I’ve been waiting ever so anxiously to write this article, and now the time finally seems about appropriate..
A few years ago I was contacted by a film maker from New York, Scott Cummings, who was interested in doing a project based on the Juggalo culture in Buffalo. I was slightly skeptical with it being such a touchy subject, but after meeting with him my doubts were cleared away and I happily brought the organization I help head, Buffalo Juggalos, on board. After meeting and interviewing a few Juggalos from the area, the project seemed to come to a stand-still. Then some time later, Scott contacted me again saying we had been approved for a few grants, and that filming would begin soon. During the summer of 2013, Scott deeply submerged himself into the Juggalo lifestyle: partying with us, going to concerts, even attending an all-Juggalo wedding. Once he felt he had a grip on us, we began filming.
And now, after what seemed like an eternity of post-production, we are pleased to announce that ‘Buffalo Juggalos‘ made it’s world premier in Switzerland last month, and will be screening in Balitmore, MD this weekend at the Maryland Film Festival. Screen time is 8:30pm on Friday May 9th as part of the “Chaos Reigns” program. For more information on the festival, or any future screenings, visit the links below.
As many of you are probably wondering, the content of the film itself is described as
“an experimental exploration and celebration of the Juggalo subculture in Buffalo, New York. Long and static takes of Juggalos engaged in their favorite activities, first and foremost of which – causing mayhem. Among these seemingly random acts of the everyday, preening, sexual gratification, backyard wrestling, explosions and destruction, a tentative narrative begins to emerge.”
The film serves a good contrast between the dark and the light, and gives off an almost-eerie “Juggalos Among Us” feel. I personally feel it represents Juggalos in new and different – yet positive – way, in that we are our own breed of organized chaos, yet we live and function as any other human being.. Already the film has had positive reviews coming in, including this brief mention in The Mobtown Shank:
“So many amazing short films, with the indescribably mesmerizing Buffalo Juggalos jumping out at me as something Shank readers should know about.”
Although the film isn’t open to the general public yet, I strongly encourage all of you to look into it and keep updated with the various social pages. If you visit the Buffalo Juggalos film Tumblr page, there are some very deep and emotional interviews and profiles of Juggalos who are in the film, as well as a great collection of photos (some of which you can view below). And if you are a student in the Baltimore area, or a friend of the Maryland Film Festival, come peep the film out, I will be in attendance as well as Scott Cummings himself.
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