Watch the Recording here: https://archive.org/details/hacking-at-leaves-director-and-producer-discussion

The Internet Archive is happy to announce the public release of the documentary, “Hacking at Leaves” for online free viewing on August 29th on Archive.org

Director Johannes Grenzfurthner explains:

“After a series of increasingly disheartening conversations with documentary distributors—and watching the doc scene grow more risk-averse, sanitized, and commodified—I’ve decided to release Hacking at Leaves freely on the Internet Archive.

Hacking at Leaves was never meant to fit into a tidy box. It resists the kind of clean narratives the industry often demands—because the reality it documents is messy, contradictory, unresolved. That’s the point.

The Archive was essential to making this film. It was both a research tool and a political reminder: memory is worth protecting, and access matters. I’m proud to let the film live there now—open and available to anyone with an internet connection.”

The celebrate this public release of the film, We will be hosting a discussion with director Johannes Grenzfurthner on August 29th, 2:30 pm at the San Francisco headquarters of the Internet Archive, located at 330 Funston Ave.

The discussion will take place after the 1pm tour of the Internet Archive headquarters, so arrive at 1pm to attend both, or arrive at 2:30pm for the discussion.

They are both free, and do not require an RSVP.

About the Film:

‘Hacking at Leaves’ documents artist and hazmat-suit aficionado Johannes Grenzfurthner as he attempts to come to terms with the United States’ colonial past, Navajo tribal history, and the hacker movement. The story hones in on a small tinker space in Durango, Colorado, that made significant contributions to worldwide COVID relief efforts. But things go awry when Uncle Sam interferes with the film’s production.

“As the writer and director of Hacking at Leaves, I’m thrilled to share a unique perspective on the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on society. Years ago, I lived in Durango, in the Southwest of Colorado. Doing so gave me insight into the local nerd community and the situation of Navajo people in the Four Corners region.

Ryan Finnigan, the hackerspace he initiated, and his DIY COVID relief project are major focuses in the film. But this story about community collaboration and grassroots activism can only be understood in the broader historical context of the US colonial past and present. As someone from Austria, I approached this topic from an outsider’s perspective. I collaborated with cultural advisors from the area and my DOP, Daniel, who is of Navajo ancestry, to deal with these issues in an entertaining yet respectful way. I present myself as a narrative device. I’m a reluctant host whom Uncle Sam, performed by Star Trek actor Max Grodénchik, forces to create a patriotic film. Yet, I can’t comply. Instead, the film delves into regional history, the Navajo Nation, and the horrific impact of US colonialism on these people and their communities.
I focus on the challenges the Navajo face. Underlying health issues caused by lack of access to clean water and electricity, nuclear irradiation, and other systemic problems increased the impact of the pandemic on Navajos. These factors, combined with the struggle of the hacker community’s DIY solutions, allow me to bring forth different perspectives and show that hope is sometimes a luxury.”