

Interview with filmmaker Bob Bryan

Straight Jacket Guerrilla Film Festival  (2017)

What does your film express about today’s generation?

GV29 WOMEN THE POWER PARADIGM reflects the complex realities of todays' woman. Many contemporary women find that the paths to self-empowerment are lonely, confusing and difficult.

I wanted GV29 to represent women who have found a clarifying methodology to accomplishing their desired goals. In all cases, it is a heavy psychological lift, yet completely achievable if one is completely dedicated to change.

The challenge lies in acquiring a positive and powerful uplifting conscious belief system; implementing a personal development program (both physically and mentally) as well as courageously wrestling with, in some cases, subtle, yet personality defining programmed self-esteem issues.

Personal struggles with Fear, Pain, Power, Rage, lack of Self-Confidence, Negativity, Defense of the Ego, Passion, Self-Expression, Laziness, and lack of Discipline and Training etc. are important factors that must be confronted, understood, overcome and the results ultimately integrated into one’s toolbox concept of self, in order to be successful.

Consistent sacrifices, setting priorities, organizing long and short-term goals must be made in order to achieve this next level of self-actualization.

As the Director of GV29, my desire is that my audiences will identify with this new Paradigm and be inspired to action by these Powerful Kick-Ass Women.

What social circumstances lead you to make your new film?

My observation of some women who don't understand or appreciate certain competitive basic work-ethic values.

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

A Great affirmative -action Paradigm for people to be exposed to alternative ways of thinking differently and taking No Shit from Nobody!.

Whats next for you?

A new film about the reality of Parallel Universes