Special program  

In this romantic, sentimental homage to America's well-known Beat writer Jack Kerouac, director John Antonelli combines documentary material and dramatic recreations to capture the life and times of Jack Kerouac, the legendary writer who symbolised the spirit of the Beat Generation with such novels as On the Road. Accompanied by a jazz score, the film includes readings from Kerouac's works, interviews with Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs, Lawrence Ferlinghetti and other friends and colleagues, as well as views of his home and favourite locales, and scenes in which Jack Coulter takes the role of Kerouac. The film director paints a spirited portrait of an influential and controversial literary figure. Appreciative of his artistic boldness while unblinking in its consideration of his self-destructive behaviour, it's a fine overview of the man and his work.

Festivals and Awards

Sundance Film Festival, 1985
American Film and Video Festival, USA, 1985 – Blue Ribbon Award
National Educational Film Festival, USA, 1985 – Golden Apple Award

John Antonelli

John Antonelli has been making and producing video documentaries and TV series for more than twenty years. Kerouac, the Movie is his the only full-length documentary film. Together with his partner Will Parrinello from The Mill Valley Film Group they produce short documentaries that mostly focus on environmental issues as well as significant figures of culture and politics.