Yes, Those Passes Are Hot!

July 29, 2014
Hotter than a cross country road trip pipeburn!

Hotter than a cross country road trip pipeburn!

You may have noticed when we launched the MFF trailer last week that we also released VIP All Access Passes as well. These hot little passes are selling fast. They’re going to get you a great deal: movies, pre-party, after-parties, bands, art, and more! Head over to the “Schedule & Tickets” page to find out more. Or, if you’re ready to go to the movies and parties head directly to the VIP All Access Pass!

Meanwhile, the judges are watching more videos than a nightwatch security team just to get through all the submissions by the middle of next month.


MFF Community: Vote for Leslie

MFF Community: Vote for Leslie

July 23, 2014
Leslie Padoll is the subject of

Leslie Padoll is the subject of “Why I Ride Episode 2”

Our friend and volunteer, and Miss-Fire Leslie Padoll is the subject of the second episode of a new web series called “Why I Ride.” She sums it up pretty well: “There’s something really really romantic about the connection with your motorcycle and the desire to go further…How far do I want to go? How long do I want to be happy?” Obviously For-ev-er!

The Awardeo Company has nominated it for Video of the Week, all it needs now is your vote before the end of the week! Help take Leslie to the top. http://admin.awardeo.tv/video/99797897/53cd4b1d521e693d15fb7c24


“200 horses at 12,000 rpm!”

July 16, 2014

“Twin ceramic rotor drives on each wheel! And these look like computer controlled anti-lock brakes! Wow, 200 horses at 12,000 rpm!”

Dystopian, neo-Tokyo included a vision of motorcycles further into the future than even Japanese sport bikes of the day hinted. Yes, we’re talking about Akira. On this day, July 16, in 1988 the anime classic was released in its native Japan. Here in the U.S. we had to wait another two years for a limited release. Katsuhiro Otomo directed the classic cyberpunk animation depicting a dystopian Tokyo in the year 2019. The film focuses on teenage biker Tetsuo Shima and his psychic powers, and the leader of his biker gang, Shotaro Kaneda. Some movies grabbed us by their bikes, some by their grit, but this cult classic grabbed our imaginations.


“What you represent to them is freedom.”

July 14, 2014

The quintessential motorcycle movie. Although originally shown in Cannes Film Festival in May of ’69, Easy Rider made its US debut on July 14 in New York City! Dennis Hopper directed and starred in this cult classic that has inspired countless riders and filmmakers, and launched a thousand road trips. Thank you Mr. Hopper. Maybe the next classic will premier at #MFF this year.


FILMMAKER INTERVIEW: TRUEN PENCE

April 28, 2014

Filmmaker: Truen Pence

Film: The Build

1st Annual MFF 2013: Winner Short Film

Q: What’s the name of your film in the MFF?

A: The Build

 

Q: What’s it about?

A: Three custom motorcycle builders in Portland, Oregon discuss how life fits in with their obsession of building and riding bikes

 

Q: What inspired you to make this movie?

A: I love to ride and am continually fascinated by the people and culture surrounding bikes. I build a bike a few years ago and was fascinated by how simple it was and took me back to feeling like I was a kid again. I wanted to explore this subject further and luckily, we live in a place where building unique bikes is celebrated. Aside from the bikes, however; were the builders whose personalities all inspired me. Their personalities, drive and overall philosophy on life seemed to be unique and different enough that they all seemed to resonate with me and I thought they could stand alone as their own pieces. Luckily all three of them were game and willing to talk, ride, and wrench in front of the camera. 

Q: How did you find the MMF?  Have you made any other films, and if so, is there a common theme throughout your films?

A: Yes and no. Most are commercial and documentary in nature but hopefully my theme is just authenticity. Stupid word but if there is a better way to say “capturing the root of the subject without a lot of other bullshit getting in the way,” that is the word I’m looking for.

Q: Do you ride a motorcycle?  If so, tell yes a little about what you ride, and why?

A: I like the combination of craft and adventure and Moto films seem to capture that sense of adventure better than some other mediums.There is that perfect balance between machine and nature. It’s not just about the adventure, you have to respect the machine as well. There is something to be said for the craft and laborious pursuit that is involved in the building or maintenance of a bike as well. 

Q: Have you had a chance to attend the MMF yet?

A: Not yet but want to make it to the next. Bring it out West!

Q: Possibly impossible questions:  Favorite bike movie?

A: I recently watched the Burt Munro documentary, “Offerings to the God of Speed” for the first time and was blown away at that. We all know the story from World’s Fastest Indian but that dude was a legit thrill seeker and fascinating craftsman. It was good to hear the story through his own words. The cinematography on it is pretty solid for the time as well. If you haven’t seen it, find a copy of it and check it out. 

Q: What’s next for you as a filmmaker?

A: I’m fortunate to be able to make films that excite me and continue to explore fascinating content here at Instrument. We recently released a short film and website around the Oregon Coast called “This Place,” http://thisplacejournal.com/ that you can check out if you haven’t experienced it for yourself. 

more on the filmmaker here: http://truenpence.com/

The Build Film from Instrument on Vimeo.