The Grand Illusion

Since 1959 at the age of five, David "The Weatherman" Wills has been recording and reporting on his life, self, and anything he likes (such as the weather, toilets flushing, and intercepted cell phone conversations) and broadcasting it to anyone interested. Together with childhood friends Richard Lyons and Mark Hosler they formed Negativland, which quickly became an absurd and noisy multimedia world without boundaries, ownership or privacy. Negativland's complex chaos of plunderphonics poses both serious and silly questions about the nature of sound, media, technology, control, propaganda, power and perception in the global village. Is what you're hearing and seeing true or simply familiar? The medium reveals that any message is all in our heads.

Director Ryan Worsley will be present for a live, in-person Q&A, along with Mark Hosler, David Wills, and Jon Leidecker of Negativland joining virtually!

“Worsley successfully depicts the mix of buffoonery and consciousness-raising that define Negativland.” Marc Weidenbaum, The Wire

“Every bit as mind-altering as its subjects.” Oscar Goff, Boston Hassle

“If you want to be inspired by individuals who dare to bust down the doors of art’s gatekeepers, then Stand By For Failure is the way to go.” Alan Ng, Film Threat