Teaser
The Project
My project is a feature documentary called "The Art ofUn-War," a film that explores the work of media artist Krzysztof Wodiczko. The film is being made with the consent and cooperation of the artist.
"The Art of Un-War" delves into Krzysztof's collaboration with marginalized communities, which include war veterans, immigrants, refugees, victimized women, and the homeless to create mesmerizing public works of art all over the world. His unique large scale works, which utilize state of the art 3D Mapping projection, have made him a pioneer of the projection art form.
The film features exclusive footage, revealing rare behind-the-scenes of Krzysztof animating iconic sculptures using 3D Projection Mapping, to convey the powerful stories of the under-heard. The film will bring his message and the personal traumas of his collaborators to a wider audience, showcasing the harmful consequences of war such as pain, trauma and destruction, and how art can be a pathway to the transformation of consciousness, change and healing.
Since 1968, Krzysztof has been creating works for the purpose of challenging audiences all over the world on some of the most prevailing issues of our time: war, homelessness, immigration, and xenophobia, among others. “Un-War” will deepen our understanding of Krzysztof's work and passion for dismantling the culture of war while exploring alternatives to achieving peace.
Born in Poland in 1943, Krzysztof is the son of the notable Polish conductor, Bohdan Wodiczko. Krzysztof spent the first half of his life under Soviet domination in a Poland reeling from the effects of WW2 before immigrating to Canada in 1983, and then later to New York City. In the past four decades, he's created more than 80 public projections all over the world.
I met Krzysztof in 2012 while filming his public art happening “Abraham Lincoln: War Veteran Projection” in New York City. As I extensively filmed the Lincoln projection, I got to know him and his work. I became instantly compelled to make a film about one of the most important, avant-garde artists of our time. I was able to quickly form a bond with him and he's granted me unprecedented access.
Please join me in supporting this important project, to document one of the most creative and original artists of our time, who uses art as a powerful tool for democratic speech and healing. Krzysztof's politically charged work is especially relevant today for the issues it raises against the backdrop of our contemporary migrant crisis with millions of people fleeing war and authoritarian governments. His work has never been more prophetic.
Why I need your Help
Funds raised will go towards final production which includes:
- documenting an exhibition in Seoul S. Korea in July 2017, at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. The event is showcasing Krzysztof's artwork of more than four decades and includes an interactive media project. From Seoul
- Documenting The Hiroshima Peace Memorial and film the A- Bomb Dome in Japan where Krzysztof created the Hiroshima projection in 1999 after receiving the Hiroshima Art prize in 1998.
- Your contributions will also go towards capturing any final B-roll footage, conduct several other important interviews in New York City, and will help me to begin the initial stages of post-production.
- If we achieve beyond goal funds will allow me to hire an editor to help design a workflow for the project so that the assembly process can begin. This is where more than 170 hours of filming will be organized, logged and scenes can be selected. This aspect is essential in preparing the project for editing.
Progress to date
To date, with my own funds, fundraisers and a small grant from Puffin Foundation, I've filmed over 170 hours, which includes exclusive footage of the artist's projections, never- before-seen interviews with Krzysztof, his project participants, curators, and other artists. I've filmed four of Krzysztof's projects (New York, NY; Paris, France; Derry, Ireland, and Kitchener, Canada) and a recent retrospective show in Liverpool UK, which will be featured in "Un-War". The film has evolved rapidly and is in the final stage of production. Your contribution will enable me to finalize the filming and move to the next level.
How You Can Help
By participating in this project you can help spread a very important message throughout the world: that there are alternatives to war. This project has been a work of passion for me - a labor of love, but now I need to reach out to contributors like you that will help to get it closer to the finishing line.
No contribution is too small -every bit helps. I have created some unique perks for all levels of contributions, for the longtime Wodiczko fan in mind, and also for those who are new to his work.
Risks & Challenges
All films come with risks and challenges, however I've put together a seasoned team of documentary professionals to help navigate obstacles. They include an award-winning editor, consultants, experienced associate producers, and a team of interns, as well as my own decades of experience. Right now the biggest challenge I face moving forward is funding, which is what makes this campaign so important.
Other Ways You Can Help
Even if you can't donate, you can still help by sharing this page on social media, through sites such as Twitter and Facebook. The more you spread the word, the closer I can get to my goal. Thank you for watching and for getting involved.
Un-War website
Un-War Facebook Page
Un-War Twitter Page