Maggie Dave at the Hammer Museum - November 13th, 2019

So grateful to have been a part of the Flux Screening Series this November. Our music video for “I'm Not Ready,” directed & animated by Cassie Shao, premiered for a sold-out audience at the Billy Wilder Theatre at the Hammer Museum. The special event was a feast of short films and visual works from luminary directors from around the world, capped by Flux’s signature “Filmmaker Presentations,” allowing the invited filmmakers to express themselves in unexpected ways on stage. One year, a surprise drop-in from director Michel Gondry resulted in an impromptu drum performance, setting quite the precedent. I, however, decided to bring my old cell phone from the early 2010s. I used it on stage as a prop that helped resuscitate emotional memories of my struggle with depression, during a time when reconnecting with family and friends was difficult. A variation on a story I’ve told with The Moth in Los Angeles, it was invigorating to pair it with Maggie Dave’s music.

As the presentations continued, this immersive dialogue between myself, the other filmmakers and the audience was an affirmation in the power of experiencing art together. I hope to continue this spirit of exchange with our upcoming releases as a band. After the show, members of YACHT treated everyone to a special DJ set in the courtyard under a warm canopy of stars. I was flattered to talk with so many who were moved by my story, as I kept switching my drink to shake their hands. The Los Angeles evenings had not yet been seized with cold, so plenty of dancing and smiling was enjoyed by all. (with bandmates Mark Christopher and Ricky Berger there in spirit!)

-Sean David Christensen, December 22nd, 2019

All event photos by Brian Feinzimer.

The audience waits for the show to begin in the Billy Wilder Theatre at the Hammer Museum.

Artist Kilo Kish entertains us with a puppet show, featuring characters from her music video for “Bite Me.”

Director Kimberly Stuckwisch (left) hosts “America’s Next Top Model,” *pun intended,* a game show that pitted directors (from left) Gareth Smith, Yoni Lappin and Dimitri Luedemann in a battle of wits to determine which scenes from classic films used either miniatures or computer-generated effects. Smith ran away with it - he’s a pro!

Lazy Susan by directors Ian Kibbey & Corey Creasey (as Terri Timely) was given a TED-style talk on the ingenuity of laziness, hosted by actress Monica Hong.

Can you spot my phone in my right pocket?

Director JJ Stratford and Claire L. Evans of YACHT give a lecture on pioneering voices in video art.

The audience gathers before the outdoor DJ set at the Hammer Museum. Can you spot my friend Hunter and I?

YACHT is ready to bring the tunes to the people.

Filmmakers, friends, artists and museum-goers enjoy the night outside in the Hammer Museum courtyard and the special DJ set by YACHT.

Jonathan and Meg Wells, creative directors of the Flux Screening Series, dance the night away!

if you are a music video director or visual artist with work to share, please visit Flux on FilmFreeway to learn more!