‘For Sure, I’ll Keep Making Films With Him Until One of Us Dies’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Thirteen years ago, Ben Rivers’ film “Two Years at Sea” introduced audiences to Jake Williams, a former sailor who chose to live off the grid in the middle of a forest. Rivers’ latest project, “Bogancloch,” revisits Williams’ unique homestead more than a decade later to explore the continuities and changes in his solitary life. The film will debut at the Locarno Film Festival this year.

“Bogancloch” has been self-produced by Rivers with funding support from Screen Scotland and will compete in the International Competition at Locarno. The film’s international sales are being handled by Rediance, and it will make its U.K. premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival on August 18.

The film’s synopsis describes it as a portrait of Jake Williams, a modern-day hermit living in a sprawling highland forest in Scotland. The narrative covers his life through different seasons and the rare interactions he has with others. The film is described as an argument between life and death through song, eschewing exposition in favor of capturing discrete moments in a subtly changing life. It is a follow-up to “Two Years at Sea,” reflecting on an evolving existence in a rapidly transforming world.

In anticipation of the trailer release, Rivers shared insights into his filmmaking style, his longstanding relationship with Williams, and their shared commitment to continuing this collaboration. Rivers first met Williams in 2005 through a mutual friend. Intrigued by the lifestyle of living detached from urban society, he visited Williams’ home in Bogancloch and assisted with everyday tasks, which culminated in the short film “This is My Land.” This project marked the beginning of their friendship and subsequent collaborations.

Over time, Rivers made several short films featuring people living off-grid. The established trust and rapport with Williams allowed Rivers to revisit the hermit for a longer project, transforming the dynamic into a more collaborative filmmaking process, rather than a straightforward observational documentary.

When asked about his interest in off-grid living, Rivers noted that his initial curiosity about alternative lifestyles dovetailed with his filmmaking interests. Williams’ evolving and eclectic living situation made for a compelling film subject. Additionally, Williams’ friendly and welcoming nature added an intriguing layer to the narrative.

Despite living off-grid, communication with Williams has remained feasible. Initially reliant on a landline, Williams now has limited email access through a dongle, though he sometimes has to trek up a hill for a better signal — an area he humorously refers to as his “Internet cafe.”

Regarding the film’s format, Rivers explained that both “Bogancloch” and “Two Years at Sea” share visual consistencies, being shot in black and white on 16mm film. In “Bogancloch,” though, Rivers introduces some color shots, providing a glimpse into Williams’ colorful world and hinting at the potential for future films in color.

Rivers’ approach diverges from traditional documentaries that follow a fly-on-the-wall style. Instead, he directs scenes and often films multiple takes to achieve specific images and moments.

Rivers consciously avoids delving deeply into Williams’ backstory. Instead, he chooses to provide subtle clues through photographs, music, and other small details, focusing instead on the present and the future aspects of Williams’ life. For instance, Williams’ past is hinted at through his personal collection of photographs and tapes, but it’s never fully explained.

Aesthetically, Rivers aims for a dreamlike and atmospheric quality rather than straightforward explanations. The black-and-white visuals simplify the otherwise busy landscape of Williams’ world, while the few color shots serve as teasers for possible future explorations.

Looking ahead, Rivers envisions another film about Williams in 10 years, continuing to document the hermit’s life and the world’s changes around him. Rivers and Williams share a bond that ensures this collaboration will persist for as long as possible.

Source: Variety