What is Carnivalesque Films?

Carnivalesque Films curates stories united by the raw and startling sensibilities of transgression, spectacle, and variations of truth and falseness.  Named for Carnival, a celebration where societal norms are turned on their heads and excess and transgression rule the day, Carnivalesque Films seeks to disrupt a viewer’s most cherished beliefs in unexpected ways. Visually kaleidoscopic, they mash together wildly contrasting styles and jarring images, intentionally violating accepted rules of perfect cuts, standard lighting, and conventional storytelling. In real life, people behave irrationally, succumbing to madness or self-destruction in pursuit of dreams and desires. Carnivalesque Films acknowledges these dreams and desires by exploring them as literature from the character’s point of view. Our collection of films are told in fresh, open-ended ways without telling viewers what to think.

 What does “carnivalesque” mean?

Mikhail Bakhtin, a Russian literary critic, coined the term “carnivalesque” in a book he wrote in 1968 titled “Rabelais and His World.” Bakhtin lived under the Soviet rule of Stalin who prohibited open critiques of authority (in fact, Bakhtin was arrested for doing so in 1929; he spent ten years in exile). Bakhtin resorted to a poetic means of telling stories that focused more on lyricism, literature and laughter as strategies of resistance. He emphasized plural voices and unusual approaches instead of typical “liberal or conservative” points of view so prevalent in today’s films.

 Where can our collection of films be found?

Our films can be found on CarnivalesqueFilms.com, Amazon.com, BarnesAndNoble.com, BestBuy.com, Borders.com, CircuitCity.com, Netflix.com, BlockBuster.com and in almost all retail outlets. If you’re local video store doesn’t have copies, please ask them to contact us and we’ll send copies right away!

Who are we?

David Redmon and Ashley Sabin are rugged filmmakers lost in pursuit of their own irrational dreams. At the moment, they’re close to finding themselves in Columbia, MO – home of the controversial True/False Film Festival.

Are you two crazy? With the recent indie companies going out of business, why did two filmmakers start a distribution company?

Inspired by our predecessors (Albert and David Maysles, Barbara Kopple, Fredrick Wiseman), we decided to forge ahead out of respect and love for visual stories by creating paths to release our films. As filmmakers ourselves, we understand the desire, tenacity and attachment to complete a film and bring it to audiences. We believe we’re in a unique and lucky position to find homes for films as well as facilitate their movement into the marketplace of images in ways that make them stand out.

How do you approach distribution?

Carnivalesque Films approaches distribution one day at a time, focusing on the ethics of commitment, hard work, and small moments of intimacy combined with skill and heart so films can live full and deliberate lives. As filmmakers, we understand the joys and pains of making films and therefore our empathetic approach is “by filmmakers for filmmakers.”

Are you two really “independent filmmakers/distributors?”

We think of ourselves as “dependent” filmmakers and distributors instead of “independent.” In truth, no one does it alone. We (and other filmmakers and distributors) are dependent on organizations to secure screening venues, donate their time and energy, create an audience, and offer a much needed social and psychological support network for everyone involved in the complicated world of storytelling and distribution.

How can I help bring your jarring films to audiences?

Simply send us an email and let us know what you have in mind. I’m certain we can work out a solution.  David Redmon and Ashley Sabin: 203.417.3136 or 347.282.6132 or info@carnivalesquefilms.com  

ABOUT US

Ashley Sabin co-directed Kamp Katrina (SXSW 2007), her first film, with partner David Redmon and Intimidad (2008). Sabin is working with Redmon to self-distribute Mardi Gras: Made in China (2005, Sundance), Kamp Katrina (2007 SXSW), and Intimidad (SXSW 2008). Ashley graduated from Pratt Institute with a degree in Art History and is currently working on three more documentary features. 

David Redmon directed Mardi Gras: Made in China (2005, Sundance), co-directed Kamp Katrina (2007 SXSW), and Intimidad (2008) with partner Ashley Sabin. David Redmon is self-distributing Mardi Gras: Made in China, Kamp Katrina, and Intimidad with Sabin. Both Redmon and Sabin are currently completing three more documentary projects titled ODYSSEY OF A TIN MAN, DARLINGS, and MS. PEARL: THE MUSICAL all of which are set for release in 2008-2009.

Recommended Links

Considering Democracy - Our friend Keya is traveling the US showing her film living out of her car!

Karina at Spout.com - We think Karina is one of the most thoughtful and insightful critics out there.

America's Best Coffee -  Where we order our coffee (fair trade, organic) 

Art Film Talk - Independent artist who supports filmmakers through the media

Ms. Pearl's webpage  - Ms. Pearl's webpage about the Bywater in New Orleans.

Cultural Criminology Webpage - Material that influences our work

Jim Bowie Relay Station - A MUT SEE if you're in rural Louisiana

Shooting People - Online information about filmmaking in NYC

Low and Behold - One of our favorite films from 2007

New Orleans After the Deluge