Watch the official film trailer here: 

https://vimeo.com/11084307

See What Others Are Saying About It:

"The Rise and Fall and Rise reveals Sensational as a genuine original, someone who didn't so much reject corporate compromise or homogenization as a route to success, but rather, never even acknowledged it as a possibility within his world view."--The Wire Magazine

"With any luck, The Rise and Fall and Rise of Sensational will win its star a whole new legion of fans while reinforcing his position as a true underground pioneer who's always played by his own rules. Long may his ascent continue."--The Irish Times

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Dante's Inferno of hip-hop story is right here.

The Rise and Fall and Rise of Sensational  chronicles the life and music of Colin Julius Bobb, aka Sensational. Described as part rapper, part genius, and part extraterrestrial, this consummate artist lives completely in his own reality. He’s also one of the most bizarre, paradoxical, and creative names in Hip-Hop, a true character whose self-destructive tendencies and unique worldview come to the fore in this comical yet moving documentary. Colleagues, collaborators, and fans such as legendary producer Bill Laswell, Mike G (Jungle Brothers),  Skiz Fernando (WordSound), and Curver Thoroddsen (Ghostigital) and many others weigh in on the rapper’s ingenuity and unorthodox working methods. But it’s the soundtrack, culled from Sensational’s extensive catalogue, that truly weaves the story together. And, of course, the always unpredictable, often hilarious comments of the man himself.

HOW THE FILM STARTED:

It began eight years ago on a street corner in Manhattan when hip-hop extraordinaire, Sensational tried to sell me a CD and then proceeded to freestyle rap into the video camera I happened to be holding in my hand that day  We stayed in touch and I began periodically following him around as he hustled his CDs in the street.  The most confounding thing I found about him was that he had this huge cult following in Europe and Japan and yet here in the U.S. he was a homeless vagabond on the streets of New York City selling his tattered, homemade CDs for $10 a pop to anyone walking by.  I was completely intrigued not only with his music, but with his life and how he lived it.  For the next five years I recorded him as he rapped & made beats, toured the world, hustled in the streets, slept on subways, and of course partied. The resulting documentary is a testament to that journey and a dedication to the music and life of Sensational.  

WHAT I'M TRYING TO DO:

Thus far, I have self-financed the entire project, which is complete and participated in several film festivals and screenings around the world to date, notably: NXNE Music Film Festival (Toronto, Canada), The Radar Hamburg Int. Independent Film Festival (Hamburg, Germany) and the Queens Film Theatre's Beat Generation: Hip Hop On Screen Series (Belfast, Northern Ireland).   For the film to be commercially distributed, however, master/synch rights and photo/archival footage must be cleared.  These rights are expensive. For this reason I have decided to turn to the Kickstarter community for assistance with final completion funds.

WHY DONATE?

I am distributing this film myself.  Traditionally, a distributor would pay for a publicist, advertising, outstanding clearances, and insurance.  Because I don't have that financial backing, I need to raise the all funds required for the film's release. More and more filmmakers are choosing to self-distribute because most distributors no longer offer that kind of backing and therefore, its become the only alternative.  My plan is to release the film on DVD with extras, and for download and streaming via Netflix, iTunes, etc.

HOW WILL THE MONEY BE USED?

Aside from the 5% Kickstarter fee and a 3-5% Amazon credit card processing fee, all funds raised will be directly used for the completion of the film for distribution including:

Additional editing to replace uncleared material

Paying outstanding licensing fees for music, photos, and clips

Paying for legal fees

Paying for E&O (Errors & Omissions) insurance essential for distribution

DVD authoring & production

WHAT IF THE FUNDING GOAL IS MET/NOT MET AND CAN IT BE EXCEEDED?

If the funding goal is not met by the end date, all pledges are cancelled.  Your card will not be charged--end of story.  If the goal is met, your card will be charged the date the campaign ends. 

Yes, the goal can be exceeded and I can direct the additional funds to expedite the completion date as the amount I am asking for is less than what I  need for a wider release which is closer to $20,000.

CAN I DONATE FROM OUTSIDE THE U.S.?

Yes you can!  You just need to set up an Amazon payment account.  If you have any problems, contact me right away and/or read the Kickstarter backers FAQ.

WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO SUPPORT THE FILM?

• Make a pledge today via Kickstarter.  Any contribution, large or small, will make a difference. And all contributions will be rewarded!  Please check the incentive list to your right to find the level and gift right for you!
• Spread the word by telling your friends, family, and social networks about the film and this Kickstarter campaign.  Please send the URL of this page with a personal endorsement to everyone you think would be interested in this project. "Like" and Share the link on Facebook, Twitter, by email or blog.  Encourage people to follow the film. You can find it online here: Facebook, Twitter, www.sensationalfilm.com
• If you have other ideas how to help, contact me!

WHEN DO I GET MY STUFF?

Once the goal is funded, I will begin manufacturing and shipping
incentives. You will get a message from me requesting the details I
need to complete your order, such as T-shirt size, address, etc.

Please reply to that email ASAP so I can get your stuff to you!

OTHER QUESTIONS ON PROJECT OR BACKING?

The Kickstarter Backer FAQ  can answer many questions on how this works or you can always shoot me an email through the links below.

CONTACT INFO:

• sensationalfilm@gmail.com
• www.sensationalfilm.com
• Facebook
• Twitter

SOME FINAL THOUGHTS

Kickstarter is a platform created for creative projects, driven by an all-or-nothing approach.  If the $14,000 goal is not reached, I lose everything, and no money changes hands. If the goal is reached, the film will get a proper DVD release in 2012.  The campaign will last 40 days and that will go by fast.  If you can pledge early in the campaign--it will help build crucial momentum.

During the campaign and beyond I will keep you updated on the progress of the film, and I welcome any feedback and comments.  THANK YOU very much for helping to complete this journey!

With much gratitude,

E.A. Moore

Reward Examples:

Black T-shirt with Sensational's favorite word "WHANT"!!! printed on front:

Black T-shirt with screen printed film poster artwork:

Black Hoodie with Film Logo:

Film Poster: