That is not to say that all conspiracy-theories are a load of old cobblers*… necessarily. As with any second-hand news, be it on the BBC or a guy sandwiched between the words ‘The End is nigh’, it’s always important to retain a certain degree of scepticism.

*[Brit Slang] Bullshit

That said, where it does get interesting is when a successful Hollywood producer – not a paranoid pothead – makes it his personal mission to find truthful answers to big questions.

This much at least can be said of the late film-maker turned political-activist Aaron Russo. You may know of Mr. Russo for 80’s classics such as Rude Awakening and Trading Places, both of which he produced. However, latterly his work took on a more serious edge as he turned his focus to the corruption he believed existed at the core of both the U.S government and the centralised bank (Federal Reserve) which controls it.

Sadly Russo died last August after a long battle against cancer; but thankfully he did not leave us empty-handed. Russo’s final legacy, released just a year prior to his death, is a documentary entitled America: Freedom to Fascism. The film begins by asking whether there is a law in the American Constitution which obliges US workers to pay income tax. The answer to this soon becomes evident, but the plot thickens as Russo pursues his investigation even further.

This is a powerful and fascinating documentary made by a brave man who is relentless in his search for the truth. Try as he might he cannot get ‘no’ - or ‘yes’ - for an answer! America: Freedom to Fascism is a must-see.

Also very worthwhile viewing is Russo’s interview with Alex Johnson in which he speaks candidly about his views on the Iraq War, 9/11 and his friendship with Nicholas Rockefeller amongst other things.

LINKS

In memoriam Aaron Russo February 14th 1943 – August 24th 2007

They have now taken to producing blockbusters with the ever so fabydocious Lifelongfriendshipsociety It’s all about looking into a black mirror and seeing the creative energy burst back out at you… What a great idea! Take a sip of funny tea; stick your comfy pants on and sit back to relax.

VISIT LOSTATEMINOR

The VIMBY guys come to your backyard and create programming that uncovers what is happening in the streets where you live. The great aspect of VIMBY is that each week they deliver original, first-run programming for a generation that traditional media struggles to reach.

On VIMBY there are shows devoted to action sports, cars, music, dating, shopping, nightlife, alternative subculture, travel, and more. Whether you are a skater, a car tuner, a fashion junkie, or an indie musician, VIMBY will celebrate you.

VISIT VIMBY

The entire video was created by 06 visual communications graduate (DIT Ireland) Eoin Duffy.

Eoin is a self taught animator and his 3D-tool of choice is the freeware program Blender. Smart stuff and great band.

VIDEO MICROSITE
EOIN’s WEBSITE
KOPEK WEBSITE

They have some impressive directors on their books as well like Drew Lightfoot, Henry Lu, Jason MacFarlane and Jeff Scheven to name but a few.

This hot shot outfit bags loads of awards annually for their amazing work with clients like ESPN, MTV, Mastercard etc…

SOFT CITIZEN WEB SITE

Anita, Dorit, Eva, Hennie, Lizzy, Susanne, Susy und Rosalie live in New York, where they have started families and built up lives.

The film’s takes a close look at the minor details and physical effects of these women’s pasts across hemispheres and generations. Observations about everyday life in America and gestures and expressions instill a sense of their attachment to and what it was like to be torn from Austrian culture, that of the perpetrators.

Memories of the injustice, flight, the loss of their family and friends cannot simply be turned on and off at will. They’re part of their lives, part of the present. Sometimes they come to the surface with surprising force, while on other days they’re buried beneath reminiscences of a happy childhood, a birthday, a children’s game.

Director Mirjam Unger encounters them with impressive openness and emotion, providing insight into and a look back at extremely personal areas of their lives.

MOVIE WEB SITE
MOBILE FILMS

in cooperation with Jewish Welcome

The world premiere of “Vienna’s Lost Daughters” will take place in
Austria / Graz, at the Diagonale film festival, on March 20, 2007.

An old vid but still worth shareing for those of you who have not seen it! There should be more Jeff Soto videos made, his work looks great in motion.

Let’s Be Friends depicts friendly monsters overrunning Los Angeles to spread joy and beauty throughout an otherwise drab and monochromatic society. Despite the creatures’ best efforts, the public isn’t swayed.

Jeff has an exhibition currently called “Cold Ice Age” solo show at BLK/MRKT Gallery, November 18, 2006

JEFF SOTO

Coming from a background as magazine editors and photographers Patrick Brusti Armbruster and Justin Hostynek joined forces to launch their seventh high class 16mm film.

It’s been a long time they’re playing the leading role in Europe as well as worldwide.

The title marks the beginning of a new era for Absinthe Films as they have broadened their scope to include and properly represent urban riding while still keeping the overall blend fresh and un-repetitive.

Three years after first joining forces with the Air Burro Jet-Pack Camera Team, Absinthe Films is ready to unveil a new way of looking at snowboarding with the new ‘Hover-Track’ Jet-Pack camera system bringing you closer to the action than ever before and separating this film from the herd.

Plus all of the technical magic, good times, deep powder, travel and massive jumps you have come to expect from Absinthe. All of this set to another unpredictable and fitting soundtrack that will have everyone clamoring for More.

Oh yeah… And Travis Rice is back and it’s ON!

Focusing on featuring snowboarding literally from a different point of view Absinthe defenitely produces diverse art in terms of photography, riding and music setup (from Mos Def to the Strokes, Beatles, Pink Floyd, Busta Rhymes, Air and Beck).

They are not even hesitating in bringing their opinions to screens worldwide, putting shame on Mr. Bush, or promoting their current movie tour in the USA under the sphere of influence pile: an effortful try to teach America some environmental thinking.

Check out the trailer at absinthe-films.com.

A good friend of mine Ed Hill sent this link to me a while ago, and it has languished in my inbox for ages begging to be clicked on.

This is a 20 minute short video documentary by a guy called Nate Harrison. It was originally released in 2004, but still makes very interesting watching. The video narrates the history about the ‘Amen Break’, a six-second drum sample from the b-side of a chart-topping single from 1969, by a band called The Winstons.

Thanks Ed! Send more!

Download Electronic music on iTunes.

Directed by Arie Posin, The Chumscrubber is a darkly satiric story about life falling apart in the midst of a seemingly idyllic suburbia.

This ‘off the wall’ story kicks off when the main character Dean Stiffle discovers the corpse of his friend, Troy. He doesn’t bother telling any of the adults because he knows they won’t care. And why should they, they are to self consumed and smacked up on happy pills to get them through their over whelming surreal suburban day.

As it turns out, before Troy died he owed the school dealer Billy a large amount of pills. Billy decides that Dean, who lives next door to Troy’s mother, is the best person to get the pills from wherever Troy hid them, so he decides to kidnap Dean’s younger brother, Charlie, to force him to get them for him. But Billy kidnaps the wrong boy, and instead gets the son of a local policeman.

The story is full of surprises, interesting characters, strong emotions, and bizarre twists. You also get treated to watching Glenn Close and Ralph Fiennes show their talent by underplaying their roles.

The rather strange title of the film refers to a popular video game omnipresent in the teenager’s lives, in which a post-apocalyptic hero (The Chumscrubber) carries his severed head in his hand as he fights the forces of evil.

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