The Joy of Life — a film by Jenni Olson
"Another perfect film." — Brandon Judell, indieWIRE
"Hypnotic. " — Rob Nelson, The Village Voice
"Unforgettable." — Jeffrey Anderson, San Francisco Examiner
"One of the most sensuous documentaries you will ever see." — Kelly Vance, East Bay Express
"An experimental melodrama in landscape photography drag...a complex examination of love, lust and genre." — Cassie Riger, Camerawork: A Journal of Photographic Arts
The Joy of Life combines stunning 16mm landscape cinematography with a bold, lyrical voiceover (performed by LA-based artist/actor Harry Dodge) to share two San Francisco stories: the history of the Golden Gate Bridge as a suicide landmark, and the story of a butch dyke in San Francisco searching for love and self-discovery. The two stories are punctuated by Lawrence Ferlinghetti's beautiful reading of his ode to San Francisco, "The Changing Light" and bookended by opening and closing credits music from legendary '50s icon (and probable Golden Gate suicide) Weldon Kees.
The Joy of Life is a film about landscapes, both physical and emotional.
The Joy of Life (2005) | 16mm/HD | color | 65 minutes | USA
** HOW TO WATCH: Stream or download now worldwide on Vimeo On Demand! Just click above to watch the trailer and stream now for $2.99 or download for $9.99. A great FREE viewing option (with your public library card or college ID) is Kanopy.com — here's the direct link to The Joy of Life. You can also buy the DVD from Amazon.
"Hypnotic. " — Rob Nelson, The Village Voice
"Unforgettable." — Jeffrey Anderson, San Francisco Examiner
"One of the most sensuous documentaries you will ever see." — Kelly Vance, East Bay Express
"An experimental melodrama in landscape photography drag...a complex examination of love, lust and genre." — Cassie Riger, Camerawork: A Journal of Photographic Arts
The Joy of Life combines stunning 16mm landscape cinematography with a bold, lyrical voiceover (performed by LA-based artist/actor Harry Dodge) to share two San Francisco stories: the history of the Golden Gate Bridge as a suicide landmark, and the story of a butch dyke in San Francisco searching for love and self-discovery. The two stories are punctuated by Lawrence Ferlinghetti's beautiful reading of his ode to San Francisco, "The Changing Light" and bookended by opening and closing credits music from legendary '50s icon (and probable Golden Gate suicide) Weldon Kees.
The Joy of Life is a film about landscapes, both physical and emotional.
The Joy of Life (2005) | 16mm/HD | color | 65 minutes | USA
** HOW TO WATCH: Stream or download now worldwide on Vimeo On Demand! Just click above to watch the trailer and stream now for $2.99 or download for $9.99. A great FREE viewing option (with your public library card or college ID) is Kanopy.com — here's the direct link to The Joy of Life. You can also buy the DVD from Amazon.
Since its January 2005 premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, this innovative feature film has played a pivotal role in renewing debate about the need for a suicide barrier on The Golden Gate Bridge. The Joy of Life has taken home awards from both the New York and Los Angeles Lesbian & Gay Film Festivals as well as being honored with the San Francisco Film Critics Circle Marlon Riggs Award for courage & vision in Bay Area filmmaking. Writer-director Jenni Olson has been praised by critics and audiences alike for her unique filmmaking style.
As of January 2024, a suicide deterrent net has been installed along the full length of the Golden Gate Bridge — learn more via BridgeRail.net.
Useful links:
° Jenni's January 14, 2005 SF Chronicle Op-Ed calling for a barrier on the Golden Gate Bridge.
° For public screening requests or educational purchase please contact: Frameline Distribution.
° Visit Jenni's blog to see what else she's doing these days.
As of January 2024, a suicide deterrent net has been installed along the full length of the Golden Gate Bridge — learn more via BridgeRail.net.
Useful links:
° Jenni's January 14, 2005 SF Chronicle Op-Ed calling for a barrier on the Golden Gate Bridge.
° For public screening requests or educational purchase please contact: Frameline Distribution.
° Visit Jenni's blog to see what else she's doing these days.
