Continuing my preview of Sundance documentaries: FILM HAWK, JJ Garvine and Tai Parquet’s portrait of beloved film industry vet Bob Hawk.
Festival Section:
Documentary Premieres
Sundance Program Description:
What do filmmakers as disparate as Kevin Smith, Ed Burns, Rob Epstein, and Barbara Hammer have in common? A secret weapon known as Bob Hawk.
As a veteran of the American independent film scene since its inception, the cinephile and consultant has been a regular, cherished presence at film festivals and markets for over three decades. Hawk saw promise in scrappy, independently produced films like CLERKS and THE BROTHERS MCMULLEN when no one else even knew to look, and he brought these films to the attention of the Sundance Film Festival, thereby launching multiple careers in the process. An unsung champion of new voices, he has discovered innovative work, nurtured new talents, and brokered relationships with film festivals and critics alike, while staying out of the spotlight – until now. At 75, Bob Hawk looks back on a still-vibrant life in independent film, exploring how the rebellious gay son of a preacher found his calling as a behind-the-scenes film impresario.
Some Background:
Directors/Producers: JJ Garvine and Tai Parquet; Editor: Tai Parquet
This is Garvine and Parquet’s second collaborating following the documentary KEEPING THE PEACE, which Parquet also edited, and their first project at Sundance.
Associate Producers: Michael Albanese, Tim Carr, Nancy Gibbs, Jessica Hawk-Ippolito, Gerald Herman, Aaron Snow, Jamie Snow, and Michael Tekulsky
Herman’s previous producing credits include the recent docs DANNY SAYS (SXSW) and FINDING PHONG (BAFICI). Albanese has produced films that have screened at Locarno and Toronto. This is the first producing credit for Gibbs, Tekulsky, the Snows, and Hawk-Ippolito.
Why You Should Watch:
As noted in my description above, Hawk is one of the great, unsung figures of modern independent film. In addition to recounting his pivotal background role in the careers and work of numerous directors, Garvine and Parquet’s film captures the geniality and gift for storytelling that has made Hawk such an appreciated and loved member of both the film and LGBT communities.
More Info:
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Just one update from Film Hawk himself: Gerald Herman, formerly an associate producer, is now the film’s sole Executive Producer.