In the 1970s a tribe of teens came together in New York's crumbling Central Park and in the process created a lasting cultural impact.
UPDATE: IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE VIDEO, PLEASE CHECK OUT THE NEW (SECOND) VIDEO TRAILER, HERE!: http://vimeo.com/30757453
A coming-of-age story set at the nadir of New York City history, and in the world's most famous - and at that time infamous - park, abandoned and crumbling amid the city's collapsed economy, the documentary reveals a unique and colorful 1970's subculture. The film highlights a family that formed at the Central Park Bandshell, a family that to this day is held together by the ties formed then.
An important New York City story, SUNSHINE REBELS highlights the lives of intriguing figures who lived communally, intensely, at times ferally, in the shadowy grounds of Central Park's Naumburg Bandshell, the heart of a reeling and broken Gotham City. In the process they contributed to the cultural and artistic shifts that continue to have an impact today.
The Sunshine Rebels were post-60's hippies. But unlike their predecessors they had a cynical edge. Events of the late '60s and early '70s had made them more pessimistic and mistrusting than their hippy "ancestors". The Viet Nam War, the assassination of the Kennedy's and Martin Luther King - along with other calamities like Kent State, Attica, and debacles such as the Pentagon Papers and the near financial collapse of New York City - all contributed to a toughened rebel youth. They were street kids, many abandoned by parents, as well as the "system". Some called them hippy gangsters.
New York Magazine called them "the Lost Tribe, outsiders in an outsider's world." Amongst themselves they were known as Parkies. And their contribution to contemporary world culture is significant. Wild Style graffiti, originated by TRACY 168, flourished at the Bandshell with the legendary graffiti artists of The Rolling Thunder Writers and Soul Artists. Members of the original ZOO YORK ("Dogtown East") skateboard team were Parkies. Bandshell musicians tried and tested new, emerging music, and many went on to play with celebrated bands such as the B52s, Stray Cats, Tito Puente and others. And three members of the Parkie clan were world-champion freestyle Frisbee players, people like Kerry Kollmar, who changed the sport forever when he invented the "nail-delay" and "tapping".
Some members of the tribe became legends . . .
Some moved on . . .
Some died . . .
Our story ends on December 8th, 1980 - the night John Lennon was murdered. By 1980 the Bandshell scene had all but died out. Disillusionment had taken its toll on many. And crack cocaine and heroin had taken their toll on the tribe. With the coming of AIDS, and John Lennon's death, another peace-loving era had died.
Your Investment
We have a lot of work to do. We have many interviews already in the can, but will be doing many more. Future interviews we aim to get include New York celebrities and notables such as Yoko Ono, Debbie Harry and Michael Lang (producer of the 1969 Woodstock Aquarian Music Festival), and politicians such as former Mayor, Ed Koch, who once said, "New York City is where the future comes to rehearse." Historical footage must be researched and gathered. And rights and permissions for historical footage and music must be acquired.
Your contribution helps cover production costs of cameras, computer editing systems and software, capture cards, media storage, gas, travel and lodging expenses. Rights and permissions for music and historical footage must be acquired, a research specialist needs to be hired, and much, much more.
Our initial goal for the film is to premiere it at - where else? - New York's Tribeca Film Festival. Sundance and other festivals are also a goal. Distribution would be an achievement, but for the moment we are setting our sights on simply finishing the film.
This is our first of a series of fundraising efforts, and we hope to garner your support now and in the future.
Sincerely,
The Producers
Contributions are quick and easy through the Amazon.com pay system.
PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO YOUR EMAIL LIST AND SHARE IT ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER!
A Note About Artwork Rewards:
In addition to the '70s artwork and newly designed t-shirts and ball caps by CRUNCH, we have four original works - one each by graffiti legends ZEPHYR, REVOLT, BILROCK and CRUNCH. These are one-of-a-kind originals donated to the project by the artists themselves. Any contribution of $750.00 or more is eligible. But once they are gone they are gone. So act fast!
Below are samples of CRUNCH's graphic artwork, including images of his framed prints, offered to contributors, and samples of the extraordinary artwork of BILROCK, ZEPHYR, and The Evil Dr. REVOLT.
CRUNCHWERX
BELOW: Galactus & Sundance 1975 Bandshell concert poster. At the $100 level this "Galactus" print is offered - framed and signed by its designer, John "CRUNCH" Cederquist. At the $250 level the "SIE-1" print is offered - framed and signed with a personalized note by CRUNCH.
BELOW: High-quality photocopy of a 1977 "SIE-1" piece made for J.C. "SIE-1" Kirsch (R.I.P.) by CRUNCH - framed, signed and personalized for "backer" by the artist.
Below is the original, patented "LOVE" logo CRUNCH just designed, which will be used for one of the two t-shirts we're offering ("SUNSHINE REBELS" and "LOVE" t-shirts!)
BILROCK
BELOW: (SAMPLES, not actual "reward")
REVOLT
BELOW: SAMPLES, not necessarily the exact pieces offered.
ZEPHYR
BELOW: SAMPLE, not the exact piece offered.
FAQ
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There are several types. John CRUNCH Cederquist is designing the t-shirts and baseball caps. Two tees will be available: the SUNSHINE REBELS shirt, and CRUNCH's Patented LOVE t-shirt. CRUNCH is also making available signed prints of original 1970's poster pointillism artwork. Additionally, BILROCK, REVOLT and ZEPHYR will create a one-of-a-kind canvas (so there are only three, one of each) available, and they will be available first come first serve to anyone who contributes at the $750 or more level. Thank you postcards will be designed by CRUNCH, and posters SUNSHINE REBELS movie may become available in the future.
UPDATES: CRUNCH has offered to create an original canvas as a reward!
88
Backers
$7,559
pledged of $25,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Unsuccessful This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on October 25, 2011.
Funding period
Sep 20, 2011 -
Oct 25, 2011
(35 days)
- First created · 2 backed
- Has not connected Facebook
- Website: dv-arts.com
Pledge $1 or more
12 backers
Project news and updates. Thank you postcard with original artwork by legendary graffiti artist John "CRUNCH" Cederquist.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2012Pledge $25 or more
17 backers
Project news and updates. Listed as a project supporter on the website. Thank you postcard with original artwork by legendary graffiti artist John "CRUNCH" Cederquist.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2012Pledge $50 or more
15 backers
Project news and updates. Listed as a project supporter on the website. Thank you postcard with original artwork by legendary graffiti artist John "CRUNCH" Cederquist.
Estimated delivery: Jan 2012Pledge $75 or more
1 backer
Project news and updates. Listed as a project supporter on the website. Thank you postcard with original artwork by legendary graffiti artist John "CRUNCH" Cederquist. SUNSHINE REBELS t-shirt AND baseball cap!
Estimated delivery: Feb 2012Pledge $100 or more
20 backers
Project news and updates. Listed as a project supporter on the website. A Sunshine Rebels project baseball cap designed by legendary graffiti artist John "CRUNCH" Cederquist. A framed print of original 1970's poster art by John CRUNCH Cederquist.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2012Pledge $250 or more
6 backers
Project news and updates. Listed as a "silver" project supporter on the website. A 100% cotton t-shirt designed by graffiti artist John "CRUNCH" Cederquist. Film title "Special Thanks" credits. A framed, signed and personalized print of original 1970's SIE-1 artwork by John CRUNCH Cederquist.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2012Pledge $500 or more
1 backer
Project news and updates. Listed as a "gold" project supporter on the website. A Sunshine Rebels project baseball cap and t-shirt designed by CRUNCH. Exclusive access to sneak-peak online video trailer edits. Film title "Special Thanks" credits.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2012Pledge $750 or more
0 backers
You also receive project news and updates. Listed as a "gold" project supporter on the website. A Sunshine Rebels project baseball cap and t-shirt designed by legendary graffiti artist John "CRUNCH" Cederquist. Exclusive access to sneak-peak online video trailer edits. Film title "Special Thanks" credits. In addition to the amazing original artwork by CRUNCH, we have three original canvases by ZEPHYR, REVOLT and BILROCK. These are one-of-a-kind originals. Any contribution of $750.00 or more is eligible. Once they are gone they are gone. So act fast!
Estimated delivery: Feb 2012Pledge $1,000 or more
1 backer
Project news and updates. Listed as a "platinum" project supporter on the website. A Sunshine Rebels project baseball cap and t-shirt designed by legendary graffiti artist, John "CRUNCH" Cederquist. Exclusive access to sneak-peak online video trailer edits. Two tickets to one of the major film festivals (assumes film entry and acceptance, travel and expenses not included). Film title "Special Thanks" credits. Invitation to special events. In addition to the amazing original artwork by CRUNCH, we have four original works by BILROCK, ZEPHYR, REVOLT and CRUNCH. These are one-of-a-kind originals. Any contribution of $750.00 or more is eligible. Once they are gone they are gone. So act fast!
Estimated delivery: Feb 2012Pledge $2,500 or more
0 backers
Project news and updates. Listed as a "major financial supporter" on the project website. A project baseball cap and t-shirt designed by legendary graffiti artist, John "CRUNCH" Cederquist. Exclusive access to sneak-peak online video trailer edits. Four tickets to private screenings. Two tickets to one of the major film festivals (assumes film entry and acceptance, travel and expenses not included). Film title Executive Producer credits. Invitation to the "Wrap Party". In addition to the amazing original artwork by CRUNCH, we have four original works by BILROCK, ZEPHYR, REVOLT and CRUNCH. These are one-of-a-kind originals. Any contribution of $750.00 or more is eligible. Once they are gone they are gone. So act fast!
Estimated delivery: Feb 2012Pledge $5,000 or more
0 backers
Project news and updates. Contributor access to the project blog. Listed as a "philanthropic supporter" on the project website. A Sunshine Rebels project baseball cap and t-shirt designed by CRUNCH. Exclusive access to sneak-peak online video trailer edits. Film Executive Producer credits. Invitation to special events, as well as to the "Wrap Party". Six tickets to private screenings. Two tickets to the film's festival premier (assumes film entry and acceptance, travel and expenses not included). In addition to the amazing original artwork by CRUNCH, we have four works by BILROCK, ZEPHYR, REVOLT and CRUNCH. These are one-of-a-kind originals. Any contribution of $750.00 or more is eligible. Once they are gone they are gone. So act fast!
Estimated delivery: Feb 2012
