Logline:
"Born into the ruins of post-war Germany, Leni Sinclair's journey from a young refugee to a revolutionary artist and activist captures the spirit of resistance and creativity that shaped the counterculture of the 1960s and beyond."
Synopsis:
In the ashes of post-war Germany, a young Magdalene Arndt refuses to betray her belief in God, a defiant act that marks the beginning of a life driven by conviction. She flees the oppressive regime in 1959. With only a few Marks left to her name, she purchases a camera, a decision that will define her destiny.
Amidst the industrial backdrop of Detroit, Magdalene meets the magnetic poet and activist John Sinclair, a partnership that soon blossoms into marriage and creative collaboration that evolves into the infamous Trans-Love Energies commune, a hub for counterculture revolutionaries. When John is imprisoned for marijuana possession, Leni's fight for his freedom becomes a rallying cry for justice, culminating in the historic "Free John Sinclair Rally" headlined by John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and Stevie Wonder.
Leni’s camera becomes her voice, capturing the soul of America’s burgeoning cultural and musical movements. She immortalizes legends like John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix, and Detroit’s own MC5, while also chronicling the raw energy of the city’s underground scene. Her work is not just art; it’s activism. Leni and John co-found the White Panther Party, standing in solidarity with the Black Panthers and advocating for radical social change.
Tone and Style: "Leni: Through the Lens of Revolution" blends the gritty realism of historical drama with the vibrant, chaotic energy of the 1960s counterculture. Shot with a mix of stark black-and-white and saturated color, the film will reflect the dualities of Leni’s life: war and peace, art and activism, Germany and America. Music will be central, featuring jazz, rock, and protest anthems that underscore the era's spirit.
-Revolutionary Lens-
Travelin' Man is a semi-biographical film inspired by the life and experiences of Tom Weschler, a young rock photographer and road manager, as chronicled in the popular book Travelin' Man: On the Road and Behind the Scenes with Bob Seger.
Logline: Tom Weschler, a budding rock photographer turned road manager, grapples with unexpected challenges as he navigates life on the road, witnessing Bob Seger's inner struggles and helping the artist forge his path to national success.
At just nineteen, Tom is hired by businessman Edward "Punch" Andrews to be a roadie only to become the road manager for the rising rock star Bob Seger. The film delves into Tom's journey through the vibrant 1970s touring and recording era with Seger and his various musical groups. It captures iconic performances, the creation of eight albums, and the evolution of five different band lineups—all of which contribute to Seger's rise to fame. Throughout this journey, Tom forms a deep and unexpected bond with Seger, while facing the challenges of the rock music business and learning how the mix of business and pleasure creates the magic of rock 'n' roll.