January 23, 2014
by corinna | Jan 23, 2014 | Films, MFF 2013, The Films |
Filmmaker: Mark Macinnis
“Rick Monahan has dedicated his life to vintage BMW motorcycles. He didn’t watch Easy Rider, he lived it. Rick’s passion for these bikes sustained him from bad ass teen shooting down Route 66 to opening his own indie garage in order to “pollinate Western L.A. with as many BMW’s as possible.”
Q: What inspired you to make this movie?
A: Rick Monahan was the inspiration behind making this film. Vintage bike owners know that finding a good mechanic is like finding gold. Anyone who’s met Rick will tell you what an honest and great guy he is. I wanted to do something special to honor him.
Rick gave up his day job at 50 because of his obsession with old Beamers. He’s really more of an artist with these vintage bikes; he lives in his shop with a hundred or so on hand to keep him going. As he says, he’s busy “pollinating the streets of LA as many vintage BMW’s as he can”.
Q: How did you find the MFF?
A: I was looking for an interesting festival online and I came across the MFF. I could tell from the MFF website that it was a festival fueled by a passion for the motorcycle culture. I was also excited to be a part of something new and respected the crew that was making this up and just going for it.
Q: Have you made any other films, and if so, is there a common theme throughout your films?
A: In 2011 I made a film called URBAN ROOTS. It’s a documentary about the urban farmers in Detroit. Like Urban Roots, Black Kat was made out of my connection to the people and the subject. Because films are so hard to make, I’m only going to do something that I believe in. So far the common theme throughout my films are people in unique situations doing what they love at any cost.
Q: Do you ride a motorcycle, and If so, tell us a little about what you ride, and why?
A: Yes, I do ride. I have a 1975 BMW R90 and a 1969 BSA Star Fire
The reason I ride has evolved over the years. About 10 years ago I bought the BSA because I was broke, so I started riding because of my financial situation. Once I got into it the feeling and memories of riding dirt bikes on the trails with my brother would come back constantly. And the smell of gasoline would remind me of my dad. It was a means of transportation but also a mental time warp that brought back some amazing memories.
Now the bikes are pure joy. They give me my Zen when I’m riding and when I’m wrenching on them. Motorcycles also open me up to meeting amazing friends and having experiences that I would never have had otherwise.
Q: As a filmmaker, what about the MFF and motorcycle films in general speaks to you?
A: The MFF reminds me of the Sex Pistols… they’re just doing whatever they want and that really resonates with me. They’re doing it the right way and with the right people.
Q: Possibly impossible question: Favorite bike movie?
A: My favorite motorcycle movie is Motorcycle Diaries by Walter Salles. I saw this film just as I was getting back into riding. Anyone who has spent some serious time on a bike can appreciate that desire to take off in search of something. It has everything, an amazing Norton, adventure, great cinema photography, beautiful soundtrack and social justice tied to the film, a great combination.
Q: What’s next for you as a filmmaker?
A: I just produced a multimedia iBook based on Rick that’s available on iTunes. The iBook features my film Black Kat, old photos and advice from Rick. See the book HERE
September 28, 2013
by Jack Drury | Sep 28, 2013 | MFF 2013, Parties, Schedule, The Films |
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Well, yesterday was amazing! We picked up Stacie bright and early. threw her in the Ural Sidecar rig and headed over to see Chris at Jupiter’s Motorcycles to get her on a Beemer. Look how excited she was when she found out we pulled off a GS650 for her!
Over at Over The Eight, David Browning of E3 Motorcycles and photographer for Iron & Air had the awesome ‘Ride & Repeat’ set up and snapped folks pictures as they rolled in (just wait til you see the actual portraits, not my iphone shots)…Look at that cute couple!
The Vintagent By The Selvedge Yard
(The Vintagent, photographed by The Selvedge Yard)
The ‘Ride & Repeat’ is set today 5-6:30pm at Saint Vitus, and will be again tomorrow from 3-7pm. Come get your picture took!
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(Ryan Handt Photography)
The first screening of the first ever, first annual Motorcycle Film Festival was a huge success. We were so proud to stand on stage with 3 out of 5 of our international panel of judges: Paul, JP, and Stacie, in front of a packed house to watch The Spare Parts Company, and Why We Ride.
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(Ryan Handt Photography)
We were thrilled to have, up from Philadelphia, the subject and the filmmaker of The Spare Parts Company present for a Q&A after the films. Such interesting stories. Thanks guys.
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After the screening we rode over to Lone Wolf to see Hector’s Pets, The Tough Shits, and The Andy Animal Family Band. I know I’m biased, but holy shit that was an amazing after party!
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The bands rocked (check them all out), and the house was PACKED!
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In between sets, Lucky winner Naomi won the MFF raffle bag valued at $2000+. It included 2 Motorcycle Safety Foundation vouchers to attend their Basic Rider/Advanced course, a gift certificate for Indian Larry’s Motorcyles, Motocross boots from metro Racing, a directional wallet from Cotterpin Gear and so much more. Don’t miss tonight and Saturday night’s raffles!
…Ok back to the MFF (i’m writing this from a corner at Saint Vitus). See you at the flicks!
September 24, 2013
by Jack Drury | Sep 24, 2013 | MFF 2013, The Films |
It is with our great pleasure that we unveil the custom, hand made trophies that will be awarded to 5 deserving filmmakers this Saturday, September 28th at the 1st annual MFF Award Ceremony!!
These trophies were made possible by a collaboration of wonderful, talented folks. Have a look…
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For the Winning Short Film, Feature Documentary, and Feature Narrative awards, the trophies started as Thinline Seats – Pans & Foam and Macho Negro Seat Hinges from the awesome guys over at Biltwell Inc.
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These went over to MFF Co-Founder, Corinna Mantlo (Via Meccanica Custom Upholstery) for some fancy custom leather covers, applique and stitching.
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The image depicted is of course, the MFF logo designed by tattoo artist Rick Schenk.
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Then we called our friends over at 2nd Stroke Mopeds, to make up the Best Of Fest, and People’s Choice trophies. Ain’t those wee little pistons cute?!
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When finished, those went right over the the amazing, multi talented Dan Bones for hand engraving. Wow!
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People’s Choice winner will be based on ballots at every screening so See some flicks and cast some votes! And, buy your VIP Full Access Passes today to gain access to the Award Ceremony, meet the Filmmakers, Hosts, and Judges and check out the 2013 trophies in person.
See you at the flicks,
MFF
