The Micheaux Manifesto
My personal manifesto as a filmmaker is named in honor of Oscar Micheaux because he exemplifies my intentions as a filmmaker. As he I have also and intend to continue to have artistic, political and financial independence from the decadent, materialistic, and "anti-art" rule of the racist and sexist Hollywood system. I am a filmmaker, I specify the word filmmaker because I make and I intend to continue to make "films" not "movies". Another reason I specifically choose to use the word filmmaker and not director is because the term "director" implies an authoritative figure. I see film as an collaborative art form and I see the art form too lucid to have rigid boundaries of roles set for a director, producer, cinematographer, editor, music director or screen writer. I intend to transcend these imaginary boundaries and be involved in all aspects of film making throughout my life. I see these different roles complimentary and for me the lines dividing the roles have blurred and meshed together. My desire is to make films with a crew of friends not co-workers or colleagues. As a group of friends we share responsibilities and work side by side to achieve a group vision, as opposed to an hierarchical military like dictatorship. Just as I wish for myself independence as a filmmaker I wish for my fellow filmmakers freedom. Therefore I intend to make film not as a employee nor employer but as a team member. I am opposed to the employee/employer relationship and refuse to be on either side of that reality. I want to be involved in films that I "believe in", projects that I see as valuable, inspiring, challenging and fun. I believe that the process is as important as the product. I believe that the entire journey from conception to delivery should be a valued experience and no stage in the process should be perceived as any more or any less important. Further I believe that the energy and vibes of the filmmakers will be infused and reflected in the final product. If filmmakers passionately believe in and enjoy the project the film will be a success regardless of all else. Film making is an art and we have much to learn not only from the film but the process as well. The act of making the film should be approached with care and consideration. I believe that film making is the greatest art form and noblest profession. I want to create original films with unique topics and plots, utilizing creative filming techniques, I want to create film that is provocative, thought provoking and revolutionary, I want every aspect of my films to be innovative and offering new options to society. I want to create films that stimulate the audience and I believe that the process should equally stimulate the filmmakers and society. The history, challenges and techniques of Oscar Micheaux's are just as inspiring as his films. I intend to follow his footsteps, honoring his example.
I intend to create art in the form of film
To work on projects that I "believe in"
To value, learn and enjoy the process
To work with individuals that I "believe in"
To not limit myself with titles or roles
To be politically, socially and ethically conscious
To neither be oppressed nor oppressing of others
To never sell out
I intend to make Films not Movies!
Films Vs Movies
What is The Difference between a Film and a Movie???
A "Film" is made for artistic, political or educational purposes
A "Movie" is made primarily to make money while sometimes being entertaining
I intend to create art in the form of film
To work on projects that I "believe in"
To value, learn and enjoy the process
To work with individuals that I "believe in"
To not limit myself with titles or roles
To be politically, socially and ethically conscious
To neither be oppressed nor oppressing of others
To never sell out
I intend to make Films not Movies!
Films Vs Movies
What is The Difference between a Film and a Movie???
A "Film" is made for artistic, political or educational purposes
A "Movie" is made primarily to make money while sometimes being entertaining
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Thursday, October 25, 2007
America Freedom to Facism
I saw a film on Google video called America Freedom to Fascism. The film is a documentary about the Federal income tax. I heard about this film while listening to a very conservative radio talk show. I deciced to watch the film .The filmnmaker Aaron Russo has leaked the film through Google, youtube and his own website. He is more interested in exposure then dvd sales. He seems to be on a crusade to educate American citizens about federal income tax and the IRS. At first I was thinking the film would be a very onesided ultra conservative attempt by the filthy rich to evade paying taxes. But is was not. The film did have an agenda but it was bipartisan. I learned a lot from the film. I like the way the tax laws, Constitution and IRS code was presented simple to understand and quite intriguing. Typically a film about the IRS would seem to be quite boring. After seeing the film I now feel like a "quasi expert" on tax law. I now know that the Constitution forbids a "direct tax" that is not "appropriated", even cooler I know what that means. I learned a lot of other interesting facts , like the federal government was maintained and funded without income tax from 1776 until 1913 (the majority of it's history). I learned that none of our tax dollars fund the government services such as military, highway construction and so on. All of the federal income tax is consumed by the intrest of the national debt, and paid to none other then ...the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve is not "federal" but a privately owned company, owned by bankers. I like how the filmmaker was able to maintain my attention on such a boring topic and make the information attainable by the layman. I also like his distribution method.
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