The Milky Way and the underground film revolution present
F*CK THE COPYRIGHT!
films that defy the copyright confines and attack american pop culture
MONDAY JUNE 7, 2004 AT 9.30PM - THE MILKY WAY LOUNGE

Do you like to watch stuff you're not supposed to???

Don't be ashamed, everybody has a bit of a naughty side...and this month, the underground film revolution (UFR) is doing it's own little part to facilitate the process.

UFR is proud (and not the least bit scared) to present several ILLEGAL and CONTRABAND films that you just can't see at your local multiplex. All of the filmmakers represented at the screening use their camera to satirize popular culture at its commercial core: THE ACTION FIGURE.

Back for a second screening (work was previously presented at last year's UFR Women's Director Spotlight) is local filmmaker Michelle Barczykowski. Barczykowski's short videos manipulate GI JOE action dolls into all sorts of sexual and power scenarios (including a fabulous take on the TV show COPS and a provocative strip tease topped of astroglide).

Headlining the evening is a certain infamous film that we're technically not allowed to mention...BUT, let's just say that it's a senior thesis film made by a now famous Hollywood film director while he was studying at Brown University. Its subjects are a famous brother and sister 1970s singing duo known for their happy tunes and not so happy personal lives...the female member in question had a quite publicized issue with eating disorders. The film, animated by Barbie and Ken dolls, has grown into a cult classic as the family of said musicians sued the filmmaker for libel.

To conclude the evening, a similar group of short videos featuring a Farrah Faucet action figure and parodies of scifi favorite ALIEN will also screen. Plus the Joe Gibbons pixelvision short, Barbie's Audition--a quite humorously uncomfortable look at the infamously sleazy casting couch.

The UFR program is currently an extension of THE VIDEO UNDERGROUND, an independent video rental store located at 389 Centre Street in Hyde Square, Jamaica Plain (617-522-4949) that seeks to support and promote independent filmmakers and create a diverse film/video selection for its customers. This month's UFR screening is co-curated by Coolidge Theatre's Clinton McClung (guru of the sadly defunct Allston Underground).

The Milky Way is located at 403-405 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain, downstairs from Bella Luna. It is accessible via public transportation (Perkins Street stop on the #39 Bus/Jackson Square stop on the Orange Line T). Screenings begin at 9:30pm on the first Monday of every month; admission for is $5 per person and the events are 21-plus unless otherwise noted. Please call 617.524.3740 for EVENT INFO, more detailed directions or other club info.
__________________
Evonne Hyla Wetzner
The Video Underground, Inc.
389 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA. 02130
PH.617.522.4949/FX.617.522.5925
www.thevideounderground.com

Supporting independent filmmakers and offering Jamaica Plain a diverse selection of Videos and DVDs.

The Milky Way and the underground film revolution present: HORNS AND HALOS.

A DOCUMENTARY FILM BY SUKI HAWLEY AND MICHAEL GALINSKY about the publishing of FORTUNATE SON, JAMES HATFIELD'S controversial autobiography about George W. Bush.

MONDAY, AUGUST 4TH AT 9PM
THE MILKY WAY LOUNGE / 403-405 CENTRE ST. JP/ 617.524.3740 FOR CLUB INFO

After being suddenly pulled from the shelves and literally burned by original publisher, St. Martin's Press, just weeks after it came out, HORNS AND HALOS tells the story of the two year battle by SANDER HICKS and SOFT SKULL PRESS to re-release this important book to American readers.

The film is an example of DIY politics and media activism; it is about freedom of speech and literature; it is the powerful and tragic story of three very different men connected by one book: James Hatfield, Sander Hicks, and George W. Bush.

Don't miss the exciting return of HORNS AND HALOS to the Boston area for this one night only screening!

-Best Documentary Winner of the 2002 New York Underground and the Chicago Underground Film Festivals!

-Official Selection at the 2002 Toronto International and Rotterdam International Film Festival!

"Tragic" - Roger Ebert
"Dark surprises...emotionally complex" - David Ansen, Newsweek
"What a story" - Brian De Palma
"Funny, maddening and ultimately shocking" - Ben Kaplan, New York Magazine

Visit http://www.hornsandhalos.com for more info on both the film and the book!

the underground film revolution presents:
UNSPEAKABLE: THE LIFE AND ART OF REVEREND STEVEN JOHNSON LEYBA

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2nd, 2002 at 9.00PM
The Milky Way Lounge & Lanes

Reverend Steven Johnson Leyba is the kind of man who will paint over the American flag then remind you that "flag etiquette" has been royally pissed on by most major designers without anyone raising an eyebrow.  Reverend Leyba is a legally ordained Priest in the Church of Satan.  He is known in the underground art world as the "Father of Sexpressionism".  The man views every kind of bodily excretion as a viable medium with which to paint.  He is deeply in touch with his Native American ancestry.  

And his performances, well, they're not even legal in some places...

These juxtapositions may seem like a lot to ponder, but they represent just a scratch on the surface.  For nearly two years, Reverend Leyba permitted the filmmaker's cameras to observe his life, his art, and his infamous personal rituals.  Some of this extraordinarily unique footage charts a terrain of human behavior that has rarely, if ever, been explored within the documentary form.

The Reverend's prolific and varied artistic output reflects his unyielding political and religious opinions.  UNSPEAKABLE captures the unusual behavior of this Satanic Priest and takes a firsthand look at the issues that propel his work.  The film hops from one inimitable character to the next as they grapple with topics ranging from the denial of the "American Holocaust" to the discovery of new ways to make an explosively sexual/political statement with a whiskey bottle.

The resulting portrait is of an artist with a perversely brilliant vision and talent.  He is both humor and fury.  He is grotesque, yet possesses the UNSPEAKABLE beauty of a man free enough to confront and embrace his own humanity.  

The film also represents some of the more offensive footage included in modern documentary film; it is not for the faint of heart, nor is it presented for mere shock value.  UNSPEAKABLE is a film that boldly pushes the boundaries of documentary film-making; it forces its audience to confront the idea of WHAT IS OFFENSIVE and also, WHAT IS ART.  A film experience not to be missed!

The Milky Way is located at 403-405 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain, downstairs from Bella Luna.  It is accessible via public transportation (Perkins Street stop on the #39 Bus/Jackson Square stop on the Orange Line T).  Screenings run from 9.00-midnight the first Monday of every month; admission for is $5 per person; events are 21-plus.  Please call 617.524.3740 (x22) for EVENT INFO, more detailed directions or other club info.

A review.

the berwick research institute and the underground film revolution present:
PIXEL THIS BABY!
A weekend celebrating the wonders of PIXELVISION technology
with
PXL This TEN: 22 PIXELVISION SHORTS
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22nd, 2002 at 9PM
The Milky Way Lounge & Lanes

and

PIXELVISION LIVE WORKSHOP AND LECTURE
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24th, 2002 from 2-6PM
The Berwick Research Institute


The Milky Way and The Underground Film Revolution are proud to present the national PIXELVISION FILM FESTIVAL: PXL THIS TEN on Friday night,  November 22nd.

Pixelvision, a low-resolution digital video format briefly pitched to youngsters by toymaker Fisher-Price, and Polavision, Polaroid's instant developing 8mm stock, may have faded from commercial markets, but they continue to fascinate collectors, filmmakers, and archivists with a taste for the unusual.  

Now in its 12th year, the PXL This film festival is curated around the country by PIXELVISION devotee Gerry Fialka.  Fialka runs both Documental, a documentary/experimental indie series, and PXL This at independent book and video stores in his hometown of Los Angeles.  In town for just a few days this winter, Boston film audiences are lucky to get a chance to see this unusual film festival!

PXL This Ten is a 90 minute program that includes PIXELVISION shorts by 22 filmmakers.  After the screening, both Fialka and James Wickenstead--THE INVENTOR OF PIXELVISION TECHNOLOGY--will facilitate a Q & A about this unique medium.  After the screenings, check out the innovative and experimental sounds of PLANETARIUM who will play a set after the films.

"The next medium, whatever it is--it may be the extension of consciousness--will include television as its content, not as its environment. and will transform television into an art form."  -Marshall McLuhan, 1967

PXL This festival founder/curator Gerry Fialka and pixel film-maker Doug Ing (whose work has screened in film fests around the country) will provide us with insights on the paradigmatic relationship between pixelvision and the media theories of Marshall McLuhan on Sunday afternoon, November 24th at The Berwick Research Institute.  Electronic projects night will follow, featuring video! demystified! and modified!

The Milky Way is located at 403-405 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain, downstairs from Bella Luna.  It is accessible via public transportation (Perkins Street stop on the #39 Bus/Jackson Square stop on the Orange Line T).  Admission for is $5 per person; events are 21-plus.  Please call 617.524.3740 (x22) for EVENT INFO, more detailed directions or other club info.

The Berwick Research Institute is located at 14 Palmer Street, off Washington Street in Dudley Square, Roxbury.  Please visit www.berwickresearch.org for more info or directions or call 617.442.4200.

news from the underground film revolution and the video underground!

I. The video underground will be open for business as of friday, october 25th!
Please come by and check out our new video/dvd store, specializing in alternative/cult, indie and foreign films....We are located at 389 Centre Street, in Hyde Square, Jamaica Plain.  Open 1-11pm, 7 days a week.  Call 617.522.4949 for more info!  AND, sign up for a new membership in November and enter to win a FREE DVD player!

II. Celebrate with THE VIDEO UNDERGROUND at our grand opening bash hosted by The Milky Way on Monday, October 28th!  Doors at 9pm!  Giveaways!  Food!  Movies!  Live Musical Performances by The Fighting Idols and Car Crash Show!

III. underground film revolution presents CRITICAL POLITICS on Monday, Nov. 4th at 9pm at The Milky Way featuring Norman Cowie's WELCOME TO NEW YORK - a 25 minute film that takes a critical and often cynical look at Guliani's "Clean-Up New York Campaign", and Whispered Media Production's BOOM: THE SOUND OF EVICTION - a documentary film that explores the housing crisis in San Francisco and how it relates with the rise and sudden fall of the dot com economy.  Directed and Edited by Francine Cavanaugh, A. Mark Liiv, and Adams Wood, the film examines the extreme housing crunch this city has experienced and the wide scope of people it has affected.  Local housing advocates are expected to facilitate a discussion about local housing issues after the screening.  Visit http://www.boomthemovie.org for film info.  $5/21+.  Call 617-524-3740 for info or directions.

IV. the berwick research institute and underground film revolution co-present PIXEL THIS BABY!  A weekend celebrating the wonders of PIXELVISION technology with PXL This TEN: 22 PIXELVISION SHORTS on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22nd at 9PM at The Milky Way Lounge & Lanes and PIXELVISION LIVE WORKSHOP AND LECTURE on SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24th from 2-6PM at The Berwick Research Institute. PXL This film fest founder Gerry Fialka will be in attendance at both events; he will be joined by James Wickstead, the inventor of PXL technology at The Milky Way and by Doug Ing, PXL filmmaker, at the Berwick.  Visit http://www.berwickinstitute.org/ for more info.

JP Flicks

When she got a tip that someone in Vermont might have what she needed, Evonne jumped in the car. By the time she arrived, the line was out the door. Too frazzled to deal with Evonne, the guy in charge told her to go for broke. They'd worry about money later. Evonne started gathering, slowly at first, then more quickly. Soon she had piles in the aisles growing higher by the minute. Other grabbers started stealing from her stash, so she marked each pile with her name. By the end of the afternoon, she had 1,700 videos. There was no turning back.

DEMON OF THE DERBY: THE ANN CALVELLO STORY
Directed by Sharon Marie Rutter; Produced by Christine Murray and Elizabeth Pike
(Liz will be in attendance to facilitate a Q&A after the screening).

MONDAY, OCTOBER 7th, 2002 at 9.00PM
The Milky Way Lounge & Lanes

Long before the World Wrestling Federation overtook American subculture, there was Roller Derby: a spectacle of elbow-smashing, face-crashing, bloody-flipping psychopaths streaking around a rink on roller skates at breakneck speeds all in the name of entertainment.   Significantly, women were included in the events at a time when most female role models more closely resembled June Cleaver than Xena Princess Warrior.  

Demon of the Derby: The Ann Calvello Story is a feature-length documentary which tells the tale of America's Archvillainess of the Roller Derby, Ann Calvello--a woman who made a mark on the world by breaking out of traditional female roles and proving to be one of the toughest Roller Derby athletes involved in competition.  Two years in the making, this is her inspiring documentary portrait.

Back 50 years ago, Roller Derby was “The People's Sport”--watched by 20 million viewers, boasting regular sell-out crowds at Madison Square Garden.  Ann “Banana Nose" Calvello was always at the top, a punk rebel athletic icon long before Dennis Rodman was even born, let alone dyeing his hair.  She was a demon on skates, killer-competitive, the legendary queen of the Derby.  

Known as the "Meanest Mama on Skates" since 1948, Calvello is now in her early 70s, but continues to hang onto the limelight, pursuing her lust for head-smacking, bone-crunching Roller Derby action.  Combining rare archival footage with present-day videographyof her daily life, Sharon Rutter depicts Ann in her glory days and in the present, creating an intimate portrayal of the Roller Derby Queen.

[Editor's Note: This film was edited in Final Cut Pro by Sharon Rutter, editor of Roger Avary's Rules of Attraction]

Demon of the Derby has already premiered to a sold-out crowd at the Castro Theatre in San Francisco in November 2001, wowed crowds at The 2002 Santa Barbara Film Festival, and sold-out shows in San Francisco again at the historic Roxie Theater this past April. It has played at the Dallas Video Festival, as well asThe Maine International Film Festival and recently sold-out The Columbus Theatre in Providence as part of PICTURESTART Film Festival this past August.

The Milky Way is located at 403-405 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain, downstairs from Bella Luna.  It is accessible via public transportation (Perkins Street stop on the #39 Bus/Jackson Square stop on the Orange Line T).  Screenings run from 9.00-midnight the first Monday of every month; admission for is just $5 per person; events are 21-plus.  Please call 617.524.3740 (x22) for EVENT INFO, more detailed directions or other club info.