Arts & Entertainment
Mill Valley Native Documents "Sistine Chapel of the Graffiti Art World", Earns Spot at MVFF
Short film, Everything is Temporary, created by Blake Wellen and his family, will be featured at the Mill Valley Film Festival in October. The area native can't wait to bring his family for a homecoming. WATCH THE TRAILER!
Mill Valley native, and now honored filmmaker, Blake Wellen is excited to be heading home for a special visit during the Mill Valley Film Festival (MVFF).
The Tamalpais high alum submitted a short film that was selected to be featured in the 36th Annual MVFF – an art documentary he created with his family, after a chance encounter that they knew demanded documentation.
Here's the plot to the three-minute short filmed titled Everything is Temporary that will be screening on Sat. Oct. 5, 5:45 p.m. at 142 Throckmorton, and again Tues. Oct. 8, 9:00 p.m, in Rafael 3.
Two teenage boys stumble upon what is being called the Sistine Chapel of the graffiti art world. As they wander around this 36,000 square-foot building their minds are broadened and their hearts are opened.
To their shock and dismay they are saddened to discover that these walls will be sandblasted over in one week’s time. They scramble to document the art’s existence.
This three minute short film is a window into a non-traditional art world. Everything Is Temporary challenges what is valued and respected within the art world, our society and what we’re willing to destroy.
Meet the Filmmaker
Patch: Are you in the film industry or is this a fun project?Wellen: Fortunate to have married into the film industry. My wife, Julie Rubio, who has inspired me and my passion for the art of film making, is a writer/director/producer of films. She's a wonderful film maker. Our son Elijah Stavena has grown up around film as well. He's a talented actor and musician. He does the voice over work in the film and helped produce and some shot some of the Cinematography.
Patch: Why did you decide to create and enter your film?
Wellen: My wife and son discovered this building by chance. After seeing the artwork, her film making instincts took over and she knew we needed to document this amazing space. I skipped work, we pulled our son out of school early for a couple of days in a row to shoot this film. After we edited our movie, we knew we needed to submit it to a festival. Mill Valley is internationally recognized. It was an easy choice. We're grateful to have been chosen by MVFF.
Patch: What does it mean to be part of the festival as a filmmaker?
Wellen: It is just a wonderful honor. It was means that our film touched people's emotions and moved them. That's what you aim for as a film maker.
Patch: What was the best part of growing up in Mill Valley?
Wellen: Best part of growing up in Mill Valley..Your backyard is Mt. Tam; Its one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Patch: After heading to UCLA as an honored athlete and Sociology major, what career path did you take?
Wellen: Own, with my father, the Lafayette Car Wash and Detail Center and Wife and I also own J Colleen, boutique, both in Lafayette, Ca.
Patch:Who will be joining you on the trip back home?
Wellen: My wife and son and our family and friends.
About the Mill Valley Film Festival
The Mill Valley Film Festival brings in 40,000 ticketed guests annually during an 11-day celebration of the best in independent and world cinema. MVFF brings together a community of more than 200 filmmakers from around the world with film lovers in Mill Valley, San Rafael and beyond to experience amazing new films.With its reputation as a filmmakers’ festival, this prestigious noncompetitive event showcases international features, documentaries, shorts and children's films—something for every filmgoer.
Visit MVFF.com for tickets and event details.
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