Film Lens
Hacking at Leaves is a 2024 documentary directed and written by Johannes Grenzfurthner. It focuses on the story of a hackerspace in Durango, Colorado, during the early COVID-19 pandemic. The film addresses themes such as the United States' colonial past, Navajo tribal history, and the hacker movement. Grenzfurthner, dressed in a yellow radiation suit, contemplates creating a documentary about the makerspace that produced medical equipment for the Navajo Nation, while also grappling with the potential bleakness of the content.
The film incorporates fictional elements, including a character named Uncle Sam, who urges Grenzfurthner to create an uplifting narrative about American freedom and beauty. Despite this pressure, Grenzfurthner aims to educate viewers about the darker aspects of the American story and colonialism. The documentary includes perspectives from various activists, artists, and tech enthusiasts, drawing connections between the Navajo community, hacker culture, and the DIY movement.
Why Watch
- •See how a makerspace helped Navajo Nation during COVID-19.
- •Meet activists and artists discussing colonialism's impact.
- •Find out about the connection between hacking and Indigenous culture.
Did You Know
•The film was produced by monochrom, a notable Austrian production company.
•Johannes Grenzfurthner appears in the film as himself.
•The film has a runtime of 108 minutes.
•Max Grodénchik plays the character Uncle Sam in the film.
•The documentary features interviews with over ten individuals, including Cory Doctorow and Jello Biafra.
Perfect For
Hacker culture enthusiastsIndigenous rights advocatesCOVID-19 response studies