Category: My own projects

Simon (camera) and myself filming Pierre and Annie at State of Emergency.
(Photo by Marc-André Verpaelst.)

( This is a translation of a post from last week.)

I wrote about our shoot at ‘State of Emergency,’ the artistic & social happening organized by Annie Roy and Pierre Allard in Montréal. It’s for my project ‘Urgence Création.‘ Three interns came out to help us during the shoot. Here they are, with a few words about what they learned:

Jeanne Pope

“This is the second year I have this experience at ATSA and like last year I come away with the feeling of having been with a family with all its foibles, all the grumpiness, the jokes, the love, the merriment. And now the gathering is over, we have to say good-bye till the next time….This is one aspect – the other is to be part of a documentary crew. This work takes patience, time, reflection, good humour, love. The family, or as Alex says, the ‘heroes’ welcome us in to their lives, sharing their life experiences. I see how Magnus and Simon take so very gently what they need to carve out a story. It is an incredible experience. Once again, to everyone, Annie, Pierre, Magnus, Simon, and wonderful friends made – thank you for sharing with us.” Jeanne Pope

Dijana Lazar

“State of Emergency,” was the first experience that I have had working on a documentary project as well as being a fascinating meeting with people who passinoately struggle for social justice through artistic performance. The whole time I felt an incredible positive energy which emerged from this site stemming from the campfire and the energy of the volunteers and of the committed artists. While following Magnus and Simon I very quickly understood how over the years they had become personally involved and had woven very strong bonds with the ATSA folk. It is undoubtedly this constancy and engagement which has gained the confidence of these vulnerable and marginalized people, who sometimes turn to the camera to speak about their rights or just simply about their problems. I now realize that, while a documentary is being made it is necessary to include/understand the motivations of the people involved, and it is necessary to follow events which unfold while being able to react instantly in order to collect any relevant and revealing situation.” Dijana Lazar.

Alex Hamel with the former minister Louise Harel.

“I threw myself into this training by telling myself that this experience would help me to take a step towards the world of the professional documentary. I am not disappointed! As well as helping Magnus and Simon Bujold continue their work, I lived an outstanding personal experience by integrating myself, like them, into this facet of the real world. I met Pierre and Annie, the inspired artists who sustain this event with remarkable energy. I spent time with unique people who give life to State of Emergency. I also saw energetic people ready to put their hand to any task. I saw the poets and heroes of urban survival dressed and equipped like adventurers. After years of effort to get people used to being filmed (which is not easy), the camera and the boom have become a part of the furnishings here. Sounds and images cry and mingle in truthful overtones. I am sure the crew’s tactful approach and good nature which allows them this level of intimate approach towards the subjects will pay off in the quality of the film.

Finally, I adored being able to do some filming for Magnus’ blog-video and the shoot itself. That’s really where I want to be at! Aesthetically the camp is marvelous! The evening; the lights of the city; the camp fires making everything shinny and bright, with our dear old November covering us with water and ice – everything that reflects on tarmac and wet rain coats – lovely!
And the camp people are beautiful! Less influenced by politeness, fashion and social pressure, people here let their appearance tells us their story.”

Sate of Emergency is beautiful!” Alex Hamel.

Thanks to Jeanne, Dijana and Alex.

Photo Marc-André Verpaelst

(This was first posted in french, thanks to Jeannette Pope for the translation.)

Wednesday evening we began Filming State of Emergency 2007, ( État d’Urgence 2007) an artistic and social ‘happening” which takes place in Émilie Gamelin square in Montreal until Sunday the 25 Nov. Organized by the artists Annie Roy and Pierre Allard, founders of ATSA (Socially Acceptable Terrorist Action), the event is in it’s 8th year. This is the occasion for marginalized people from all areas of life to meet, to get a bit of warmth and very good food, as well as to take part in the varios activities and to attend shows. If you live in the Montreal area, come and take a look. It is well worth it.

I have worked for two years on a film project called Urgence Création, with my collaborator and close friend Simon Bujold. Up till now we have only received some reserach money from SODEC, our provincial funding agency, but when there are things going on which we just can’t miss out on, then obviously we are there and whip out our cameras…

We approached an excellent producer, Jeannine Gagné of Amazone film, who is very interested in producing this film. After two years working on this project, Annie and Pierre have became good friends of ours. Their work is admirable. The true subject and backbone of this film is the intensity of their engagement with their art, with society, and with life.
‘
Here a small video made by our trainee Alex Hamel.
The two merry technicians you will see who are dancing away are Simon and I.

[youtube TpC3VIHVxTg]

Here we are doing an interview with my friend and neighbor the Montreal sculptor Armand Vaillancourt. He installed a covered steel wall of barbed wire a symbol of exclusion for Etat D’urgence;

(Translator’s PS: I have been doing some work here with Magnus and Simon. I am really appreciative for this chance to see documentary filmmaking done with such simplicity, love, care and humanity. I am learning alot, as well as making lots of new friends. Jeannette Pope. )