Trashfilm Roadshows

Off the Beaten Track With Subversive Movies

Johannes Schonherr

Headpress 2002

Australian Distributor: Tower Books

Johannes Schonherr has devoted his life to alternative and underground films, from bizarre North Korean propaganda to the extremes of underground sex cinema. This book is a collection of essays, diaries and articles presented as part of his memories of his journeys around the globe. It is a bit like a “road” book, a strange travel guide to anywhere where cult films are needed. And when I say anywhere, I mean anywhere.

From an underground cinema in Germany showing sex films which are targeted by far left lesbian feminists to North Korea, there is a tale to be told. We learn a lot about underground cinema along the way, the key figures, how films are made and shown, the strange films themselves and the even stranger people who make them. We learn a lot about how to run a cult film cinema and the ins and outs of film editing and production.

There are all sorts of gems in these pages ranging from memories of the last gig by GG Allin to discussions of Mexican animal sex films. His journey to North Korea to experience its film heritage is outrageous and is a truly astounding read. Trashfilm Roadshows is illustrated throughout with black and white photos.

This is a great book which reads like an exciting travel tale yet at the same time offering a good overview of underground film and insights from the underbelly of cult cinema.