AquaBurn: Film Reviews

One would be wary of truly being oneself, even in such an uninhibited environment, if the threat of exploitation of one's art for any commercial purposes was present. It is for this reason that film and video cameras are forbidden without permission at Burning Man. All video cameras must be registered and tagged. If you are considering filming for professional purposes, you must have a commercial agreement on file with the media team prior to your arrival on site. Even with an agreement on file, you still must have permission from Burning Man (the Burning Man Organization) to use any images commercially.

This is one reason why "Aqua Burn" is so unique and special. Not only is it a Burning Man sanctioned film, it is also highly entertaining, stunningly beautiful and shockingly hip. It has become the most popular Burning Man film with festival attendees, as well as general public.

Bill Breithaupt is a veteran Burning Man participant, and thus is able to portray the true spirit of the event through film, a media he has been working with for twenty six years.

Film Reviewed : "Aqua Burn"

Directed by Bill Breithaupt (Burning Man Sanctioned FilmMaker)

"Aqua Burn" Receives a Standing Ovation at the Santa Cruz Burning Man Film Festival !

Aqua Burn, the film that started it all, captures the energy and spirit ofBurning Man 2002's (Floating World Theme).

In July of 2002, Head of media operations, Burning Man LLC, Jim Graham offered Bill Breithaupt a spot in the 1st annual Burning Man Film Festival. Jumping at the opportunity Bill headed to Burning Man for his fourth year in a row, partying and filming the entire week as usual. When he returned home he locked himself in his office and edited. In the three weeks between the end of Burning Man 2002 and the day of the film festival he worked a total of 180 hours. The final result was Aqua Burn. The 300 + audience that packed into the Rio Theater that day was astounded. At the end of the film they cheered, then quieted to watch all the credits, and then cheered again. They also gave Bill a Standing Ovation (at the end of which he thanked his mom).

Burning Man festival's director, Jim Graham described the film as "a cross between Koyaanisqatsi and an extreme sports video". The events of the evening far surpassed Bill's expectations. An additional 620 hours of editing time was put in and then it was ready to travel. It premiered in New York and London, winning The Coney Island Short Film Festival 2003's Best Documentary Award and the 2004's Documentary Special Jury Award.

To better estimate the impact and potential of the film without having seen it, it's essential to know a few facts about the Burning Man Festival itself. Even if you have seen the film this information can be interesting and helpful.

"Aqua Burn" rated # 1 Burning Man Film by Burners

Each year over 35,000 people travel to Black Rock City in the Nevada desert to participate in an experience that is wholely unlike any found in modern society. For one week in late August they become part of an experimental community, which challenges its members to express themselves and rely on themselves to a degree that is not normally encountered in day-to-day life. They are to provide their own food, water and shelter, enduring sweltering temperatures often above 110 degrees and overwhelming sandstorms. In the face of such a formidable environment the society flourishes. There is no commerce, Burning Man is built upon a gift economy mentality. No commercialism, no vending, no money.

Gifting is part of the experience. And an experience it is. All around the playa large art installations challenge the elements, rising above the horizon. Theme camps are abundant, each offering their creativity to passers-by in the form of body painting to grilled cheese sandwiches. On Saturday night the man is burned. All the members of this unusual city convene in the center, watching as the 40 foot structure is ignited. As the flames burn higher and the Man falls, each takes away his own memories and experiences. What does burning the Man represent? You'll find as many different answers as you'll find people at the event.

Film Reviewed:

Check out these Reviews for the hit new Burning Man Film: Aqua Burn by Bill Breithaupt

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bill,

Thanks for creating such an excellent film

(regarding AquaBurn)

- Jim Graham

Media Team Operations Manager, Burning Man, LLC

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"AQUABURN" Rocked My World !

- Maid Marian,

Mistress of Communications, Burning Man, LLC

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bill,

Don't Stop Burning !!!

Thanks for creating something beautiful out of something beautiful!

(regarding AquaBurn)

- Andie Grace a.k.a. ActionGirl

Communications Manager, Burning Man LLC

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AQUABURN was the Best Burn Film !

- Andy Wilson ( Director of PLAYING GOD, starring Angelina Jolie and David Duchovny )

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to the shortcomings of email, you may not be able to see this but know that I am standing in front of my computer applauding my ass off for your video. You REALLY captured the essence of the event. The Gregorian chant music mated perfectly with the images. Since the event is more spiritual to me than anything else, this really hit home with me. Bravo Bravo BRAVO !!!

In dust we trust

- The Judge

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I finally saw Aqua Burn on Sunday, and it blew me away. I cried twice ! It's absolutely fantastic, I can't wait to show it to my local Toronto Burning Man friends at our decompression. You have a gift.

- Laura

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I LOVED your video. It was the most comprehensive visual collection I have ever seen of the event. I've been a staff member with Emergency Services Department of the event for 6 years now and explaining what the event is like to family members and friends who haven't been is just difficult as all hell. For probably the first time ever, somebody has done what I thought impossible through a camera. The work you did is unparalleled and it made me miss the playa in so many ways.' I'd love to have a list of music credits , It went so well with the images and stirred my soul.

You're a video-god. Don't let anybody tell you different.

- Greg

Emergency Services, Burning Man

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oh my god Bill, your new video ROCKS !!!

I just got it today, watched it immediately and it made me cry. It is so beautiful, fun, filled with wonderful images and memories. I liked how you focused on the artist building their installations. Plus it's so great to see all my old friends smiling and loving it. You have done a wonderful job. I wish I could give you a big hug !! Thank you !!

- Anile

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I was lucky enough to see your film Aqua Burn at the film festival this weekend and I loved it. I had my whole family there (my wife, twin 7 year old boys who are 5 year Burning Man attendees and my 2 year old daughter who is a 2 year Burning Man attendee ) and we all loved it. My 2 year old went NUTS for the film and still talks about it. She was SO excited to see it because she really remembered the images that she saw - she kept saying "I saw that," "I remember that," and "there is Burning Man." She was so THRILLED to see those images that I cannot describe the excitement and joy that your film brought to her and our family. Thanks so much !

- Hans

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bill,

I'm so impressed... watched it with my mom and little (7yo) sister tonight after a stressful day !

My mom and I REALLY enjoyed your film. So now my little sister is going on and on about how she's going to the Burn with me this year and how "it was kinda sad when the man fell, but then the people get to build a new one, and it's like when an old person dies and a new person is born." god love her. She makes life seem so simple... how humbling to have that kind of honest perspective around me all the time. I cannot say THANK YOU enough.

much love and light...

- Heidi

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Bill-

Your video is gorgeous! a documentary that really lets the images & sounds speak for themselves. The music was perfect, really heightens the imagery to that same spiritual level one experiences when there. I was totally brought back to the playa. THANK YOU so much. Wishing you all the best on your creative endeavors

- Kat

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Bill!

I just had tell you that I finally sat down to watched Aqua Burn this weekend and loved it! I didn't get too far into it before I started to cry. I can't remember now what exactly triggered it but wow.. such good footage. I like that it's mostly visual with snippet of talk because that's what it really comes down to. The mental images left in your mind. I want to tell/show people your video. Can't wait to see your new one. Thanks so much as 2002 was my first year!

- Heather D.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Great job with the film!!! I really loved it; it was different from the other 'documentary' type films (which after back to back viewings started to seem the same). What you are able to accomplish in 4 weeks blows away the stuff that takes people a year or more."

Aqua Burn Kicks Ass !

- Shane R.

Burning Man Skydiver

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bill,

Just saw the film Aqua burn, it's fantastic. Both my housemates and my girlfriend agree, it's a keeper. I especially liked your choice of music, and the segment with the dog ! Can't wait to see what you cook up next...Well done, and many thanks !

- Jeremy Lutes

Burning Man Artist: The Lily Pond

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bill,

Don't give up ! You are important !!! and thank you

- Nate Smith

Burning Man Artist: Fire Vortex

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you so much for your beautiful video. This was my first year at Burning Man, and even though I'm a bit prejudiced by the fact that I actually have a connection to everything portrayed, I still think this was one of the most captivating films about the event ever made. It was so beautiful to watch... Combined with the music, I got pretty overwhelmed and teary-eyed. I have shown and will show it to many of my friends in Seattle. Everyone agrees it's beautiful and touching.

- Katrina

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WOW!!!!!!!!! I'm very impressed. So is everyone from our camp. Tonight I'm going to show your film to 20 of my women friends, many were on the playa and many others are interested in going. I'm sure after seeing your beautiful film, they will be convinced. Tomorrow is our camps (camp biscuit) decompression party. I will also show your film there. Most of our camp already saw it at the Rio, but all have reported that they can't wait to see it again.

- Melissa

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Bill,

WOW , I just love Aqua Burn . I noticed you re-edited it since I saw it in Santa Cruz. great job !

Bill, I have seen every Burning Man movie and internet video there is, some serve different purposes, some are good to show people who have never been, others are good to show your mom. Yours however, is the most inducing - incredible - flashback footage ever ! Take it from a seasoned Burner, your film delivers a taste of the true Burning Man vibe.

It's because of your rockin editing that I put your film at # 1 !

Thanks again

- Craig

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi....We are burners from California who acquired your wonderful piece of art (Aqua Burn) last year... We show it always to new burners or people who are curious. We have all the videos and documentaries and yours is the best!! We know it by heart...so many of our friends have been encouraged by it to attend Burning Man. Your editing, ideas, and masterful photography has had such a huge impact. We are sure many have told you these things, but just wanted to add our comments to all the praise!!!!

Thank you for such a wonderful contribution......

- Pat and Marilyn

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Your movie Aqua Burn, is head and shoulders above all the other Burning Man films I have seen. Thanks for doing such a great job. I'm really looking forward to seeing AstroBlaze."

- Michael

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Bill,

I saw your note in the JRS about the showing of your film in NY and I was reminded that I've wanted to thank you.

You gave me a copy of Aqua Burn one night out on the playa, near the giant chandelier after a couple had just been married there. After the Temple burn I drove home to Portland Oregon and practically the first thing we did was watch Aqua Burn. (i just wanted to go right back) 2002 was my first burn, now I have this video to show friends and family that is actually from a year I was there. I want to thank you because I can watch it now whenever I need to be reminded what a community can be, even when mine here does not seem so wonderful. I remember that I have to bring BRC home with me. In order to make my community what I know it can be, I must PARTICIPATE. So thank you so much! Of all the playa gifts I have been given AquaBurn is the gift that keeps on giving.

Hope to see you on the playa!

- Jayme

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I was the lucky recipient of two of your Burning Man videos, 2001 and 2002.

I think your movies are the best I've seen, really give a great sense of what it's like out there.

I get a thrill every time I watch them, and I've showed the Aqua Burn one to many friends, sometimes it's the final convincing straw to get them to come with me. I'd love to find you, and return some sort of nice gift for all the times I've watched your gift......... ahhhhhhhh.

- Suzen

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I received the DVD last Friday and I love it! Burning Karma and Are You Lost are also great additions to Aqua Burn. I'm part of the Burning Man regional group here in Nova Scotia and we will be using your DVD at our information meetings for those curious about attending Burning Man.

- Iain

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"All I can say is 'fucking outrageous'. Seriously...I wanted to say thank you for putting together such an amazing recap of 2003."

(regarding the 2003 film "Burning Karma")

- Jim Graham

Media Team Operations Manager, Burning Man, LLC

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bill,

Thanks for sending out the AstroBlaze DVD. Simply unbelievable.

I have to tell you, every time I have second thoughts about going out to the playa this year, all I have to do is watch one of your films, and theres no question that Ill be going. Great job. You rock!

- Travis

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"In dust we trust"

- The Judge

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------