Get ready to groove to the rhythm of revolution! Legendary photographer and director Larry Clark, known for his unflinching gaze into the souls of youth culture, is joining forces with filmmakers Edgar Morais and Luke Eberl to create a music documentary that’s about to shake the very foundations of the industry. Titled “It Was Them”, this cinematic endeavour promises to take viewers on a wild ride through the world of music, exploring the intersection of creativity, rebellion, and the human condition. With Clark’s distinctive lens and the dynamic duo of Morais and Eberl behind the cameras, this documentary is poised to be a game-changer. So, buckle up and get ready to experience the raw energy, passion, and innovation that’s about to unleash a new wave of sound in the music world.
The Music Documentary ‘It Was Them’
EXCLUSIVE: Larry Clark, the filmmaker behind the Harmony Korine-scripted Kids and Brad Renfro starrer Bully, has come aboard the music documentary It Was Them, from filmmakers Edgar Morais (Heatstroke) and Luke Eberl (Choose Connor), as an executive producer. Currently in production, It Was Them is a portrait of the highs and lows of Jonathan Velasquez, Eddie Velasquez, Frank Navarrette and Carlos Ramirez, a group of musically talented Indigenous-Latino friends from South Central L.A. who look to find their footing as immigrants in the foreign and labyrinthic streets of Paris.
The film spans over a decade in the lives of the nomads and features an original soundtrack written and performed by the subjects. In addition to co-directing, Morais has contributed writing to the film and is producing alongside Eberl.
The U.S.-Portugal-German co-production’s team also includes producers Sol Tryon (Sean Baker’s Starlet, the Oscar short-listed Amerikatsi), Rodrigo Areias (Venice prize winner Listen, Golden Seashell and Goya winner The Rye Horn), and co-producers Andre Hörmann (Ringside, Netflix’s Till Murder Do Us Part) and Max Milhahn.
Project Overview
The film’s concept and storyline revolve around the lives of these four friends as they navigate the challenges of being immigrants in Paris, all while pursuing their passion for music. The documentary will explore their struggles, triumphs, and setbacks, providing a unique glimpse into the experiences of Indigenous-Latino immigrants in Europe.
The Subject’s Journey
The film will delve into the highs and lows of Jonathan Velasquez, Eddie Velasquez, Frank Navarrette and Carlos Ramirez’s lives, showcasing their struggles as immigrants in Paris and their pursuit of a music career. The documentary will also highlight the cultural and personal challenges they face as they navigate their new surroundings.
The Creative Team
Directors Edgar Morais and Luke Eberl
Morais and Eberl previously collaborated on the award-winning narrative short We Won’t Forget, in which a woman’s frustrations boil to the surface while hosting a party for her friends, culminating in a public freak-out that turns into collective hysteria. The short screened at over 25 festivals worldwide, including the Oscar-qualifying Palm Springs ShortFest, and was selected as Short of the Week and Vimeo Staff Pick.
Morais has also directed the short film Heatstroke, which won the CinEuphoria award for Best Screenplay. As an actor, he has worked with directors such as Teresa Sutherland, Victoria Mahoney, and Tiago Guedes in films that have screened at Cannes, Venice, Fantasia, Gothenburg, Vila do Conde, and Rotterdam.
Eberl’s feature directorial debut, Choose Connor, was released theatrically and on video by Strand Releasing following a successful festival run. The film follows an idealistic 15-year-old who accepted the opportunity to serve as the youth spokesman for a U.S. Senate candidate, only to be exploited in a fierce campaign of TV and radio ads, posters, interviews, and speaking engagements.
Executive Producer Larry Clark
Known for his unflinching explorations of youth culture, addiction, and rebellion, Clark first gained recognition with Tulsa, a book of photography documenting teenage drug use and disaffected lifestyles in his hometown. He transitioned to filmmaking with the iconic drama Kids, chronicling the lives of teenagers in New York City, which became a cultural flashpoint in 1995.
Other works from the filmmaker include Bully, as well as Ken Park, Another Day in Paradise, Wassup Rockers, Marfa Girls, and The Smell of Us.
Production and Release
The Production Team
The U.S.-Portugal-German co-production’s team includes producers Sol Tryon (Sean Baker’s Starlet, the Oscar short-listed Amerikatsi), Rodrigo Areias (Venice prize winner Listen, Golden Seashell and Goya winner The Rye Horn), and co-producers Andre Hörmann (Ringside, Netflix’s Till Murder Do Us Part) and Max Milhahn.
The film’s original soundtrack, written and performed by the subjects, will play a crucial role in the film’s narrative and is expected to have a significant impact on the audience.
Analysis and Implications
The Significance of the Film
The film’s exploration of identity, culture, and the immigrant experience will provide a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the lives of Indigenous-Latino immigrants in Europe.
The potential impact of the film on the audience and its relevance to contemporary issues make it an exciting and timely project.
The Industry’s Interest in the Project
The involvement of Larry Clark and the creative team’s previous work make this project an attractive prospect for international attention and critical acclaim.
The potential for the film to attract a broad audience and generate significant buzz in the entertainment industry make it a significant project to watch in the coming months.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent partnership between Larry Clark, Edgar Morais, and Luke Eberl on the music documentary “It Was Them” marks a significant milestone in the world of music filmmaking. The article has highlighted the creative vision of the trio, as they come together to tell the story of a music genre that has been largely overlooked. By shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of the artists, the documentary aims to not only celebrate the music but also to provide a platform for the voices of the marginalized.
The significance of this project extends beyond the music itself, as it also serves as a commentary on the societal and cultural issues that have contributed to the genre’s underrepresentation. The documentary has the potential to spark important conversations and raise awareness about the need for greater diversity and inclusion in the music industry. As the documentary series begins to take shape, it will be exciting to see how the filmmakers choose to balance the artistic vision with the urgent need for social change.