PRESS RELEASE

Multi-Award Winning Documentary Filmmaker revisits the Underground Los Angeles Graffiti Art Movement with the release of GV2: Freedom of ExpreSSion?

Independent documentary film maker Bob Bryan has proven once again with his new documentary GV2 that there's much more to the Graffiti Art Movement than at first glance. Flying high above Los Angeles in a "ghetto bird," GV2 starts out by looking down on our streets, seeking out those artists who ply their incendiary craft on the walls of our cities while we sleep.

"Skill" and his graffiti art crew U.T.I. (Under The Influence) attack the walls of the infamous Belmont tunnels (home of the birth of Graffiti Art in LA) with the blockbuster letters "S-K-I-L-L-E-R UTI." Preexisting wall pieces are buffed out of existence to create space for their new and historic production. Spanning hundreds of feet long and at least 12 feet high, this letter production is strategically designed

"to blow some minds in this yard, and it's about time!"

Cover designed by SLICK (Shaolin Bros.)

says Skill, defacto leader of the U.T.I. graffiti crew. GV2 follows in the footsteps of Bob Bryan's documentary classic GRAFFITI VERITE', the multi award winning documentary (released in 1995). "An amazing film that explores the eclectic world of hip hop and the urban graffiti artist." Produced by Bryan World Productions

GRAFFITI VERITE' is the winner of THE NATIONAL EDUCATIONAL MEDIA NETWORKS "Gold Apple," COUNCIL OF INTERNATIONAL NON THEATRICAL EVENTS "CINE Golden Eagle," THE HONOLULU UNDERGROUND FILM FESTIVAL "Best of Festival," THE 1997 COLORLAB AWARD's "Outstanding Documentary," A.V.C. REGIONAL CINDY COMPETITION "Silver Cindy" and other honors.

Professionally executed by Mr. Bryan in GRAFFITI VERITE' and now in GV2, both films unearth the obvious truth about the historical relevance of the Graffiti Art Movement, set against the backdrop of today's urban landscape.

"Graffiti is like a virus that has penetrated every level of our consciousness, and like most viruses you cannot detect its presence until it 's blown up! Folks are ignorant about Graffiti Arts history and power," says Bryan. "Graffiti Art is a direct expression of societies' psychological state of mind , it's an 'in-your-face' sign of our times!"

According to Bryan, never before in history has there been such an art movement that has impacted so many people on a worldwide basis.

"Graffiti Art is both loved and hated; it's freely given away to the anonymous public galleries and private collectors, but still it's inherent value is totally unappreciated by the masses." "The walls are screaming loudly and we are ignoring its significance. If 'your child' were yelling at the top of his or her lungs in the next room, would you ignore their agonizing screams? I don't think so..."

Bryan believes that as a culture we cannot afford to be so blind, not to read the writing on the wall. The canvas walls of our city streets are being used like newspapers, just as the LOS ANGELES TIMES uses paper, to tell the story of the people's daily struggle and search for identity. Of course, this controversial public art dialogue is articulated with allot more flavor, attitude, passion and conviction.

"We study hieroglyphics and cave writings to try to understand its connection to it's culture but somehow we choose to disregard the messages being blasted loudly and in 3D on today's graffiti filled walls. It doesn't make sense."

As Toonz (a well known Graffiti Artist) stated in GRAFFITI VERITE': " If you want to know what's going on in your cities, read the writing on the walls." In GV2 the film maker brilliantly manages to "personalize" these 19 artists, moving them elegantly from stereotypes to "real people," revealing the reasons why this movement has become the most popular and powerful cultural force of the 90's.

"Graffiti Artists have infiltrated corporate America, redefining how they (corporate America) present themselves to the world."

Graffiti art now competes with cigarettes, liquor manufacturers, MTV, Nike, Coca Cola and politicians for valuable advertising space in the public arena. The end result is similar to how Rap Music has become the all pervasive voice of 'ghetto youth' within the contemporary pop music industry today. Graffiti Art is the overt and oftentimes subliminal device used to "reach" the youth of today and future leaders of tomorrow. It raises the important question of "Who's programming who?" With more than 400 graffiti art images packed into GV2,(including the winners of THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL GRAFFITI ART COMPETITION) this documentary is a visually hypnotic ride, driven by the artists' narrative and the wall to wall underground music soundtrack of: B-Real "Psycho Realm" (Cypress Hill Family), DMG & Daddy V, Home Invasion Part 1, Linoleum Mekanix, Black Mikey and others.

GV2's brutally honest depiction of the behind the scene's reality and philosophy of the "art movement of the new millennium," is a real eye-opener. Check it out!

"Required viewing for all citizens of big cities that don't understand the significance and impact of Graffiti." - Rap Pages (excerpted review of GRAFFITI VERITE')

GRAFFITI VERITE' DOCUMENTARY VIDEO SERIES

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GV1 - GV6 DVD Preview Screenings

Home Page |Graffiti Art Culture | Documentary Videos | Contact/Email Graffiti Verite', GV2 & GV3 Videos are available for purchase online at:

To arrange an interview with Mr. Bryan or to obtain a review copy, contact Loida @ 323/ 993-6163. GV2: Freedom of Expression? running time 57 minutes GRAFFITI VERITE' running time 45 minutes