Art And Life: The Story of Jim Phillips trailer and release date
Art And Life: The Story of Jim Phillips (Monkey Wrench Films)

Directed by John Makens (Water to Wine, Red Bull: The Gamebreaker”) the pop culture documentary Art And Life: The Story of Jim Phillips chronicles the life of the artist behind skateboarding and rock culture art.

The documentary explores Jim’s life and career, showcasing his iconic work that has defined an era and secured his place in modern art history.

Monkey Wrench Films will release the documentary in theaters throughout North America (USA & Canada), Australia, and New Zealand, beginning on January 31st,, 2025 with red carpet premieres in both Denver (January 31st) and Santa Cruz (February 6th).

A pioneer of graphic art, Jim Phillips, an iconic presence known for his bold and eye popping imagery, has left an unforgettable mark on the world of rock posters, surf, and skateboard art. He is best known for creating the iconic Screaming Hand logo for Santa Cruz Skateboards, a design widely regarded as one of the most recognizable in skateboarding history with an extensive fan base across all walks of life. Jim’s art are not just illustrations for fans everywhere, they are memories, emotions, and inspirations. It’s not too often you get to meet your heroes who lay it out all on the floor in a documentary and that hero turns out to be such a legendary human.

Featured interviewees in order of appearance Jim Phillips, Gary Partlow, Big John Evanston, Rich Metiver, Dolly Phillips, Jim “Mac” Mcdonald, Jim Byberg, Neil Young, Rich Novak, Eric Dressen, Jeff Grosso, Rob Roskopp, Tim Piumarta, Jeff Kendall, John Munnerlyn, Jimbo Phillips, Hermel Mayang, Keith Meek, Steve Alba, Chad Muska, Bob Denike, Grant Mckinnon, Paul Merrell, and Colby Phillips, among others.

Watch the official trailer for Art And Life: The Story of Jim Phillips.

Director John Makens commented, “Growing up in the 80’s I was constantly surrounded by the art of Jim Phillips…. From my very first skateboard, to my old skate-magazine collection.. Jim’s art was not just illustrations to me… They are memories… They are emotions… And they are inspirations. It’s not too often you get to meet your heroes and It’s not often your hero turns out to be such a legendary human. In 2011 we decided to make a documentary together. We packed up a VW bus… headed to Santa Cruz and we car-camped in Jim’s driveway for 3 weeks while we made a movie. Jim and Dolly opened their doors to us and treated us like family.Creating a documentary about Jim’s life was not an easy task. The challenge was taking 60 hours of footage and cutting it down into a 90 minute movie. Not to mention the massive volume of amazing artwork Jim spent his entire life creating. It took 12 years to complete this project. 12 years of capturing, editing, and paying homage to the Life’s work of a man who’s had such a profound influence on us. My deepest gratitude goes out to Jim and Dolly for their generosity and trust in me. I am greatly honored to have this opportunity to share Jim’s story.”

Art And Life: The Story of Jim Phillips is directed, produced & executive produced by John Makens, produced by Jim Phillips, Pierre Minhondo, edited & produced by Justin Fann, and edited by Pierre Minhondo, director of photographer Chris Patterson, with original animations by Daniel Zvereff and additional animations by Joe Pease, and Mattheus Macedo.

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