Banana Island Films

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  • Witness Underground Documentary

    Watch with: Vimeo On Demand

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    Nuclear Gopher, an art community experiment to create a safe space for self expression and individuality within the high-control Jehovah's Witness culture, resulted in over 30 albums of undiscovered music and dissolution of faith.

  • Reviews

    "Scott, your film is advocacy with a megaphone and I think that is AMAZING!"

    Chev Clark - Bad ASSociations Podcast

    "Witness Underground is jarring, heartbreaking, infuriating, artfully made, and most important.” ...Movie score 8/10

    Bradley Gibson, Film Threat original press article

    "Shunning, Beautifully Illuminated"

    Chris Gray, Freestyle Digital Media (Distributor)

    "Creepy and Empowering"

    anonymous fan

    ”Your film gives viewers a unique look, with unwavering access, inside the complexities of faith, and the bond forged between artists. A complete portrait of your subject’s lives, from “origin stories” to who they have evolved to as adults, WITNESS UNDERGROUND is a study of memories, friendship and the power of a passion. By cutting between the band as it is today, and an all access pass to your subject’s histories, we are treated to a complete portrait of their lives.”

    Amir George, Film & Art Programmer True/False Film Festival

    “Frequently searing and undeniably confrontational, Witness Underground’s strongest ancillary point is its understanding and respect for music. Throughout the documentary the most frequently heard songs are from projects of its subjects ...the expansive post rock of Daytrip and bands who would’ve slotted in neatly alongside the first wave of Riot Grrrl acts. For the people of this film, music wasn’t just an outlet; it was a savior. Witness Underground’s respect for that level of influence strengthens its margins and helps elevate the film from a strong multipurpose study to an essential one.” 

    Steven Spoerl, Music Editor ToneMadison.com   original press article

    "Everyone in the film has faced so much adversity. The strength in that sort of bravery, to step out into a world you're not prepared for, because you no longer have the support of your loved ones... it's hard to imagine anything embodying the punk spirit more than that."

    Naim - DJ Doctor Mister KPISS.FM   Video version of original interview

    "May today be the day that I've cried in the most parking lots."

    message to interviewee, Ryan Sutter, from old friend, after first watch

  • Film Festival Run - 2021

    Official Selection - World Premiere at Genre Blast Film Festival

    Winner of Best Documentary Feature!

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  • Regional Premieres

     

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    Official Selection

    New England Premiere

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    Official Selection

    West Coast Premiere

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    Semi-Finalist

     

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    Official Selection

    Great Lakes Region Premiere

    Minnesota - Film + Music Festival

    Three bands in the film were invited to play live for this festival!

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    Official Selection

    California Premiere

    Social Impact documentary festival

    Run by the founder of Slamdance, Jon Fitzgerald

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    Official Selection

    Wisconsin Premiere

     

    Wisconsin Film Festival article

    Tone Madison - Music Magazine Review

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    Official Selection

    Georgia Premiere

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    Official Selection

    Los Angeles Premiere

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    Official Selection

    New York Premiere 

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  • Support Witness Underground 

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