Welcome Home from Isaac H Madge on Vimeo.

The Shed from Isaac H Madge on Vimeo.

We like to do things visually at DN, so here are some films to bring you up to speed. If you’re in the US don’t forget to Tell Congress: Don’t censor the Web

PROTECT IP / SOPA Breaks The Internet from Fight for the Future on Vimeo.

Our Internet from m ss ng p eces on Vimeo.

Harris, who’s been shooting daily self-portraits since 1999 (sometimes assisted by friends, strangers or famous idols), goes through the typical progression of any constant photographer, with his early mundane shots giving way to more adventurous, visually interesting compositions as his adeptness increases. But at some point there’s a shift where his life, and not simply his images, becomes more interesting as he strives for new daily experiences to document. It is this hunger to surpass what has gone before that spurs him onwards after cancer treatment leaves him partially paralysed due to the severing of his sciatic nerve – an ordeal which Harris continues to document, through X-rays, surgery and convalescence images.

After watching 4,748 Self-Portraits and Counting I couldn’t help but come away with the sense that a life well documented could be the kick many of us need to lead a life well lived. If looking back at your everyday leaves you bored shitless, then perhaps you’ve been wasting your precious time here? Now tell me, what did you do today worthy of a picture?

Jeff Harris: 4,748 Self-Portraits and Counting from We Know Music on Vimeo.

Sixty-four horror movies in a five-minute montage; the perfect project to work on until 2 a.m. and then return to an empty, dark, cold apartment.

The last few nights have had some really, *really* twisted dreams.

Vowels from Studiocanoe on Vimeo.

The year in movies has stood out for two reasons in my humble opinion. First, it was a year that started with a “Summer Blockbuster” (The Green Hornet) and ended with one (Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol). Studios realized that audiences love car chases and explosions on the big screen as much as butter on their popcorn and every single month in 2011 granted us with a surprising share of intense action.

This end-of-year montage is divided in two parts that attempt to outline and illustrate each of these points through images rather than words.

Thanks to Jessica Chan for the heads up!

2011: The Cinescape from Matt Shapiro on Vimeo.

Hero from Miguel Endara on Vimeo.

In case you’re scratching your head in a vain hunt for titles, you can admit defeat and read the clip list, we won’t think any less of you. Also, if some of your favourite gems seem strangely absent, Alex has some pretty bulletproof reasons as to why that’s the case:

“There are a few omissions in this year-end anthology. Missing films include:
- Abduction, because fuck that movie.
- Jack & Jill, because fuck that movie.
- Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chip-Wrecked, Mars Needs Moms, Mr. Popper’s Penguins, Bucky Larson, Atlas Shrugged: Part I, and I Don’t Know How She Does It, for similar reasons.
- Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, Glee: The 3D Concert Movie, and The Human Centipede 2, because I edited this in a public place and people would’ve looked at me funny.
- No Strings Attached, because the video had this weird green line at the bottom and I didn’t care for it.
- Win Win, The Sitter, and The Greatest Movie Ever Sold, because I found nothing visually striking in their trailers.
- Arthur Christmas, Jumping the Broom, Something Borrowed, and Gnomeo and Juliet, because I was struck by an incredible apathy towards all of them.”

It seems that a project of this scope can’t help but leave behind a little detritus, so Alex got back to work giving title sequences their due and put together Insert Title Here too.

Kurt shared his misfortune in the painful watch How to Lose $2400 in 24 Seconds as a warning to the rest of us. Luckily the camera Gods over at B&H took pity and sent Kurt a free replacement – they probably couldn’t bear to hear his wailing and gnashing of teeth anymore.

Kurt if you’re reading this I suggest you abandon those plans to be shot out of a flaming canon with the new camera rig…

how to lose $2400 in 24 seconds from Kurtis Hough on Vimeo.

Jean Marc Calvet has led an extraordinary, and at times, dark life, which made him a perfect subject for director Dominic Allan’s feature documentary Calvet. We caught up with Dominic to discuss trusting your inner barometer and creating films as part of the new paradigm.

Calvet begins its UK cinema run this week with Dominic in attendance for Q&As across several of the screenings. Full details after the jump.

This is not reconstruction, this social photography.

Showlinks
Calvet
Calvet Facebook
Dominic Allen Facebook

Calvet (2011)
Via a terrifying trip to hell and back, Jean Marc Calvet was given a second chance at life, and now a successful artist on a quest for redemption, he embarks on an extraordinary journey to make peace with his past.

Break ton Neck from Alex Yde on Vimeo.

This World from Alex Yde on Vimeo.

MADE IN ICELAND from Klara Harden on Vimeo.

Klara goes into the details of her trip in this post.

Christensen’s films could technically be described as documentaries, but he employs a contemplative, first person narrative style, both in his narration and the visuals, which transform them into sinless confessionals from a front row seat with an unimpeded mind’s eye view.

Christensen recently closed a successful Kickstarter campaign to create a film based on a true story written & performed by award-winning actress Lili Taylor, called The Duel and I’ll be interested to see the results of his taking us into someone else’s head, but for now enjoy three stories from his world:

Shave from Sean David Christensen on Vimeo.

Fan Mail from Sean David Christensen on Vimeo.

Empty House from Sean David Christensen on Vimeo.

The 2011 Doe Bay Sessions – The Head and The Heart from Sound on the Sound on Vimeo.

Some are called, some are chosen but all attempt to work for the greater good of their communities. No it’s not the synopsis for Kick-Ass 2, but rather Michael Barnett’s feature documentary Superheroes which delves into the world of Real Life Superheros across North America. Michael joined us to discuss gaining access to this secretive and camera shy group in our final interview of this year’s London Film Festival.

Truth is just stranger than fiction in this situation.

Showlinks
Superheroes
Superheroes Facebook
Canon EOS 5D

Motion plus Design have put together a video that provides an answer through the use of leading examples in the field. There’s also a nice section explaining the difference between motion design and animation. In addition to the video, they’re setting up an exhibit center in Paris which will present monthly public events featuring leading designers, production companies and themes.

TV idents, film titles and credits, tablet computers, smartphones, advertising displays on TV screens… Motion design is already present in all parts of our lives. Yet, no place is dedicated to celebrating motion design. When we realised this, we came up with the idea of founding the world’s first Centre dedicated to the world of motion design.

“Motion Design” Center : “What is Motion Design ?” from Motion Plus Design on Vimeo.

I’m pretty sure that Daniel Edelstyn is the only director I met at the London Film Festival this year who’s the rightful heir to a Russian vodka factory. We spoke about connecting with relatives from beyond the grave and working as a film outsider.

I’m still trying to make the world better by using pictures.

Showlinks
How to Re-Establish a Vodka Empire

How to Re-Establish a Vodka Empire Trailer from Daniel Edelstyn on Vimeo.

Based on the famous book Memoirs of My Nervous Illness from German judge Daniel Paul Schreber, Simon Pummell’s feature Shock Head Soul depicts Schreber’s ‘madness from the inside’ through the combined use of live action, expert interviews and animation. Simon and I discussed transmedia and blurring film disciplines into a cohesive whole over tea at the London Film Festival.

Filmmaking’s become one of those things you can dream about even if you’re from outside the magic circle.

Showlinks
Simon Pummell
Shock Head Soul
Canon 5D MKII
Red Camera

After discovering a cache of nearly 85 hours of pristine 16mm film shot by Swedish news reporters documenting the evolution of the Black Power Movement in the black community, director Göran Hugo Olsson brought together contemporary commentators and musicians to bring the material to life and so create The Black Power Mixtape 1967 – 1975. We sat down with Göran at the London Film Festival to discuss the importance of music in his work and why documentary filmmakers should dig in their own backgardens.

This is not a film about the black power movement, it’s a film about how it was perceived in Sweden.

Showlinks
The Black Power Mixtape 1967 – 1975
Black Power Mixtape Soundcloud

The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975 from Story AB on Vimeo.

In the first of our London Film Festival interviews we sit down with director Nick Brandestini to discuss his feature documentary Darwin; a look at an isolated community of 35 residents who live at end of a weathered road in Death Valley, California.

When we saw there was a ghost town called Darwin, we thought ‘Perfect’! It doesn’t get any better than that.

Showlinks
Darwin
Sony PMW-EX3

Darwin – Trailer from Darwin Documentary on Vimeo.

Everything Is A Remix: THE MATRIX from robgwilson.com on Vimeo.

Back in March I was able to catch feature documentary PressPausePlay at SXSW and chat to directors David Dworsky and Victor Köhler about the democratization of culture. In our interview the pair indicated that once the film had a few more festivals under its belt, it’d be making its way online in a standard and interactive version which would allow you to, “dig deeper into specific topics, listen to more in-depth interviews, view deleted scenes and explore the world around each artist, thinker and creator.”

That day has come. Jump over to PressPausePlay to download both versions for free, and if you enjoy the film be sure to support the team by donating or buying a copy on iTunes or Amazon.

While it was great to see authentic fan footage tell the story of ATP, I’m pretty excited at the idea of seeing super music fan and accomplished documentarian Vincent Moon give his take on ATP across four 30 minute films, each with a distinct focus:

Four short films from four ATP festivals offering a fan’s eye view of one of the most unique and uncompromising music events in the world, shot by one of music’s most original and independent filmmakers.

• From Smoke – Portishead’s Nightmare Before Christmas, narrated by Damo Suzuki.
• From Hybrid – Explosions in the Sky’s ATP, narrated by Saul Williams.
• The Melvins/Mike Patton curated Nightmare Before Christmas, narrated by Lydia Lunch
• 10 Years of All Tomorrow’s Parties festival, narrated by Josh Pearson.

Vincent has already completed the edit for the first film and has footage for the remaining parts safely in the can. What he needs now is some help reaching the $14,000 Kickstarter goal (the project’s already raised $3,213 with 15 days to go) in order complete post and clear music on parts two – four of the project.

If you’re a DN regular you’ll know that Vincent redefined the live music performance video with The Takw-Away Shows and has put out countless hours of music related documentaries online for free over the years, so if you love music or ATP head over and support the campaign.

Find a screening near you or create your own! It doesn’t have to be a in a traditional movie theater – any communal space with a screen, projector, and sound system can become an instant screening room.

Screenings will be taking place at various times throughout the day, and there’s also the opportunity for you to tune into the live cast and crew webcast. Find a local screening or set up your own after the jump.

Bots High Free Screening Day Explained from Coffee and Celluloid on Vimeo.

Bots High – High School Robotics Documentary – Official Trailer from Coffee and Celluloid on Vimeo.

We’ve featured the work of Sean Dunne on DN on a several occasions in the past and each time the documentary maker brings out a new film I’m surprised by how much he’s upped his game. With each film he not only introduces us to a world and a lifestyle we rarely get to see, but also shows us the art of true storytelling with his slick documentary style.

In his latest film American Juggalo Dunne takes us into the often mocked and misunderstood subculture of Juggalos, hardcore Insane Clown Posse fans who meet once a year for four days at The Gathering of the Juggalos.

American Juggalo from Sean Dunne on Vimeo.

Bare knuckle boxing may date back almost 300 years, but Palmer’s documentary isn’t too concerned with the sport’s beginnings; instead the filmmaker focuses on a 12 year feud between the Quinn McDonagh and Joyce clans and his embroilment in this bitter rivalry. Palmer’s involvement with the Quinn McDonagh family originated when he was asked to film a family wedding back in the late 90s, however at the party afterwards his camera deviated from its original path as he was drawn into a session of gambling occurring in the car park. It’s here in this gathering of masculinity we’re introduced to the main focus of the film, James, the Quinn McDonagh’s undisputed champion of the bare knuckle fistfight. Like many of the screen boxing heroes of past, James is full of confidence and swagger and despite his eagerness to defend his breed’s (the traveller name for family) honour, he’s all too aware of the brutalities of his chosen sport. Over the next 12 years, we follow James as he squares up and beats down each new contender from the Joyce clan, all the time promising to quit and never fight again.

At first, Palmer’s part in this on-going battle is simply down to his own interest and desire to document the proceedings, his camera skirting around the scattered audience at the fights, bustling for prime position, striving to catch every punch. Before too long though the filmmaker is drawn into the pre-fight rituals of the clans as he’s encouraged to make provocative, taunting videos for the families. The videos feature members of the opposing breeds attempting to goad their enemies once again into battle and although they don’t quite have the lyricism of Muhammad Ali, it’s an engaging and often comical routine to watch.

Engaging is probably the most apt word to describe Knuckle as a whole; shot on various formats of varying quality, its cinematography captures the majority of the key action (unfortunately Palmer does miss out on a couple of fights!), but is nothing spectacular and in no danger of winning any awards in the near future. The edit and post-production is again diligent, presenting the events in a linear fashion, experiencing all the ups and downs along the way, until we reach the film’s dramatic finale. Where Knuckle really succeeds though is with its story and its power to totally absorb and immerse an audience in the world of the travellers and their involvement in the brutal sport of bare knuckle boxing. Often left feeling disgusted and sometimes confused by the action presented on screen, as a viewer you still find yourself sucked into the world you’re witnessing, at times even picking sides and willing your chosen boxer onto success. In Knuckle’s tense conclusion you may even find yourself shouting at the screen, as if you were watching Stallone’s Rocky take on Lundgren’s Drago in Rocky IV, eager for a knockout and a resolution (that never quite comes).

Knuckle somewhat peters out instead of providing the explosive ending you may expect and at the end of Palmer’s intriguing insight into this age-old tradition, you’re actually left hungry for more and eager to find out what happens to James and the rest of the Quinn McDonaghs. Although we may never discover the conclusion of this on-going battle of breeds, with rumours cicrculating of HBO developing a TV series based on Knuckle this surely isn’t the last we’ll see of bare knuckle boxing on our screens in the near future.

TOKYO SLO-MODE from alex lee on Vimeo.

The single biggest factor that’s enabled us to see and post more films on DN year on year is filmmakers’ ability to access better quality equipment for less, but of course a pro-sumer camera does not a director make. Jean-Francois Leroy director of Visa pour L’Image spells out the differences between the citizen journalist and true photojournalists in his blunt interview for Photo Raw. He may be harsh and forthright but he has a point which applies across all creative fields.

Jean-Francois Leroy from Photo Raw Magazine on Vimeo.

Pi from Thomas Blanchard on Vimeo.

RAW-skateboarding from Thomas Blanchard on Vimeo.

Obny sound design for Espadon 21 from OBNY / Music & Sound design on Vimeo.

Playing God
Originally designed to play as a loop in an art gallery, ‘Playing God’ should be watched in a dark room, full screen, with the sound as loud as your system can handle.

Playing God from Playing God on Vimeo.

John & Joe
The story of retired firefighter John Vigiano Sr and his two sons – John and Joe.

John and Joe from StoryCorps on Vimeo.

9-11/9-11
This is a narrative trailer for 9-11/9-11 an animated film directed by conceptual artist Mel Chin. American filmmaker Chip Schneider produced and edited. The animation was done by hand, in pencil, by Chilean animation studio Planovisual.

9-11/9-11 trailer from Mel Chin Studio on Vimeo.

LAUGHS! from Everynone on Vimeo.

If this was a bit too much on the joyful side for you, CRIES! should be with us soon.

For those living outside the UK who might not have had the opportunity to see Channel 4′s amazing Concrete Circus documentary, the culmination of the project resulted in four shorts films featuring the talents of some of the very best urban sports stars around.

1. Danny Macaskill – Industrial Revolutions
Directed by Stu Thomson, Industrial Revolutions sees Danny take his incredible bike skills into an industrial train yard and some derelict buildings.

If you want to see more of Danny MacAskill, check out his Way Back Home & Streets of London videos, or just put his name into YouTube and be amazed.

2. Storm Origins
Directed by Claudiu Voicu, Storm Origins takes a narrative approach to the brief, pitting three parkour experts against each other in a race against time (and fire), all under the watch of a mysterious gang.

If you like Storm Origins, you should also check out the parkour short Urban we posted on DN last year.

3. Kilian Martin: A Skate Illustration
Directed by Brett Novak, Kilian Martin: A Skate Illustration uses slow motion footage and stunning cinematography to show the true artistry of this innovative skater.

Kilian Martin: A Skate Illustration carries on our recent love for skate videos on DN following Lakairomania, 8 Hours in Brooklyn, Gopro NYC & Stock on Fire.

4. Keelan Phillips – Release
Directed by Kendy Ty, Keelan Phillips – Release uses some fancy post-production to showcase the freestyle BMXers gravity defying tricks.

See more of Keelan Phillips’ video on his YouTube channel

I had the pleasure of viewing Tim’s poignant exploration of his heritage whilst out there but if you’re in the UK, you’ll be able to do the same as Way of the Morris stikes out on a two month theatrical tour, beginning with previews in The Little Theatre, Bath, before going on to select screenings throughout the UK. To coincide with Way of the Morris’ theatrical run, a DVD is currently available for pre-order (release date 26th September), so if there doesn’t happen to be a screening in your neck of the woods, you can still follow Tim’s journey from embarrassed spectator to participant in the family traditions which are the basis of who he is today.

Way Of The Morris: WeDidThis Event from Way Of The Morris on Vimeo.

The seven commissioned filmmakers are; Magali Charrier, Tom Gran and Kayleigh Gibbons, Max Hattler, Christine Malloy and Joe Lawlor, Noriko Okaku, Jacco Olivier and Bill Porter – a nice mix of new and familiar filmmaking faces.

After discovering the world of battle bots was alive and well in Miami high schools, director Joey Daoud was inspired to create Bots High, a documentary exploring the lives of the teenagers behind the fighting machines. Joey joins us to discuss diving head first into his debut feature and organising a world wide free screening day on Thursday, October 6th for Bots High.

Film festivals, the biggest thing they have going for them is meeting people & connections, but no festival run is going to get in front of 50K people.

Showlinks
Bots High
Bots High Free Screening Day
Coffee and Celluloid
Sony PMW-EX1
Panasonic AG-HVX200
Flip Video
FileMaker Pro
Meetup
Meetup Everywhere
Space Miami

Bots High (2010)
Following the adventures of three high school robotics teams battling for first place at the national robotics competition in Miami, Florida, Bot High is a no-holds-barred fight to the death with robot carnage everywhere you look.

Jonathan Bregel’s 8 Hours in Brooklyn is easily some of the best slow motion filmmaking I’ve ever seen (the tattoo shot alone earnt that), and shows what can be achieved off the cuff, with a small talented crew and the balls to “do some stupid stuff in order to push the envelope.”

You can read more about the shoot after the jump.

8 Hours in Brooklyn from Next Level Pictures on Vimeo.