March 31, 2014
by corinna | Mar 31, 2014 | Founders, MFF 2014 |
The Miss-Fires as photographed by Todd Heisler for the NY Times
Our own MFF founder Corinna Mantlo was featured in the New York Times today, in an article about her all women motorcycle club, The Miss-Fires. The club prides itself on supporting and promoting women riders of all levels of experience, and Corinna swears they don’t hug that damn much. Read about The Miss-Fires and keep your eye out for them on the streets of Brooklyn and beyond.
Read the article here: Motorcycle Crew Has One Requirement, and It Isn’t a License
Corinna’s weekly motorcycle film night as mentioned in the article is the long running series, Cine Meccanica. Corinna was also recently featured discussing the 1971 Yamaha At1 125 dirtbike mentioned in the NY Times article in a short film by director James Jones. Film below.
MY BIKE! from myfavoritethingy on Vimeo.
March 28, 2014
by corinna | Mar 28, 2014 | Films, MFF 2013 |
Filmmaker: Eric Tretbar
Film: Girl Meets Bike
1st Annual MFF Feature Narrative Film, Official Selection 2013
Q: What’s the name of your film in the MFF, and what’s it about?
A: GIRL MEETS BIKE is the story of Kat, a high school shop teacher who buys her first motorcycle with her wedding dress money and learns to ride over one summer. But learning to ride is a more than just a skill for operating a two-wheeled motor vehicle. It’s really learning the skills of independence and self-reliance, and discovering which people will help her become independent, and which ones want to keep her dependent.
Q: What inspired you to make this movie?
A: I watched my sister buy her first bike and learn to ride one summer, and like most new riders, she pursued her new bike with a passion and gusto that reminded me of my first bike. I realized that my sister’s story was a love story, a story of first love, like that inappropriate person most people fell for in 7th or 8th grade. And like all first loves, our first bike is always a difficult love with plenty of drama, danger and comedy. I had written other motorcycle movies before this script, but I wanted to write one which was simpler and fairly easy to shoot, so this “first love” story seemed right for GIRL MEETS BIKE since it didn’t require high speed riding or big stunts. But the meaning of the story was still big, since it expresses the human determination to do things beyond our knowledge, skill and common sense. And it IS potentially dangerous. To climb atop a powerful engine and propel yourself through space is bold and risky. But that risk also makes it more valuable, along with the feeling of freedom and pride that comes from successfully riding and repairing your own bike. In this time of “virtual” activities and gaming, motorcycling is REAL, an activity which cannot be faked, bought, or approximated. No wonder my sister wanted to do it. No wonder we all do!
Q: How did you find the MFF?
A: I believe that MFF found me, thanks to Corinna!
Q: Have you made any other films, and If so, is there a common theme throughout your films?
A: I’ve made a number of features, most of them set in various underground Minneapolis scenes: THE HORRIBLE FLOWERS (2006), GIGI 12×5 (2005), SNOW (1998) and THE USUAL (1992) in the music scene; and GIRL MEETS BIKE (2013) in the motorcycle scene. Thematically, my work explores the individual’s struggle for freedom against the expectations of the group.
In their attempts to find their place and freedom, my characters follow and betray their hearts, repair and destroy friendships, find and lose love, confess and conceal their innermost secrets. Despite doubts and weaknesses, they persevere against odds and naysayers for an ultimate expression of hope to viewers: that we are not alone in our struggles, that freedom and unity are possible, despite the obstacles they pose for each other.
Q: Do you ride a motorcycle?
A: I ride a 1991 Moto Guzzi 1000s, which played a leading role in GIRL MEETS BIKE, with guest appearances in GIGI 12×5 and THE HORRIBLE FLOWERS. I fell in love with this bike at first sight, just as in the movie, and bought it in 1995 with a $150 downpayment and a handshake. I’ve since rebuilt it 3 times, taken it to Isle of Man and Mandello del Lario, and ridden back and forth to both coasts many times. It has in the neighborhood of 200,000 miles.
I love this bike because it’s a highway bike concealed in a sporty cafe racer. It loves to do 100 mph all day, but is also fun on mountain roads on your way somewhere else. I drove it on the German autobahn full-out at 130mph and was surprised to arrive in Belgium from southern Germany 3 hours early. En route, I overshot Belgium altogether, noticing only when the license plates were suddenly French. It’s a lusty bugger, a bit brutal, but more fun to drive than brand new bikes. As someone says in GIRL MEETS BIKE: “It’s a sick, primative kind of love.”
Q: As a filmmaker, what about the MFF and motorcycle films in general speaks to you?
A: Motorcycle films are a slippery breed. Motorcycling is an activity, but like Jazz, it doesn’t lend itself easily to a story. The trick is translating your own interest and emotions about motorcycles into narrative form, giving shape to the action of riding and surrounding activities to make it understandable and meaningful to non-riders. When filmmakers can express the sexy fun, wit, adventure, comraderie, precision and lawlessness that motorcycles contain, they’re expressing something universal (and unexpected for non-motorcyclists): how it feels to be alive.
Q: Have you had a chance to attend the MFF yet?
A: Yes, last year. It was great! And I recommend it to anyone in the western hemisphere and beyond!
Q: Possibly impossible question: Favorite bike movie?
A: Though I have other faves, I have to say THE WILD ONE with Marlon Brando, since it both mythologizes the (probably) not-so-wild episode of Hollister, California, but also, very precisely shows the bikes, riders, clothing and attitudes of the post-war U.S. motorcycle scene. My favorite element is the built-in humor of this gnarly gaggle of bikers. They’re not the borderline sociopaths of the 60s outlaw biker films, but a realistic group of friends, with their constant commentary, running in-jokes, and ruthless pecking order.
Q: What’s next for you as a filmmaker?
A: I have several new projects, two of which involve motorcycles. One is PRIDE AND PREJUDICE on motorcycles which gives Austen’s marriage critique a 21st century update. The other, ISLE OF MAN, is a comedy of motorcycle manners which sets a battle of the sexes during the IOM TT races.
Keep you eyes out for an article about the film, Girl Meets Bike in the publication, Wide Magazine.
Follow the film here:
www.facebook.com/girlmeetsbikemovie
www.girlmeetsbikemovie.com
March 18, 2014
by corinna | Mar 18, 2014 | Uncategorized |
Filmmaker: Bryan Carroll
Film: Why We Ride
Q: What’s the name of your film in the MFF, and what’s it about?
A: Why We Ride. Its an inspiring adventure into the world of motorcycling, told by famous racers, passionate riders, and everyday families who ride together on the road to life.
Q: What inspired you to make this movie?
A: We started out doing research for a feature film about class-C motorcycle racers from the 1930s, with a particular emphasis on the legendary Ed “Iron Man” Kretz, Sr. That led us to meeting his son, Ed Kretz, Jr., who was very close to his dad and was also a hall-of-fame motorcycle racer on his own. In 2012, I sat down with Jr. in his nostalgia-filled garage up in Denver, and had a four-hour conversation with him about the life and times of his father’s racing career and what it was like for him growing up around it.
What bubbled to the surface was unexpected.
He shared all the great stories and memories with me as expected, but it kept coming back to the same common denominator – motorcycling is shared. Not only shared amongst friends and fellow riders, but also among family. And with the Kretz family, motorcycles were at the heart and the union of everything they did. That observation immediately got me thinking about my own life. I also grew up on motorcycles, but here I was, now a father of two, and I wasn’t riding any longer. When did I stop and why? More importantly, why wasn’t I sharing it with my kids like my dad shared it with me? I mean the very first piece of film that exists of me on this planet is a 9 second piece of 8mm film that showed me riding on the front of my fathers 1968 Yamaha Enduro, while I gripped onto the handle bars. I was about 3, and we would jump on that bike after dinner and ride up into the hills of Bountiful Utah to pick wild flowers for my mom. I left Jr’s garage and that was the moment when I looked to James and said, “This is what we are doing next. It’s going to be called Why We Ride.” The title, “Why We Ride,” was more than a name; it was essentially a mission statement. Everything I do in my life starts with “Why”. Not “how” or “what,” but “Why”. I wanted to make a film that showed my children what my values and principals were. I knew at that moment we needed to start making this film now. I also new in order to be true to this story and not show any favoritism to any one product or rider we had to have investors outside of the community. We could not have any sponsorship money from motorcycle companies, parts companies, or even energy drinks. We had to be completely unbiased. I did not want my hands tied.
Q: How did you find the MFF?
A: Through The Vintagent. Paul approached me and told me about The MFF and I was so glad that someone had finally started a film festival for motorcycles. I have been trying to get something on the west coast going for all moto. We had a call with you, entered our film and were honored to be considered.
Q: Have you made any other films, and If so, is there a common theme throughout your films?
A: I was a Co-Producer and second unit director for Michael Mann on many of his features: Collateral, Miami Vice, and Public Enemies. If it had an engine in it I wanted to film it and Michael would let me. I started in this business as a film editor, so those were such valuable tools for directing “Why We Ride”. Documentaries must be personal and this movie was about an internal story, and as a director you are all in, 100%. I knew that if my life had not changed by the end of this movie, then I did not do my life or this movie justice. And certainly, my life has changed after directing this movie.
Q: Do you ride a motorcycle, If so, tell us a little about what you ride, and why?
A: Yes, I only live a couple miles from my office, so whenever it is possible I ride to and from the office each day. I try to get out on the weekends but, I mean, living in Southern California we have little to no bad weather days so we are really spoiled, you gotta take advantage of everyday.
I loved thumpers when I was younger. My last bike before I stopped was a KLR650. Last year I was riding a Husky 650 terra, it reminded me of the old thumpers’ and a lot of fun. Lately I have been riding a Triumph Scrambler and a Victory Highball. On Sundays I occasionally jump on my sons PW80 and go up and down the street a few times just to remember what the old, little 2-strokes were like. I do wish I would have ridden more as a kid and never stopped. I feel like I am playing catch up now but the great thing about riding is it is accessible to almost any age and price. You can start riding at any time in your life. Nothing else stimulates all your senses like riding a motorcycle does.
Q: As a filmmaker, what about the MFF and motorcycle films in general speaks to you?
A: I love films. I love watching them. I love learning how they were made and all the little tools for telling these stories. I love the machinery and technology, old and new, that is used and has been used to make movies. I have never wanted to be in front of the camera but I want to know about every skill, job, and person who is behind the camera. Anyone who celebrates that is someone I want to know. The only thing that I am as passionate about as movies is anything with a motor in it. You combine those two things into one event and you have me hooked.
Q: Have you had a chance to attend the MFF yet?
A: No, Unfortunately last year we were rushing to our release and I had to cancel. I am gonna try for this year.
Q: Possibly impossible question: Favorite bike movie?
A: Impossible! Next Question.
No, I think it has changed a few times throughout my life but like motorcycles, films are milestones in our lives and bring back memories of those times. When I was little I loved movie sound tracks. I used to go to the music store and just look at the album covers and buy them based on that. I remember when I bought “Electra glide and Blue” It had a foldout in it that was a blueprint of an Electra glide. I put it on my wall. I did not see the movie until years later and got a kick out of it. One that really stands out is “Take it to the Limit”. The POV scene racing through the Isle of Man. Geez. They had a Camera attached to Hailwoods bike at full speed.. Film camera, no gopro back then. The one film that really made me want to ride was “Quadrophenia”. Even though it was not a motorcycle film per say. I wanted to go back in time and be a rocker. I still love that movie. I could go on but this would become a book.
Q: What’s next for you as a filmmaker?
A: We are in the middle of writing a movie about minimoto. Its kinda like The Mighty Ducks with motorcycles. I really want to see more kids get into this sport and this would be a fun family film. We are also still developing our original script on Ed “Iron Man” Kretz and that one is gonna be fun. You know, everyday counts and you have to live life to its fullest. As long as I am telling stories and surrounded by moto and film then I am living my passion.
WHY WE RIDE – The Official Theatrical Trailer from WHY WE RIDE FILM on Vimeo.
February 21, 2014
by corinna | Feb 21, 2014 | 2013 MFF, Films, The Films |
Filmmaker: Tyler Malinky
Film: The Salt Ghost: Return Of The Nitro Express
1st annual MFF Feature Documentary Film Official Selection, 2013
Q: What’s the name of your film in the MFF, and what’s it about?
A: The Salt Ghost: Return of the Nitro Express. My friend Wes White of Four Aces Cycle and myself bought this old land speed race bike with a stack of timing slips from Bonneville and El Mirage, and a bunch of trophies, dating from the late 1960’s up through the early 1980’s. We wanted to investigate the bike’s history, find who built it, and race it again. We filmed these endeavors.
Q: What inspired you to make this movie?
A: The lack of existing film and content we could find about some of our personal interests (motorcycle land speed racing, vintage Triumphs) raised the idea that others may like to see this bike and learn about it’s history.
Q: How did you find the MFF?
A: I found the MFF from friend’s posts on Facebook.
Q: Have you made any other films, and If so, is there a common theme throughout your films?
A: We have made a series of technical DVDs, how to rebuild your vintage Triumph motor or tune and service films, but The Salt Ghost was our first foray into a documentary or lifestyle film.
Q: Do you ride a motorcycle? and if so, what and why.
A: Yes, I ride motorcycles and work in the motorcycle industry (Lowbrow Customs). I have a stable of bikes that include a 1955 Triumph land speed race bike, as well as a dual-engine 1955 Triumph land speed bike (both are land speed record holders), a 1959 H-D Panhead chopper, a 1975 H-D Shovelhead chopper, a 2001 Honda XR650, 2006 Yamaha YZ250f dirt bike, and several other projects, including another land speed bike, a drag bike, and a couple others. I ride because it is exciting, and building and riding motorcycles is a hobby that you can grow almost without limits, I never tire of it.
Q: As a filmmaker, what about the MFF and motorcycle films in general speaks to you?
A: Motorcycles are what I love, they are my profession and my hobby. Of course I find good films about them interesting.
Q: Have you had a chance to attend the MFF yet?
A: No I unfortunately missed the first MFF, however, I hope to attend in 2014!
Q: Possibly impossible question: Favorite bike movie?
A: On Any Sunday. I never tire of watching it! Cycles South is another entertaining one.
Q: What’s next for you as a filmmaker?
A: I actually don’t have anything else with a solid plan or schedule right now, I am keeping busy with plenty of other projects (building race bikes, designing new motorcycle parts), however myself and my cohorts are sure to create another bike film some point in the near future!
February 10, 2014
by corinna | Feb 10, 2014 | 2013 MFF, Films, MFF 2013, The Films |
Filmmaker: Kyle Pahlow
Film: Bucephalus Build, 1st annual MFF Short Film Official Selection, 2013
Q: What is the name of your film in the MFF, and what’s it about?
A:The name of my film is: Bucephalus Build. It explores and documents bike builder, Kevin Dunworth of Loaded Gun Customs as he prepares to build a bike that has been many years in the making. It captures Kevin’s passion for building motorcycles and his uncanny knowledge for what has come before him and what exists presently. Bucephalus is the culmination of efforts among many people who believed in this project.
Q: What inspired you to make this film?
A: It really came down to how well Kevin and I hit it off over the phone. I admire the fact that he is grounded and not concerned with being cool or popular, yet he has a refined knowledge of old and new. In my opinion he has the perfect balance of modern technology coupled with style and allure of the past.
Q: How did you find the MFF?
A: I was looking at places with my girlfriend, and I stopped into Union Garage with a broker who knew I rode and wanted to try and sell me on the fact that there was a bike shop right around the corner from where I would be living. Chris was such a kind human and when he found out I was a cinematographer and that I had just finished a film about a motorcycle he encouraged me to check out the Motorcycle Film Festival.
Q: Have you ever made any other films? If so, is there a common theme throughout your films?
A: I am a working cinematographer, so many of the films I’ve made haven’t been my own, but instead a collaboration with directors who bring me along for the ride. I directed a surf film a couple of years ago that had global distribution and received a good many accolades at home and abroad but I wouldn’t say that the films have a common thread; I greatly enjoy working on different things with varying subject matter.
Q: Do you ride a motorcycle? If so tell us a little bit about what you ride and why.
A: I’ve surfed since I was seven years old and it has always been an extremely important part of my life; so when I rode a motorcycle for the first time I felt a lot of commonalities between the two sports. I bought a Harley originally and quickly felt like it didn’t suit my riding style, so I sold it and bought a Triumph Bonneville. I love the deep and colored history of the Bonneville. That said, not a week goes by where I don’t miss the frenetic rumble of my Harlely.
Q: As a filmmaker, what about the MFF and motorcycle films in general speaks to you?
A: I greatly appreciate people gathering and watching films that have cult following. I enjoy meeting people that are passionate about things; things that they dream of while they are at work, things that they will do until the day they die. It doesn’t have to be motorcycles, it could be hot-air balloons or fishing, I just love passionate people. My all time favorite are the older folk that have lived their lives and glow at the chance to share stories about riding.
Q: Have you had a chance to attend the MFF yet?
A: I am proud to say that I attended the first year.
Q: What is your favorite bike movie?
A: As a kid, before I even rode motorcycles, I can remember watching, The Dirt Bike Kid repeatedly. I loved the magical component of a bike that was somehow alive and use to pretend that my bicycle was a dirt bike. Perhaps it speaks to the relationship people have with their bikes… magical and deep in many ways. Currently I’d say that, Why I Ride is a favorite of mine. Simply great bites that sum it all up.
Q: What is next for you as a filmmaker?
A: My goal every year is to raise the bar of who I collaborate with and the work that I turn out. I just want to continue to evolve.
kylepahlow.com
