Watch Film Hawk

"Film Hawk" is a documentary film that explores the life and career of Robert Hawk, a renowned film consultant who has played an important role in shaping the independent film industry. Directed by JJ Garvine and Tai Parquet, the film features interviews with Hawk himself as well as a number of filmmakers and industry professionals who have worked with him over the years. Among the notable figures who appear in the film are Kevin Smith, Edward Burns, Richard Linklater, and Lisa Cortés.

The film takes its title from Hawk's nickname within the independent film world. As a consultant and producer, Hawk has worked with countless filmmakers and helped to launch the careers of many successful directors, including the Coen brothers, Todd Haynes, and John Waters. He has also played a key role in bringing attention to a wide range of independent films that might have otherwise gone unnoticed by mainstream audiences.

The film begins by establishing Hawk's roots in the film industry as a young projectionist in New York City in the 1960s. He eventually became involved in the distribution and exhibition of avant-garde films, and he was a crucial figure in the creation of the New York Film Festival in 1963. From there, Hawk went on to work as a consultant for a number of independent film companies, including the prestigious Cinema 5.

Throughout the film, we see Hawk interacting with filmmakers and offering them insight and guidance on their work. We see him passionately advocating for films that he believes in, and we see filmmakers expressing their gratitude for his support. At the same time, the film also explores some of the challenges and frustrations that come with working in the independent film industry. We see Hawk grappling with financial difficulties and struggling to secure distribution for certain films.

One of the highlights of the film is the extensive section on Kevin Smith's career. Smith is a longtime friend and collaborator of Hawk's, and the two have worked on a number of projects together over the years. We see Smith discussing Hawk's influence on his career and thanking him for his support. We also see Hawk offering his thoughts on Smith's work, including his breakout film "Clerks."

Another notable section of the film focuses on Hawk's involvement with the film "Parting Glances," a groundbreaking movie about the AIDS crisis that was released in 1986. The film was one of the first mainstream movies to address the epidemic, and it was a critical and commercial success. Hawk played a key role in the film's distribution and promotion, and the filmmakers credit him with helping to bring it to a wider audience.

Overall, "Film Hawk" is a fascinating and engaging portrait of a key figure in the independent film industry. Through interviews with filmmakers and industry insiders, we gain a deeper understanding of Hawk's impact and legacy. We see how he has played a crucial role in shaping the independent film landscape, and we see how he continues to support and champion new voices in the industry. Whether you're a film buff or simply interested in the creative process, "Film Hawk" is definitely worth a watch.

Film Hawk is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.