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Apologia Pro Vita Sua
In the Winter issue of Filmmaker magazine, I wrote a self-distribution manifesto in which I wrote:
The truth is that self-distribution is fun, and not only is it fun, it's empowering. Which brings me to the heart of the matter: whether an outside distributor would do a "better" or a "worse" job releasing the film is immaterial. The real question is: why are we making films in the first place? The answer for me has something to do with wanting to humanize the world. Hegel teaches us that we make the world our own by altering it, by leaving our own imprint on it, by reshaping it in our own image. This is the crux of my argument for self-distribution. It's less alienating. It's more organic. And it's more human.
Well, I still agree with what I said, but it's also true that having an established distribution company on your side is also fun, and is also arguably less alienating, more organic, and more human than doing it all yourself. Because while self-empowerment may be an asymptotic ideal (however eloquently Ralph Waldo Emerson may argue for it), we are all ultimately parts of a larger human community and the do-it-yourself ethos is ultimately a myth. No one makes a film alone, and no one distributes a film alone. And the truth of the matter is that I am thrilled to have IFC on my side, despite the inevitable frictions that any engagement with any other human being is bound to provoke. It's all part of the give-and-take of human intercourse, and that is how we truly humanize the world. 
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Dear Sujewa,
Your point is well taken. What can I say? You're right. I think my unconscious reason for saying what I said about DIY filmmaking was my trying to persuade myself that I had made the right choice by going with IFC (something I was very ambivalent about initially). I didn't mean to cast aspersion on the many filmmakers who are valiantly doing it all themselves, heroically and against overwhelming odds. It was insensitive of me to write that, and I apologize. I would delete it, except that I think your rebuttal is so eloquent that I would hate to lose it. Sorry, and thanks.
while i agree with your assement Cahveh (in parts), we must not forgot our own subjective stance, as fed by our realities. your manifesto is an example of that, and how our positions for exceptance carry many many ways. If for example, we do not have a distributor(or we dont want one, hard to believe?) , we must proceed and we must validate its idealistic postition as you did in that article, as i've done for my own work. but when we have a distributor, we have to balance the joys of people having access to the work, but the fact that in many ways its not yours anymore, and should film ever be anyway(this is a seperate arguement)? but lets not forget the efforts of many people who have chosen, whether through ideals, drive, lack of talent, too much esoteric talent, who have chosen DIY as a model, the same model that media makers have chosen in the Indie Rock Scene, in the Punk Rock music scenes, all forms of art, publishing(this is an example of that) and of course, film. I think that DIY does not mean doing it all yourself, but more of a way to press forward, to establish a community of artist and ideals, the ultimate freedom if it can ever exist(which i think now, is a noble ideal maybe to difficult to attain). How do you take rejections from distributors, festivala, from systems, from people, when you still truly believe in what you do. Can we all assume that if it were good enough, it would get recognized. Well history is riddled with the opposite. I say DIY is not a myth, maybe not the best strategy, maybe extremely taxing and indeed alienating in film, but nothing could be more than human. To push an image farther then someone allows it, with your bare will. Time will tell if it ever has a chance in MovieMaking, i believe it might for some, but time will tell.
i spelled your name wrong Caveh, this was ridiculious(sp)
Re: "You point is well taken..."
Cool deal Caveh. I am sure the distribution phase that you are in is very stressful & demanding, even with IFC Films' resources, and since you've made an awesome movie (my #1 pick for '05), all theoretical & philosophical differences in opinion, favorite distro methods, etc. are considered (by me,in this case)to be of secondary importance. No hard feelings, keep up the work (and hopefully you'll get some pleasure out of this distribution phase), looking forward to seeing "Sex Addict" at a theater near me this Spring.
Sujewa
*******
I believe the DIY ethos exists, but in the end I will love a good movie for its content, and not worry about how it was distributed.
-Samir
Misha,
I don't make enough money from the sales of my DVD's to make ends meet. I have to teach and do other odd jobs (like writing) in order to supplement my film income. But it's all grist for the mill.
Caveh, First I want to say "WOW" I really relate & enjoyed your film Sex Addict. Funny b/c there are men out there who dont have a problem letting a girl jump into their car, then there are the others who drag their feet literly years intill they cant handle or or something "triggers" them to take the next step.. I just bought your vegas film-via paypal.. GOOD LUCK IN THE FUTURE!
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