BOB SMITH - U.S.A.

There are approximately 81,000 Robert Smiths residing in the United States. This is a film about seven--all of whom go by Bob. On the surface it seems that the only thing they have in common is their moniker, but look deeper and two themes recur: religion and patriotism, which seem to go hand-in-hand these days. And while very entertaining and humorous, this film also serves as an anthropological study of the state of the union and acts as a mirror for the country as a whole.

Bob Smith (New York City) dons his Satan costume to preach the virtues of atheism; Bob Smith (Pennsylvania) puts on his red nose and teaches as part of a Christian clown ministry; Bob Smith (Syracuse) spends his retirement transforming his yard into an oasis of junk; and Bob Smith (Texas) runs for county sheriff.

The idea for this project was inspired by South Africa native Neil Abramson's desire to understand the quintessential American. He traveled the US in search of an answer and kept seeing that same name on storefront windows, billboards, and license plates--a film was born. Abramson's filmmaking prowess comes through in the subtleties of his editing, camera work and music choices, which gleefully fit the mood for each new Bob Smith on screen. The film is a poignant and often hilarious view of the United States as seen through the eyes of seven men named Bob Smith.

Mary Kerr

A South African living in the US since his teens, Neil Abramson produces work that has an outsider's approach that combines sensitivity and vision. Abramson leads the double life of a successful commercial director and an indie feature filmmaker. High-profile ad campaigns have afforded Abramson the opportunity to give voice to his real passion: creating films that explore the human condition and psyche. Abramson's documentary SOLDIER CHILD was shown at the United Nations, the Hague and to the United States Congress by Amnesty International to illustrate the grave situation in Northern Uganda.

Print Source:
Neil Abramson, Winghead films
2814 Haddington Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Tel: 310.280.0550
Fax: 3102800558
Email: abramson.n@comcast.net

Thursday 6/16 at 12:00 p.m.
Friday 6/17 at 9:30 p.m.

FILMS BY: TITLE | DATE | COUNTRY | INTEREST