AMDOCS 2019 – Jesus Loves Bikers Too
Follow motorcycle enthusiast and spiritual guru, Jonny, as he opens his fluorescent food truck in the lush hillside town of Biei, Japan.
Interview with Director William A Garofalo
Watch Jesus Loves Bikers Too here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I stumbled upon Jonny's curry truck while on holiday in Japan, and from the moment we met, I could tell he had a special quality about him. After chatting for a few hours, he actually closed up shop and gave me a driving tour around town and the surrounding countryside. He has such a contagious personality--the type of person you just want to be around-- and I wanted to capture that essence in story form. I was also struck by his perspective and ability to find meaning through activities that I wouldn't otherwise think to put much focus into. So my desire to make this film came from simply wanting to hang out with the guy and learn more from him, to show the power of approach even in relation to the most simple of tasks, and of course to take a ride on his bike.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Jonny is one of those people you just can't help but gravitate towards. He's quirky, energetic, hilarious and very positive, but in a measured way that comes from a place of profound depth. He is a deep thinker, and the film celebrates his ability to encapsulate both sides of himself so fully. Anyone who would like to add some humor and perspective into his or her life should come to check it out.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Jonny provides us with a relatable window into which we witness the interconnectedness of Japanese culture with everyday activities. Jonny finds inspiration and purpose through everything he pursues. He refers to this as his 'chi:' it's what drives him to excel, to perfect, to find fulfilment and ultimately happiness. This microcosmic story sheds light on a beautiful trait of Japanese culture as a whole.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Everything happened pretty quickly and naturally on this film actually, and I think that's a testament to Jonny's character. I didn't touch the footage for a few weeks after shooting so that I could come back to it with fresh eyes, and when I did, the whole thing seemed to cut itself. The style and pacing just seemed to make sense with his character. I shared the film with friends and family for feedback sessions, but overall, I would say that the story and style were really all directed by Jonny and his contagious personality. Everything after that just made sense.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
People have really loved it! It's made a little festival run which is been great, most recently winning the fourth place prize at the Manhattan International Film Festival. The most frequent response I hear from people after screening is just lots of enthusiasm for Jonny as a character. He really is the life of this thing.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Not much! Things have generally been pretty positive because Jonny is so positive.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I am happy that more people will be able to experience Jonny the way I was able to. Exposure is the biggest thing!
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I'd love to get anyone involved who may be interested in distributing this film further! This will likely conclude it's festival run, and so it would be great to get an online platform onboard or a Vimeo staff pick.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
My hope is that people will watch this film and perhaps think a bit differently about the way they approach everyday activities in their lives. I'm still working on that myself, to be honest though--I think being mindful about everything in our lives is something many people struggle with, and it's a lifelong process.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I'm currently editing a short doc about the legacy of the Stonewall Inn (dir. by Cheryl Furjanic). I'm also in production on a doc about an up-and-coming jazz singer in NYC, I'll be shooting a music video in a few weeks, and I have two feature docs in pre-production.
Interview: April 2019
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
Jesus Loves Bikers Too
Follow motorcycle enthusiast and spiritual guru, Jonny, as he opens his fluorescent food truck in the lush hillside town of Biei, Japan.
Length: 8:39
Director: William Garofalo
Producer: William Garofalo
Writer: William Garofalo
Looking for: distributors, buyers
Facebook: Will Garofalo
Instagram: @wilfredo_parmesan
Website: www.willgarofalo.com
Other: Vimeo
Funders: Self-funded
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? American Documentary Film Festival/Palm Springs - March 30 @ 130pm