ALBERT PYUN UPDATE

by GLENN COCHRANE | FAKESHEMP.NET

Anyone who follows FAKESHEMP.NET, or listens to our podcast, will know that we have a strong affection for filmmaker Albert Pyun. You will also know that he has struggled with a degenerative condition for the past several years. Today that condition got the better of Albert and he has released the following statement.

Here is the definition of what is affecting me. I have been fighting it to with my drive to make movies but yesterday it was clear to me I have degraded to far, and I could not overcome the disease. My dementia had progressed to the point I have lost to much brain, to much of me. The definition:

Cerebral atrophy is a common feature of many of the diseases that affect the brain. Atrophy of any tissue means loss of cells. In brain tissue, atrophy describes a loss of neurons and the connections between them. Atrophy can be generalized, which means that all of the brain has shrunk; or it can be focal, affecting only a limited area of the brain and resulting in a decrease of the functions that area of the brain controls. If the cerebral hemispheres (the two lobes of the brain that form the cerebrum) are affected, conscious thought and voluntary processes may be impaired.

He continues...

Even I cannot make any more films because the Dementia progressed quicker than I thought possible. I will always consider it my final creative effort as a filmmaker. I know all of you are disappointed, none more than I. I so wanted to bring the talented cast and crew to the world's attention. They made my last days as a filmmaker so satisfying and a joy. But they diseased has truly dimmed my brain to the point I can no longer fight it. It's robbed me of everything. My ability to think, walk and even

Our association began in 2013 when Albert and his writer/producer wife Cynthia Curnan did an interview with me, which you can read here. From that moment I remained friends with them and Albert asked me to create some artwork for the latest film he was making. That film was THE INTERROGATION OF CHERYL COOPER, which was to be a strange and intense sequel to his film INVASION (aka Infection). With his illness encumbering his mobility and mental capacity he had chosen to make the film because of it's one-setting location. The entire film, like its predecessor, was shot in one take.  

My poster design went through at least 20 versions before we settled on the final one, and a few months later I found myself flying to Las Vegas to attend the world premiere at the Pollygrind Film Festival. Being picked up at the airport by Cynthia was a surreal experience, although not nearly as surreal as sitting in Albert's living room and discussing cinema with him. He invited me to ride-along on a cinema sound check with him and composer Tony Riparetti. I regret declining that offer but I was going on 40+ hours sleep deprived and was desperate to hit my hotel bed. 

A few days later and we were seeing the film for the first time. It was a well-attended screening and the audience response was great. Unbeknownst to me I was included in the festival's awards ceremony. I received an award for 'Best Key-Art' for my poster design. To receive such acknowledgement for work associated with the legendary Albert Pyun is insane!!

And there it is folks - LEGENDARY! I could go on and on about my own experience with Albert, but lets focus on him. What a legend! Albert is the man who gave us THE SWORD AND THE SORCERER, CYBORG, RADIOACTIVE DREAMS, NEMESIS and MEAN GUNS, amongst others.... MANY others. In fact he has over fifty films to his name (in thirty years, I might add). He is a filmmaking renegade of independent cinema. He has worked with the best in Hollywood, and he is responsible for countless success stories. Of all the directors I have known, few are as focused, determined and passionate as Albert. I might add that few are as open with their fans, which for better or worse, was one of Albert's foibles. He let everyone in on his creative process and he would vet his ideas to fans. Sadly a lot of people misunderstood this process and Albert put himself in a position to be criticised. Nevertheless he is a resilient man and took all opinions on board. That's just the way he did things and he was passionate about using social media to engage with the people he had been working for - the audience. 

FAKESHEMP.NET moderates Albert's official website and I invite you to pay a visit. Take a look at the incredible work that he has churned out over the past three decades and read his story. The 'about' section chronicles a fascinating career and provides a compelling window into his life. 

I also invite you to have a listen to the PYUNCAST I recorded a little while back, which features personal recollections from two of Albert's long-time collaborators, Norbert Weisser and Tony Riparetti. 

And of course there are the wonderful videos that Albert recorded for FAKESHEMP.NET. We were proud to present a six-month-long series of Pyun screenings in Melbourne, which featured twelve of Albert's films. For each screening he provided a video presentation, along with several of his various cast members, and gave insight into the film's productions and their back stories. You can find these videos in our Videos/Pics section or our YouTube Channel, as well as on Albert's website. Here are two of my favourites. 

And with that I encourage you to drop by Albert's Facebook Page to send him your well-wishes. He is a one-of-a-kind filmmaker who's been dealt a shitty hand. Send your love to Cynthia too, because she is Albert's rock. The illness has taken an almighty toll on her and she could really use your love. And finally... lets talk. Drop us a line in the comments section below and lets talk about the films of Albert Pyun.

WE LOVE YOU ALBERT. Look after yourself, mate. xx