Out of Competition


YANK TANKS



Country of production: USA
Year: 2002
Language: English, Spanish
Mins: 70

Director: David Schendel
Script: David Schendel
Cinematography: David Schendel
Music: - various -
Editing: Jean Kawahara
Sound: Steve Limonoff
Producer: David Schendel,
Stephen Schendel
Production company: Blue Collar Films
Source: David Schendel
Blue Collar Films
1819 Polk St. #263
San Francisco, CA 94109
USA
Phone: +1 415 271 2220
Fax: +1 415 563 6649
yanktanks@mac.com
www.yanktanksfilm.com

YANK TANKS is an affectionate look at the odd phenomenon of classic American cars in Cuba. Like an exotic, endangered species trapped in a timewarp, these colorful cars roam the island. As beacons of individuality in a sea of government conformity, they represent freedom for the owners who will do almost anything to keep them running.

Through interviews the viewer is introduced to mechanics, inventors, racecar drivers, artists, and other owners who work daily on mechanical problems that would cause many Americans to junk a car. Using beautiful shots of the vintage cars, contemporary Cuban music, and never before released footage from the Cuban Television Archive, YANK TANKS takes us into the generally uncharted territory of Yank Tank owners.

More than a mere portrait of the phenomenon, YANK TANKS "throws open" the hood and suggests that private entrepreneurship is on the rise in Cuba, ironically concentrated in symbols of American freedom and ingenuity. Timely and provocative, YANK TANKS will stimulate and entertain those who are interested in learning about an island at the crossroads of several cultures that has been off limits for many years.

David Schendel was born in Springfield, Massachusetts. He graduated from the University of Washington, where he studied theatre of the absurd and behavioral science.

filmography as director
YANK TANKS (2002)
THE CAN (1994)

Friday 02-Apr-2004 9:00 PM Facets Cinematheque
Sunday 04-Apr-2004 5:00 PM Beverly Arts Center