We are going to deviate from our regularly scheduled programming to bring you this very special announcement: Troma Entertainment approached us this weekend to ask for our help. We are both honored and thrilled to be a part of something we believe in so strongly. Troma has been a part of our lives for a very long time and is one of the reasons that we’re so in love with this genre. For those of you who don’t know about Troma Enterainment:
“Established in 1974 by Yale friends Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz, Troma Entertainment is one of the longest-running independent movie studios in United States history, and one of the best-known names in the industry. World famous for movie classics like Kaufman’s The Toxic Avenger, Sgt. Kabukiman, NYPD, Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead, as well as Class of Nuke ‘Em High and Tromeo & Juliet, Troma’s seminal films. Among today’s luminaries whose early work can be found in Troma’s 800+ film library are Samuel L. Jackson, Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Jenna Fischer, Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman, Kevin Costner, Fergie, Vincent D’Onofrio, James Gunn and Eli Roth.”
Troma Entertainement is trying to raise enough money to get to The Cannes Film Festival to shoot a documentary about the struggles of independent film. Here is a description of the documentary from the website:
“Occupy Cannes will tell the story of how the Troma Team, economically blacklisted independent filmmakers, fight to survive in a world dominated by the mega media conglomerates; mega media conglomerates who spend more on a party at the Cannes than Troma spends on an entire production. Our documentary will depict the struggle that occurs when we try to present a truly independent film at the Cannes Film Festival. Occupy Cannes will be not only entertaining but uniquely informative. It will be a true David versus Goliath story. You can help Troma hurl a stone right into the forehead of the mainstream movie monopoly on behalf of independent art and commerce. Occupy Cannes will turn one of the world’s longest running and most important film festival inside out for the viewer. From meetings with buyers, to soirees on the Riviera (to which Lloyd Kaufman the Troma Team are never invited), to the premiere of Return to Nuke ‘Em High on the “green” carpet, viewers will join us as we continue our valiant crusade: giving independent art back to the people! We’ll have the opportunity to film everyone and everything at the Festival, from luminaries like Harvey Weinstein and Quentin Tarantino to the independent filmmaker trying to sell a tender, heartfelt documentary about his pet hamster. This approach will give viewers an insight they’ve never had into the inner workings of the Cannes Film Festival at every level. Occupy Cannes will prove to be an invaluable tool not only for independent filmmakers, but for all artists, scholars, and anyone that values the idea of artistic independence. More important, the issue of artistic independence is bigger than Cannes, Troma, Return to Nuke ‘Em High, and the film industry itself; it’s about showing the world that independent art must be actively fought for. All we need is you. Help us to bring the true spirit of independence back to Cannes and this big blue marble we call Earth.”
Is there anything quite like a Troma film? Tara Miller (Return to Nuke Em High) said it best, “Everything you see in Troma films is the sheer result of a hard-working, diligent group of people who BLEED horror, sacrifice sleep and implement a total DIY practice.” The aim of this documentary and campaign is to advocate for all independent films and film makers.
We urge you to get involved – to support Troma in any way that you can. Even if you aren’t able to donate, spread the word! Troma sticks with you. Troma is there for you. Be there for Troma.
Bad horror, Good times 