Kansas filmmaker honored in New York
Films by and about Balderson shown at Tribeca Film Center
Steve Balderson, a Kansas filmmaker who grew up in Wamego, will be honored at the Tribeca Film Center next week.
Friday, October 26th, 2007
Steve Balderson, a Kansas filmmaker, is being honored at the Tribeca Film Center in New York City Oct. 26, 29 and 31. The films being shown are “Firecracker,” “Wamego Strikes Back” and “Wamego: Making Movies Anywhere.” We asked Balderson some questions about being a filmmaker from Kansas.
Q: Where did you grow up, and where do you spend the majority of your time?
A: I grew up in Wamego and went to Manhattan High School but spent a lot of my time in Lawrence because it was much more open minded than Manhattan. I went to college at California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) outside Los Angeles. I do live in Kansas the majority of my time, but I also spend portions of the year in Europe and in LA.
Q: Growing up in Kansas, when and how did you get involved in film?
A: It was always something I felt very comfortable and confident doing. I wasn’t very good at sports or anything else for that matter. Visual storytelling was really the only place I felt at home. My grandfather always had a still camera — taking photos of everything. So I suppose I learned about it that way.
Q: Is Tribeca a big accomplishment for you? Why?
A: I’m very excited they’re showing the documentary about us called “Wamego Strikes Back.” Most filmmakers are afraid to be honest and tell it like it is. But I figure somebody should do it. That way maybe we can help others avoid the same mistakes! I think it’s really neat when anybody wants to showcase an artist. That it happens to be me is fantastic!
Q: How does it feel when someone like Roger Ebert is calling your film “brilliant”?
A: It feels like magic. After that, I decided never to worry about what other people think.
Q: Why do you choose to make your films without studio support?
A: For the freedom. It might take more creativity to figure out how to achieve the same result for nothing - but that’s part of the fun for me. We built a gypsy wagon from scratch for “Firecracker” that cost about $150. If we would have had to hire official set builders and painters there’s no way we’d have been able to do it.
Q: Do your films pertain to subjects that college students would appreciate and be interested in?
A: I think my project PHONE SEX, which is a documentary I made with Margaret Cho, Ron Jeremy, and a host of others, is the best birthday gift and/or holiday present. Also, PEP SQUAD was my school violence satire. Students tired of the establishment always love that one.
Q: Do you have any suggestions for students at the University of Kansas who are interested in film?
A: Be open to the truth that what your instructors tell you isn’t the right way and only way. There are always other ways to do something. Learn to find your own voice — even if that contradicts other people’s. Have the courage to take responsibility for yourself. Look inward to find the answers — not to your fellow students, teachers, neighbors, etc. Find your own vision. Define what YOU see by yourself.
Q: Overall, do you feel that you have met your goals and achievements?
A: Each day I set out with something new to learn and to explore. But I am totally satisfied with my past and what has made me into the person I am today. I have not a single regret.
— Edited by Amelia Freidline
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