Film Festivals

Beverly Hills

Cinequest Online Film Festival - AquaBurn - (Feb 1st - April 30th, 2006) (Official Screening)

Coney Island Film Festival - AstroBlaze - (September 30th - October 2nd, 2005) (Official Screening)

Crested Butte Reel Festival - AquaBurn - (August 10th - 14th,2005) (Official Screening)

Flint Film Festival - AquaBurn - (May 20-22, 2005) (Official Screening)

Under the Couch Film Festival - AquaBurn - (November 17th, 2004) (Headlined Festival)

Coney Island Film Festival- Burning Karma - (October 1st - 3rd, 2004) (Official Screening)

Action/Cut Short Film Festival - AquaBurn - (September 1st, 2004) (Special Jury Award)

Santa Cruz: Burning Man Film Festival - AstroBlaze - (October 9th, 2004) (Official Screening)

Healdsburg : : Burning Man Film Festival - AquaBurn - (July 31st, 2004) (Official Screening)

London: Burning Man Film Festival - AquaBurn - (May 8th & 9th, 2004) (Headlined Festival)

New York International Independent Film & Video Festival - AquaBurn - (April 22nd - 29th, 2004) (Official Screening)

Coney Island Short Film Festival - AquaBurn - (September 27th & 28th, 2003) (WINNER BEST DOCUMENTARY)

Santa Cruz: Burning Man Film Festival - Burning Karma - (October 4th, 2003) (Official Screening)

Upward Rising Development Film Festival - Are You Lost? - (April 27th, 2003) ( 3rd Place)

Santa Cruz: Burning Man Film Festival - AquaBurn - (September 28,2002) (Standing Ovation) (Official Screening)

In July of 2002, Head of media operations, 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). The 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 Action/Cut Short Film Festival 2004 Documentary Special Jury Award

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In the midst of editing Burning Karma, Bill Breithaupt took four days off to visit New York for the Coney Island Film Festival. It was his first time to New York since he was six years old. He and his Mother enjoyed some sight-seeing, visiting Ground Zero and checking out Manhattan. Rob Leddy, festival director of the Coney Island Film Festival, did a fabulous job hosting a gala for the filmmakers at the Coney Island Musuem. As part of the festivities a Freak Show was put on, with burlesque dancers, a glass-eating man and an obscene-ballon artist. The filmmakers enjoyed themselves in a laid back atmosphere. "AquaBurn" headlined in the block of competing documentaries. When Breithaupt returned home he received an e-mail informing him that his film won BEST DOCUMENTARY.

Bill,

I am very pleased to inform you that "AquaBurn" has been selected as the winner of the Best Documentary award for the 2003 Coney Island Short Film Festival. It was a pleasure meeting you at the festival. We look forward to seeing more of your films from you in the future.

Regards,

Rob Leddy - Festival Director

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In May of 2002 Bill Breithaupt entered "Are You Lost?" into the Upward Rising Developement online Film Festival. Out of hundreds of entries only 38 were selected to go to the online voting round. The online voters determined the Top 5 Finalist. The top 5 finalist films were shown to a live audience who then voted on their favorite film. Out of the five films "Are You Lost?" received 3rd place.

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Launching the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival in style was the Opening Night Gala held at Manhattan's hottest new nightclub, BLVD. With over 500 musicians, artists, filmmakers, and industry execs in attendance the party was the place to be on April 22nd, 2004. Amid the hubbub, AquaBurn was making it's presence known!! Not surprisingly there were a few Burners in the crowd who were stoked to see that a Burning Man Film made it into the festival.

During the one week respite between the party and the actual showing of "Aqua Burn", Breithaupt did a little sightseeing. Central Park, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, the New York City Library, Empire State building, Time Square and most of Midtown Manhattan. And of course, the NBC Studio Tour where Breithaupt caught a glimpse of Carson Daly rehearsing for a taping of his show.

Finally the night of the showing rolled around and people began to pour into Theater 7 at the Village East Cinemas. Preceding AquBurn in the block of documentaries were "My Country, Right or Wrong", encompassing interviews with members of the Santa Fe chapter of Veterans for Peace, and "Zionist Cookies", giving a look at the opinions of an Israeli-American family regarding the Israeli-Palestinian war.

The audience's enthused reaction caught Breithaupt off guard. Breithaupt were bombarded by praise, and of course questions! The Burners from the party were there, true to their word, wondering which camp Breithaupt be at this year and eager to discuss their experiences.

Surprisingly a few of the older folks in the crowd were very eager to know everything about the festival, and I could see the wheels in their head turning away as they began planning their own visit to Burning Man. Another gentleman was curious as to how he could make his own film. I was shocked to see that nearly twenty minutes had passed since the film ended when an usher came to remind us that another film was going to be starting and we needed to exit the theater.

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On May 8, 2004 Brixton's Ritzy Cinema found itself host to the first London Burning Man Film Festival. The two day event featured artwork and photographs by Burners, live artistic presentations and fire spinning. As one could expect, there were also many great films!
As the first day wore on more people began to arrive at the theater. Already known as a happening hangout in Brixton, the lobby was soon jammed full of bodies. This was largely alleviated by the announcement that the last film was going to begin. Larry Harvey made a speech and the sneak-preview of "Beyond Black Rock" began.

The after party at the Brixtonian capped the night off in true Burning Man style. The fire spinners, having migrated like the rest of us, were showing their talents right outside the club's back-alley entrance. With d.j.'s pumping music so loud you'd almost think you were at a 2 o'clock rave, henna artists and face painters, and a hot tub (no clothing necessary), all we needed was a little playa dust and we would have felt like Breithaupt was home.

Sunday night AquaBurn made it's European debut as the headliner, closing the festival with an upbeat rememberance of Burning Man 2002. After the film ended Breithaupt's booth was mobbed. Breithaupt stayed until the last questions were answered and everyone who wanted a copy of the film had one. As Breithaupt packed up he were sad to see it end. Bidding adieu to old friends a new accquaintances he left London with many fond memories.

Dear Bill,

Thank you very much for the assistance, help, creative input and patience
during the film festival. It was an amazing experience and one of the many
highlights was AquaBurn.
The feedback has been very complimentary, people loved the film and I am
sure this doesn't come as a surprise. :)
I am grateful that you agreed to let us screen Aqua burn and I can't help but
admit that the festival wouldn't have been complete without you.

Once again, a big thank you for all.
Much love

Yoms )'(
Festival Director

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On July 11, 2004 "Aqua Burn" headlined the North Bay Regional Burning Man Film Festival at the Raven Theater in Healdsburg, CA. The event featured many Burning Man films, as well as local Burning Man artwork auctioned off to support the artbus project "The Empyrean Cruiser". Ticket proceeds went to the North Bay Virgin Scholarship Program, which grants tickets to first-time Burning Man attendees, and the Black Rock Arts Foundation. Guest speaker David Best provided a very enlightening dicussion regarding the creation of this year's Temple

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In another bout of brillant filmmaking Bill has once again completed his annual film in the month between Burning Man and the Santa Cruz Burning Man Film Festival. The final film in the AquaBurn trilogy celebrates the Vault of Heaven theme of 2004. Having evolved into a serene and meditative incarnation, Astro Blaze maintains the magic and imagination that went into it's predecessors.

Beautiful and moving music underscore this collaberation of art, earth and people. Time lapses so beautiful they could have only been shot in a sand storm. Interviews with regulars and newbies alike. And a Burn that is a total blast Previously featured artists Peter Hudson and Nate Smith give us insight into their newest projects. Introducing Kate Raudenbush, David Biggs and Dana Moonfire and their projects, respectively.

Hey Bill,
Actually, thank you for your incredible hard work and the fantastic result. Your skills improve by leaps and bounds every single year.

FYI, I retired today as Media Team Operations Manager. Been doing it for seven years. Also, this was probably the last year we'll be doing the BM Film Festival. I don't think there's enough material out there to support another full day of films, which is what I always like to offer.

It was great seeing you and your mom again this year.

Again, thanks,

Jim Graham

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On September 1st 2004, Aqua Burn won the ACTION/CUT SPECIAL JURY AWARD FOR DOCUMENTAY SHORT FILM Almost a thousand films were entered and screened through a process of multible jury committees.
The five parameters of judging were: Subject Originality, Content realization, Visual-Storytelling, Production Values, and Viewing Engagemant of Work. Four films were chosen as finalist in the Documentary category, one of which was Aqua Burn.
From there it went on to win the Special Jury Award.

Dear Bill,

On behalf of the Action/Cut Short Film Competiton 2004, it is my pleasure to warmly congratulate you for your wonderful film "AQUA BURN" which received the ACTION/CUT SPECIAL JURY AWARD FOR DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM from our industry juries.

You should be very proud of your achievement, as the 2004 Competition was very challenging with almost a thousand film entries being screened through a process of
multiple jury committees. The five paramaters of judging were: Subject Originality, Content Realization, Visual-Storytelling, Production Values, and Viewing Engagement of Work.

Again, congrats for your terrific film winning this special Action/Cut 2004 Special Jury Award For Documentary Short Film, and we send you our very best
wishes for all your future filmmaking endeavors.

Best Regards,

Guy Magar
Action/Cut Short Film Competition - Founder

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