SAN FRANCISCO BEYOND THE POSTCARD

documentary

  « San Francisco beyond the postcard "positions itself as a reference documentary to San Francisco.
But beyond the clichés that make the international reputation of the city, it is with the help of the inhabitants, their experiences and their feelings that we tell the reality and dynamics of the city.
Although the touristic image of the city is omnipresent , at each step of the way, we go behind the postcard picture to try and understand the different actions and activities in the city. Asians, Caucasians, Latinos, Francophones, politicians, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, researchers, associations, athletes, employees, homosexuals, homeless people etc, all tell us about their
San Francisco.
This self-produced documentary is dedicated to Herb Caen, a well-known figure of San Francisco who in his time was already promoting loud and clear the image of the city.

 The story:

Traditionally, tourists arriving in San Francisco have followed the same sightseeing path to visit the monuments and landmarks of the city. Needless to say, San Francisco is magnificent and everyone goes home with beautiful memories and images.

But, after many years living in the city, getting to know the people, the climate, the historical, geographical, social and economic facts, the story of San Francisco is a lot different. In each neighborhood there’s a specific dynamic which contributes more meaning to the city.

At each encounter the vision of the city expands, overwhelming you. San Francisco comes to life, the inhabitants tell us the story from their perspective and suddenly, the city takes on another dimension.
Thus, Chinatown is related through its differences and its difficult past, but also through the part it plays in the current, economic development of the city.

Philanthropists explain the philosophy behind their actions and the importance that these actions have in the daily life and future of the city.

Bankers, politicians, property developers, researchers combine to create new resources for San Francisco. The city is changing and it is not without consequences.

The gay community continues to fight for its rights in a city that has marked History.
Sports people bring to life the many facets of the bay and its exceptional diversity.
Artists imprint a particular identity of the city.

Volunteers tell about their work to provide more equality and a better quality of life. Glide Church through the voice of Cecil Williams has established itself as a major social actor. The solidarity and economic projects, the sharing of resources, the environment, etc. are all deeds that sow the seeds for exceptional dynamics.

As a picture of each neighborhood appears through the testimonies of its inhabitants, we gradually discover the true face of San Francisco. And we begin to understand why the adjectives given by witnesses to describe their « unique » city are more akin to superlatives.

About filmmaker:

For the last thirty years I’ve been producing, writing  and directing knowledge-oriented programs and different materials to promote positive change. Whether awarded for educational films, or present in the catalogs of major retailers, I have always claimed my editorial freedom in my projects. I can gain this freedom by remaining independent, self-producing my films in order to keep my distance from the direction of any  particular media.

For me, this film is a real pleasure as well as a personal challenge. For the first time in my career, I chose to shoot all the images and interviews myself, assisted by passionately enthusiastic co-authors and supported by staff fully devoted to the project.

This film, with more than 100 hours of footage and interviews, is the result of over five years immersion in the city, and will remain a fabulous adventure, rich in encounters, discoveries and friendships.

What we need & you get:

I've funded the film myself up to this point, but I can no longer sustain that.

I've launched multiple projects to find funding.

I need some archive images which are often very expensive. I have to ensure a quality post-production in order to  propose a movie in English, then in French and finally to be released in an international version. The cost of studio recordings, commentaries, the various rights and the promotion of the film have still to be financed.

You can also help the project by offering personal pictures and movie archives on the following themes:

San Francisco 1940 Bay Bridge with rail and cars, Ocean beach with Playland, Fisherman’s warf, various neighborhoods.

Events with Harvey Milk, earthquakes in 1906 and 1989, hippies and summer of love.

Existing images and movies on the AT & T park during a match (atmosphere and supporters), Madness and entertainment in the streets of San Francisco (concerts in SF parks, skiing on Filmore street, downhill Lombard tricycle etc.).

Images and selected films will be identified with your name in the documentary.

We prefer movies in high definition and quality. Let us know what you have to offer, we will contact you to make copies.

The best thing you can do is help scale up its story to reach millions of people who watch independent documentaries in small theaters around the world, on television and on the internet.

So, with your contributions to this campaign, I will edit the film.  My goal is theatrical distribution, television, home cinema and hope for broad international distribution.

Benefits:

If, like me, you are passionate about San Francisco, I’m inviting you to join the adventure.
Apart from the events where I’ll be taking part and for which you will receive an invitation, you can write your name in the history of this film by positioning yourself as a project manager rather than just giving financial support.

Beyond the proposed benefits offered, you will make an invaluable contribution to the making of this film.

Thank you:

Thank you to everyone who has read this far and shown interest in my campaign and San Francisco beyond the postcard!!!  Also, a giant, heartfelt thank you to everyone who has helped get this project to this point. All the San Franciscan who've allowed me to film their lives over the past 5 years, warts and all, and for that I'll be forever grateful.  So many other people agreed to be filmed on San Francisco -- many thanks to each and every one of them who took time to help me tell this important story.  I have a collection of wonderful friends who have helped me on the film, shot still photographs for me, and provided support in so many ways.  I want to thank especially Jacqueline Souchon, Emmanuelle Voiseux, Geneviève Gaillard, Dorothée Boudjenah Robinson, Manuel Guerzoni, Gérard Koskovitch, Bill & Ute Bowes, Barbro & Bernard Osher, Cecil Williams, Michael Bishop, Willie Brown, Lynn Fritz, Goery Delacote, James H. Herbert, Alain & Esmeralda Azan, Denis Bartels, Tom Horn, Christine Lemor-Drake, Kelley Stoltz, Dick Warmer, Ginny Rubin, Philip Choy,Tom Ammiano, Fred Lyon and many others.