David Markey(I)

David Markey is a resilient and resourceful filmmaker who has sustained a truly independent career in the shadow of Hollywood and against the backdrop of corporate America for over two and a half decades. As a self-taught filmmaker and musician, Markey brings together underground music, experimental cinema and contemporary culture in a direct and insightful way. His unique take on pop culture and dark wit are also present throughout his work, the majority of which has been self-funded and distributed. His body of work is also historically significant, representing a unique record of the punk scene in Southern California throughout the 80s and 90s.

Markey has worked with Sonic Youth, Nirvana, Mudhoney, Redd Kross, The Ramones, Black Flag, Meat Puppets and artist Raymond Pettibon to name a few. His films include the acclaimed documentary "1991: The Year Punk Broke" (1992) and the Los Angeles Punk Super-8 cult classics "The Slog Movie" (1982), "Desperate Teenage Lovedolls" (1984), and the sequel "Lovedolls Superstar" (1986) were made before he was practically of legal age. His most recent DVD "Cut Shorts" (2006) is a collection of short films and music videos he has directed, spanning 30 years from 1974 to 2004. Markey made his first film at the tender age of 11.

Markey's work has been exhibited widely, including theatrical release in the US and Canada of "1991: The Year Punk Broke", theatrical screenings in Los Angeles of "Desperate Teenage Lovedolls" and "Lovedolls Superstar" and inclusion of various films in international festivals in Argentina, England, Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark, Australia, and most recently China.

Markey's indefatigable DIY aesthetic continues to drive him, as well as inspire a whole new generation of filmmakers, musicians and artists. His latest documentary is "The Reinactors" (2007), a hilarious and moving film about Hollywood Blvd. fly by night street characters and celebrity look-a-likes, could very well make this longtime underground figure a household word.