My name is Matthew Koebele and next month I’ll be shooting “The Outdoor Code”, the last film I’ll make while in school.

I’m an Eagle Scout from Long Island, NY. I started in Cub Scouts from the very first year I could, and carried it (somehow) all the way to Eagle. I wanted to do Cub Scouts because my brother (who stopped after a year or two) did it. While I think there are elements of the Boy Scout and Eagle Scout codes and ideals that are useful for young men, I have long considered the impact of these programs on my life and how I both perceive and act as myself, a man (now). I look back on the nature of these boys programs as they pertain to a group of innocent kids looking for guidance, looking how to become a man. And while I have met leaders through these programs I still respect and love today, I also met various boys and adults through the program I’ve questioned, both in the moment and in hindsight.

I hold a strong belief that nobody can tell you how to be a man. And I think now more than ever young men and boys need something, or someone to look to that doesn't grind them back down into patriarchal tools, mindless voters, and defenders of an aged out status quo.

These loose collections of memory and thought are the basis for The Outdoor Code. Formally, the film is brief, minimalistic, and even dialogue-less. This film takes no time (I hope) for sentimentality or self-aggrandizing emotionality, instead attempting to look at the dry, pale state of masculinity, and try and figure out how to move forward, because you must.

Ultimately this film is about the quiet in-between of boyhood and masculine adulthood, and the transition from searching for a masculine idol towards understanding that only you can decide for yourself how to be a man.

I'm making the film with my friend (and STAR) Hank Johnstone, who during these past 4 years has been a dauntless buddy and inspiring collaborator. I've loved making movies with him, as we've swapped off positions of director and actor a few times now, and I am glad to say that my last film in school will center around him performing. He just gets it! As "they" say.

Though we're pulling favors and scraping together what can be scraped, the costs for film itself (35mm) and housing in Upstate New York are still there, and if you are able to donate, I thank you, and am beyond grateful. Plus ya name will go in the movie credits and who knows... maybe you'll be a STAR someday...

In all seriousness though, I'm stoked to get down to the making of this movie. I've had a longer absence than ever between making films, and I'm excited about approaching a film with new influences and ideas, as well as methodology. I hope to close out my time as school with something I can be proud of, something good to "bring home to the family" or something or other.

All in all, hey! Thanks for reading. And maybe thank you for donating too... regardless, your support is beyond appreciated, and I will do my best to make a good movie huh!!!

And the photo above, yes! My Dad and I at a Boy Scouts Pinewood Derby in 2014. We didn't win that one but... I don't love to brag... I did get 2nd overall the year before. I'm kind of a hotshot with the wood and wheels ya know.