The Gentrifier Artist” is the documentary about North American musician Keeley Brineman who came to Berlin in the 90's at a time when the city was bursting with creativity and exploring it's newly found freedom. A natural born entertainer, Keeley found his way to recognition through several different bands but not least as the front figure for the 18-piece big-band Lord Mouse and the Kalypso Katz who took calypso music to the stages of Berlin (and far beyond) when no one else did. ”God damn I'm a gentrifier” he says in the film. ”I move to a place, make it better and move on.” After two decades Keeley recently left Germany to return to the states, leaving a void for everyone who's ever laid ears on his exceptional and highly unique voice. ”I wanted to make this film because of Keeley's strong personality, he fascinates people and he's such an amazing talent. The first time I heard him sing it was some old blues or western songs and I thought I would fall of my chair” says Anna Diath, the aspiring filmmaker behind this intimate portrait. Speaking of the city's music scene today she adds ”There's less authenticity than it used to be but amongst the "noise" you can still find originals, you can find jewels.”
Extra chairs and benches had to be brought out to seat everyone that came down to Friedrichshain's Lovelite Berlin for the premiere of ”The Gentrifier Artist” last Sunday. But fear not if you missed it - a second screening will be held at Artliners Berlin on Wednesday 8th at 20:00. (Text originally published for the Yes Wow Museum 2017-03-07.)
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AuthorI came up with the idea of expanding my photography with Berlin related storytelling. Every street in this city is full of history and every person has a story to tell. ArchivesCategories
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All photos © Kristian Kotilainen 2016-2018.
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