Joshua Tree Documentary Film

Kurt Hall is organizing this fundraiser.

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A PERCENTAGE OF THE PROFITS OF THIS FILM PROJECT WILL BE DONATED TO HELP JOSHUA TREE ARTISTS CONTINUE THEIR WORK.

PROJECT SUMMARY:
Approximately 150 miles northeast of Los Angeles lies the magical desert landscape of Joshua Tree – an often overlooked ex-urban terrain. Aside from the obviously breathtaking views in the National Park, the town of Joshua Tree and its surrounding desert dwellers (artists, visionaries, hermits, UFO enthusiasts, crackpots and other interesting characters) radiate a palpable eccentric / eclectic energy. I have been researching and planning this investigative journey into the MOJAVE DESERT for a few years. The Crystal Cave, Giant Rock, the Intregraton, Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum, AZ West, Boulder Gardens, the Institute of Mentalphysics among other places will be documented in the film. Why have the individuals ( Frank Critzer, George Van Tassel, Edwin Dingle, Noah Purifoy et al) who have created these "unique worlds" chosen to live in this particular designated place? Here is a video from a recent LACMA museum exhibition that I've included to better describe the work of Noah Purifoy. He moved to Joshua Tree in 1989 and created his own unique world until his death in 2004. Also included is an amazing 1964 television interview of George Van Tassel, creator / inventor of the Integratron! These 2 clips and others will hopefully be licensed for inclusion in this film.

Below are 2 influential Joshua Tree Artist books --

Many people are asking me - “why is the documentary called DESIGNATED PLACE?” Joshua Tree is not defined by the United States Census Bureau as a city, town or village, but as a census-designated place (CDP). CDPs have been used in each census since 1980 as the counterparts of incorporated places, such as cities, towns, and villages for the purposes of gathering and correlating statistical data. Beyond the US Government's classification of Joshua Tree lies a deeper meaning and invites a even deeper exploration. Again, why has this particular part of the CALIFORNIA HIGH DESERT become a “designated place” for so many artists, outsiders and other ex-urban explorers?

Noah Purifoy - Assemblage Artist / Outdoor Museum

Edwin Dingle aka Ding Le Mei - Founder of the Institute of Mentalphysics

George Van Tassel - Ufologist / Inventor / Creator of the Integratron

Frank Critzer - Prospector / Inventor / lived in a cave under GIANT ROCK / friend of Van Tassel

PRODUCTION:
Production started in December 2016. Initial start-up funding is in place, but more is needed. I hope you will donate and become part of our adventure as we penetrate deep inside the physical / artistic / spiritual hinterland of the MORONGO BASIN AND JOSHUA TREE to begin filming our documentary about past and present residents of the area.

FILMMAKERS:
I have been an award winning filmmaker for more than 25 years and have won numerous awards throughout Europe and America. I have created work for Warner Bros, Disney, Universal, Fox, Sony, Paramount, MGM, HBO, MTV, PBS, NAT GEO, Showtime, Discovery Channel, History Channel, Comedy Central and numerous other production companies. I was 2nd Unit Director of Photography for many episodes of HBO's Emmy Award winning "Taxicab Confessions". One of the Producers of the HBO show is Executive Producer of this project. I also have 2 Associate Producers on this film - one is providing all equipment and necessary insurance for production. The 2nd Producer is responsible for all grants, fellowships and other art organization funding applications.

More info about myself, crew members and other details regarding this film project located at the following links --

http://www.imdb.me/kurthall

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurthall

Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum

Integratron

AZ West / Wagon Station Encampment

Boulder Gardens

Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum / Assemblages

Giant Rock

INSPIRATION / DEDICATION:
The project I want to produce will be similar to the following documentaries ---

FATA MORGANA (Werner Herzog)
VERNON, FLORIDA (Errol Morris)
LAND OF LOOK BEHIND (Alan Greenberg)

I am dedicating this documentary to the memory of Alan Greenberg. I was a teaching assistant of his while attending film school at the University of Miami. I also helped him research a film he wanted to do with Werner Herzog. We became close friends during my days at UM. Alan worked with Werner on many film projects (HEART OF GLASS, COBRA VERDE). I will never forget the amazing stories he told me about their work together. I will also never forget the first time I met Werner! Herzog's documentaries are a major influence on this production. LAND OF LOOK BEHIND and VERNON, FLORIDA are also major influences on this project. Both directors were friends and frequent collaborators of Werner Herzog's. Here's a quote from Herzog - "I never have searched for a subject. They always just come along. They never come by way of decision-making. They just haunt me. I can't get rid of them. I did not invite them. " The impetus to make DESIGNATED PLACE, came to me not by decision-making, but by SYNCHRONICITY and SERENDIPITY. Any donation amount no matter how small will help. If you can't donate at this time, posting a link to the fundraiser on your Facebook page and / or tweeting it out to your followers would be appreciated! Thank you!

Sky Village Swap Meet / Home of Bob Carr's Crystal Cave