‘Bogancloch’ Director Ben Rivers on Reuniting With ‘Two Years at Sea’ Protagonist Jake Williams: ‘I Will No Doubt Continue Making Films With Him Until One of Us Dies’ (EXCLUSIVE)

As an ardent cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of independent cinema, I can confidently say that Ben Rivers’ “Bogancloch” is a film that truly resonates with my spirit. Having followed the life and times of Jake Williams since his debut in “Two Years at Sea,” I am thrilled to see this unique character continue his journey on the silver screen.

13 years ago, Ben Rivers’ film “Two Years at Sea,” which won the Venice FIPRESCI prize, introduced the character Jake Williams, a former sailor living secluded in a forest, largely off the grid, to the world. This year, Rivers is taking “Bogancloch” to Locarno, a sequel that revisits Williams’ distinctive homestead to explore how much, or how little, he has evolved over the past decade and more.

EbMaster got an early look at the first trailer for the sequel, before its debut at the Locarno Film Festival as the world premiere.

“The movie ‘Bogancloch,’ self-produced by rivers and backed by Screen Scotland, is set to screen in this year’s International Competition at Locarno. The international distribution of the film is being handled by Rediance, and it will make its U.K. debut during the Edinburgh International Film Festival on August 18.”

“The movie ‘Bogancloch’ follows the secluded life of Jake Williams, who dwells in a sprawling Scottish highland forest. The story unfolds across various seasons, intermittently encountering other characters in his solitary existence. At its core is a song, a debate between life and death vying for dominance over the world. The film eschews traditional narrative elements, instead offering a unique perspective on reality through fleeting instances. ‘Bogancloch’ serves as a follow-up to ‘Two Years at Sea,’ depicting a subtly evolving life in a rapidly transforming world.”

Today’s new trailer features an interview with filmmaker Rivers, where he talks about his unique approach, a 14-plus year collaboration with Williams, and their intention to keep producing these movies together, as long as one of them remains active in the industry. EbMaster was present for this conversation.

EbMaster: How did you first meet Jake, and what sparked your interest in his lifestyle?

Rivers: In the year 2005, I encountered Jake for the first time. At that point, I resided in London but was fascinated by the concept of dwelling in the wilderness, away from the grasp of city life. This fascination led me to Jake, who was introduced to me through a common acquaintance. We met, and I assisted him with tasks like moving firewood around, among other things. Together, we created a short film titled “This is My Land,” which marked the beginning of our friendship. This friendship prompted multiple visits from me. Over the ensuing years, I produced several short films about individuals living off-grid. With increased funding, I decided to revisit Jake for a more extensive project. Our prior connection allowed for greater directorial input and collaboration, making it less of a conventional observational documentary and more of a joint effort.

In my personal journey, I found myself drawn to the allure of an off-the-grid lifestyle, a path less traveled that offered a unique blend of self-reliance and harmony with nature. As I pondered this choice, I couldn’t help but wonder if there was also a compelling narrative hidden within this adventure. Was it merely a quest for knowledge and independence, or could it serve as the foundation for an engaging story to share with others? The thought of documenting my experiences and inspiring others through my journey was intriguing, adding another layer of excitement to my upcoming off-the-grid lifestyle experiment.

It was a blend of personal contemplation and professional curiosity that drew me to the subject. I’ve always been captivated by nature, and this topic particularly intrigued me. As a filmmaker, I saw potential in documenting such a unique subject. Upon meeting Jake and witnessing his unique, eclectic living space, I felt it was an ideal candidate for a film. Moreover, despite his solitary lifestyle off the grid, Jake’s warmth and hospitality made the project even more appealing.

How do you communicate with Jake, given his off-grid lifestyle?

Previously, communication was solely via landline since a line extended into the forest. Nowadays, he possesses email capabilities through a dongle, albeit his emails are concise. Occasionally, he needs to trek uphill for a mile to enhance internet reception. The summit of this hill serves as his “Internet cafe.”

You mentioned that this film is similar in form to “Two Years at Sea.” Can you elaborate on that?

In both movies, I’ve opted for black-and-white footage filmed on 16mm, maintaining a unified aesthetic. Yet, this installment features some colored scenes and introduces new characters to reflect Jake’s friendly nature – he isn’t a misanthrope as many might assume. His affinity for people is quite intriguing. The splashes of color serve as peeks into his surroundings, suggesting that future films might delve deeper into his world in full color.

How does your approach differ from traditional fly-on-the-wall documentaries?

When making these movies, I provide a great deal of guidance and capture numerous takes. From the outset, I have specific ideas, clear visuals, and aims for certain sequences. Often, the final scene in the movie has been in my mind since the pre-production phase.

As a movie buff, I’ve been pondering if you might delve into Jake’s backstory in your upcoming productions. Or is it that the narrative will continue to be centered squarely on his current life?

In my storytelling approach, I’ve chosen to subtly reveal Jake’s background by using visual cues like photographs, musical choices, and minor details. I’m more interested in portraying the current situation and envisioning what lies ahead for him, rather than diving deeply into his past. For example, Jake’s history is suggested through his accumulated photos and tapes, but it remains implicit instead of being fully detailed.

How do you balance aesthetic choices with the documentary’s content?

Instead of focusing on an explanatory style, I strive for a surreal, atmospheric ambiance in my work. For example, using a black-and-white palette helps streamline the chaotic imagery within Jake’s world. The occasional use of color serves as a hint towards future developments, offering glimpses of his world from a fresh perspective. Ultimately, I aim to evoke emotions and set the tone that resonates with the content itself.

What future plans do you have for this ongoing project with Jake?

In ten years, I plan to create another movie featuring Jake. This extended project gives me an opportunity to delve into how both his life and the world around him are set to change over time. My very first short film starred Jake, and I look forward to producing more films with him for as long as we both live.

2024-08-02 13:47

‘Bogancloch’ Director Ben Rivers on Reuniting With ‘Two Years at Sea’ Protagonist Jake Williams: ‘I Will No Doubt Continue Making Films With Him Until One of Us Dies’ (EXCLUSIVE)

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