Greensky Bluegrass – Find Ourselves Lost

This intimate black-and-white documentary offers a raw and personal look into the journey of the American band Greensky Bluegrass as they venture to Iceland to record a new album. Set against the stark, otherworldly landscapes of the Icelandic wilderness, the film blends biographical storytelling with the band’s creative process, revealing the members' internal struggles, insecurities, and artistic challenges.

Directed by first-time filmmaker René Huemer, the documentary delves deep into the tension between ambition and self-doubt, showing how these musicians grapple with their fears and imperfections. The Icelandic environment, with its dramatic contrasts and serene beauty, serves as both a backdrop and a metaphor for the band's evolving creative journey. This debut film not only captures the essence of artistic vulnerability but also encourages viewers to embrace their own fears, setbacks, and failures as vital steps in the process of creating something meaningful.

DIRECTOR STATEMENT

The journey of creating "Greensky Bluegrass – Find Ourselves Lost" has been one of profound discovery and passion. This film was born from a deep desire to delve into the psychological landscape of the acclaimed US music band, Greensky Bluegrass, as they embarked on the intimate process of recording an album in the remote, stunning landscape of Iceland. I was inspired to highlight that even well-achieved artists grapple with their own struggles, a reality often obscured by the facade of social media. This revelation is crucial in a world where we often mistakenly believe that success shields one from the human experience of fear and insecurity.

In crafting this film, I chose a biographical storytelling approach, dividing the documentary into three distinct parts: Personality, Creativity, and Community. Each segment is juxtaposed with elements of Iceland’s breathtaking nature to underscore the emotional and psychological landscapes explored. For instance, in the section on creativity, we used the element of water to symbolize flow, change, and the depths of artistic exploration. The entire film is presented in black and white, emphasizing the raw, unfiltered reality of the band’s journey, stripping away the distractions of color to focus on their inner experiences.

The production was not without its challenges. As my debut production, the process was a whirlwind of last-minute decisions and logistical hurdles, undertaken with the invaluable support of my partner, Alice Chérie Hansson. The tight timeframe and Iceland’s harsh weather conditions tested our resilience, yet these very challenges became an integral part of the narrative, mirroring the band’s own journey of creation under pressure.

One of the most memorable moments during production was witnessing the band’s raw, unguarded moments of self-doubt and triumph, captured against the stark, majestic backdrop of Iceland. These moments encapsulate the essence of what we aimed to convey: that the path to creativity is fraught with both beauty and pain, and it is this very duality that makes the journey worthwhile.

On a personal level, this documentary reflects my belief in the power of vulnerability and the shared human experience. By revealing the unseen struggles of accomplished artists, I hope to inspire viewers to embrace their own fears and failures as necessary steps towards growth and creativity. This documentary is a testament to the idea that everyone, regardless of their success, is on a journey filled with uncertainties, and it is this shared journey that binds us all.

Thank you for taking the time to watch "Greensky Bluegrass – Find Ourselves Lost". I am honored to share this journey with you and hope it sparks meaningful conversations and reflections, encouraging everyone to find the courage to create and embrace their true selves.

For inquiries please contact us at MAIL@RENEHUEMER.COM Thank you,

René

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