Roger Nygard is one of those rare, creative type filmmaking geniuses who doesn’t do blockbusters. Nygard does quality, consistently. Nygard’s name has spread far and wide on the cult film circuit for his film “Trekkies” (1 and 2) which, along with another film, “Six Days In Roswell,” cemented him as a favorite for quirky documentaries. “Roswell” was an interesting look at UFO fans and believers who gather together at the legendary site of the purported UFO crash in New Mexico. Following that, came the cynically hilarious “Suckers.” This was a comedy about a car dealership and the people surrounding it. What made this feature so hilarious is that it was based on true stories that Nygard had heard from car dealer friends (including a woman who sexes up a salesman in the hills, leaving him naked and stranded, in order to steal a vehicle). What makes Nygard so captivating is that all of his works have a definite originality stamp on it. His work is consistent, appealing, and approachable. His documentaries are almost entirely non-biased, but yet can lean in every direction, leaving a viewer totally open to make up his or her own mind on any subject. Nygard is adept at giving enough tidbits of information to both educate and leave a viewer with a yearning to learn more. The storytelling is whimsical and entertaining, while remaining factual.
We met with Roger Nygard at the 2009 Cinequest Film Festival in San Jose, CA. As it was, Nygard was no newcomer to Cinequest, having premiered his first feature film here, as well as subsequent films. The festival was featuring his latest release, “The Nature Of Existence,” as a world premiere first-view for the closing night ceremonies. This was one of the more anticipated films of the festival, and did not disappoint. Out of all of his films, this one definitely left room for discussions on all sides. Nygard happily chatted with the press and fans, encouraging everyone to go out and seek truths as he has done. While we chatted, we got to cover some of his past works, leading up to the current film. I spoke to Nygard just before going in to see the premiere. It was a nice talk with a great mind with an open spirit.
PHILLIP ANDERSON
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