This documentary from Les Blank follows the indomitable Gerald "The Maestro" Gaxiola, who turned to a life of prolific art making after years as an aircraft mechanic, traveling salesman, and body builder.
Alan Yentob meets the renowned German film director Werner Herzog in this documentary from the BBC's flagship 'Imagine' strand. Herzog is as far from the mainstream as it is possible to be, so it is a surprise when Alan finds him living in the Hollywood Hills. Spending time with Werner at some of his favorite Los Angeles locations, Alan attempts to uncover whether Herzog is the...
"Chulas Fronteras" is a documentary about the music of the Mexican community on both sides of the Texas-Mexico border, particularly of migrant farmers. It includes material about the roots of the music, but devotes principal attention to the music as a form of social protest against oppression and racism.
This softball umpire training film was one of Les Blank’s early industrial films made in 1962 prior to his independent filmmaking career. He made over 20 industrial films which helped him hone his skills as a filmmaker. Les recorded his own voice for most of the umpire calls which are humorous. Found as a marked-up work print in a cardboard box, this film wasn’t completed until...
Hopkins made up this song and performed it for Les Blank after deciding to make the documentary The Blues Accordin' to Lightnin' Hopkins.