 The
new issue of Dirt Rag features
an interview with Brendt Barbur, who at the moment is possibly
still recovering from exhaustion. The Sixth Annual Bicycle Film
Festival just concluded in New York City, where the energetic Barbur
rallied moviegoers into a frenzy from Wednesday through Sunday.
Literally. The Bicycle Film Festival is not about sitting quietly in
a theater and contemplating the relative merits of cinematography
(though by all means you are welcome to). The Bicycle Film Festival
is a literal celebration of all things “bicycle” and so downing a
PBR and cheering the bike messengers on screen are not frowned
upon—they’re encouraged.
The Anthology Film Archives building is nestled in Manhattan’s East
Village, which happens to be the perfect setting for a film festival
that repeatedly casts its spotlight on the best of urban cycling.
From May 10th through 14th the building remains decorated by dozens,
if not hundreds, of city bikes. Geared and single, fixed and free,
mountain, road, hybrid, recumbent—you name it. There's even a
pedicab. The line reaches around the corner of 2nd and 2nd, and I
would be lying if I said I wasn’t impressed with the number of
female cyclists in attendance.
Friday night’s 11:00 screening (actually, every screening) begins
with a slide show appropriately titled A Girl’s Bike by Jason
Oliver Goodman. When the small theater fills to absolute capacity
Barbur sprints from the back of the room and leaps to the stage.
After a few short words (and some good natured heckling) the
Festival Director turns the lively crowd’s attention to
the festival’s opening credits—a fine piece of film making in
its own right.
Amidst the sound of cans opening and bottles clanking, the festival
begins with several shorts sponsored by the likes of
Trackstar
and Puma.
Joshua Frankel’s short film Bicycle Messengers incites the
crowd when the animated protagonist gets “doored” and chooses to
walk away rather than confront the careless motorist. The film
Gasoline VS Yogurt features a race between a 1976 Schwinn and a
Ducati Monster through the streets of Manhattan. Can you guess who
wins?
Films pass, and so do flasks.
Lucas
Brunelle’s work is even more incredible on the big screen than
it is on the Internet, and the visionary filmmaker’s exploits on the
Great Wall of China draw cheers from the audience. The evening’s
highlight is a short version of the yet to be completed film
M.A.S.H.. Billed as a skateboard influenced film about fixed
gear riding in San Francisco, the skid-fest does not disappoint.
Saturday’s activities begin with a block party that draws hundreds
of cyclists to watch trackstand and skid competitions, and I am
reminded how friendly New Yorkers really are as I make one new
friend after another. Of course, handing out “ride a fucking bike”
and “one less car” stickers at a cycling event is a good ace in the
hole.
Though the theater remains relatively empty for the 5:00 Mountain
Bike Video Bash, the small group of mountain bikers (and open minded
roadies, I suppose) are treated to an excerpt from Match Video
Zine Issue 8 and a short from Alex Rankin’s masterpiece,
earthed 3. The film’s highlights include footage of
Megavalnche, a downhill endurance race on Alpe D’Huez, and the
amazing trials antics of Chris Akrigg.
Saturday night’s screening features a welcomed repeat of Friday’s
best short films, as well as Kim Jensen’s powerful Ride On
and Peter Sutherland’s acclaimed Pedal. Though
Pedal was originally released in 2001, the film is as fresh
today as it was five years ago. Documenting the lives and
personalities of New York City bike messengers, Pedal delivers a
candid look into the extremely different lives various bike
messengers lead.
Quite possibly the best thing about the bicycle film festival is
that it leaves you inspired to ride your bike. And while taking to
the streets of Manhattan after drinking and watching Lucas Brunelle
videos might not be the safest thing in the world... Well, it sure
is fun. My hat’s off to Barbur for putting on one of the coolest
bike events I’ve ever attended. The festival is set to hit eight
more cities around the world, and if you eat, breathe and sleep
bicycles, you need to go. You’ll make friends, you’ll ride bikes,
and you’ll broaden your cycling horizons. Visit
www.bicyclefilmfestival.com for more information |
