Free online screening of ‘Why We Ride’ now available
News release
In conjunction with the crowd funding campaign for its new film “I AM STURGIS,” the filmmakers are offering free on-line screening of “Why We Ride” for 7 days in hopes of galvanizing viewers to donate on any level to their Kickstarter campaign. Upon its initial release, Why We Ride generated intense interest and soon became the most critically acclaimed motorcycle movie of all time. With time running out on the current campaign, the filmmakers hope to channel some of that energy and enthusiasm toward their new project.
“We don’t want to stop with just one movie. We want to continue to inspire more people, and that’s why we want to make ‘I AM STURGIS,’” says James Walker, producer of “Why We Ride.” “This is a movement now, and we want it to flourish. Sturgis is the entire motorcycle microcosm — it’s got everything: the camaraderie of the tribe, the visceral power of the bikes, the cacophony of humans and machines coming together, communing, riding, bonding. We want to show this world to people, because the instinct behind it, the gathering and the sharing, the competition and the rush — it’s universal. This isn’t just about being a motorcyclist; it’s about what drives us as people. All we ask is that everyone who has seen ‘Why We Ride’ —or who view it for free on our site over the next week — to please donate to the ’I AM STURGIS’ Kickstarter campaign. If everyone gives even $5, it will allow us to continue telling these inspiring stories about our motorcycle culture.”
Response to the “I AM STURGIS” crowd-funding drive has been strong among the professional motorcycling community. South Dakota Tourism, City of Sturgis, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Harley-Davidson, Sturgis Motorcycle Museum, The Buffalo Chip Campground, Law Tigers, Uhl Studios, Michael Lichter Photography, Sedlak Studios, Hot Leathers, Bonnier Corporation, UBM Advanstar Progressive International Motorcycle Shows, J&P Cycles and Whitewood Campground and Event Center are just a few of the motorcycling business interests that have committed support to “I AM STURGIS.” With 19 days remaining in the campaign, Walker and company hope for a final push from individual motorcycling enthusiasts and Why We Ride fans to get them to their goal. The filmmakers believe in their fans and hope the 7-day free screening of “Why We Ride” will serve as a gesture of goodwill and inspiration.
The impetus for “I AM STURGIS” stems partly from this year’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally being the 75th Anniversary of that motorcycling institution. In recent years, the Sturgis rally has drawn half a million participants, but attendance estimates for this year’s anniversary rally exceed one million riders. There may never be a better time to capture the passion, dedication and camaraderie of the motorcycling community, and there certainly is no better place than the iconic Sturgis gathering.
When making “Why We Ride,” Sturgis was the first filming location, and it had an immediate emotional effect on the filmmakers. “There is a spirit there that enters you and grabs your heart,” says Bryan H. Carroll, producer/director. “The beauty of the Black Hills is God given. You put your hand on a boulder and you feel this energy; you can feel it in the air. It’s easy to understand why American Indians hold this place sacred.”
To launch the project, Why We Ride Films hopes to raise $350,000 of the production budget for “I AM STURGIS” through their Kickstarter campaign. And while they’re on their way, there are [less than] 19 days left to achieve their goal. There are many contribution levels and many rewards at each level, including digital movie posters, movie downloads, movie premier passes, production credits, access to the Producer’s Private Pre-Party, and private theatrical screenings, as well as new offerings, like an exclusive David Uhl print of legendary motorcycle maven Gloria Struck, Ride in the Movie, VIP passes to Michael Lichter’s Motorcycles as Art party, a handmade “Bagger” metal sculpture by James Rice and the opportunity to make it into the movie through participation in Sturgis rally rides.
“We made Why We Ride about a community,” says producer James Walker. “Now, we want to grow that community and invite the people to be a part of our next film: ‘I AM STURGIS!’ There are only 19 days left–we’re asking those with a love for motorcycling to join us.”
Why We Ride is available for free screening for 7 days at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/338580709/i-am-sturgis-the-movie.
A trailer for I AM STURGIS can be seen there as well.
Why We Ride Films urges those with a passion for motorcycling to join them in bringing “I AM STURGIS” to the big screen. This will be a collective endeavor, made by and for people with a fervor for riding. Anyone can pledge support and be a part of the movie. Those wanting to participate in crowdfunding this project can do so at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/338580709/i-am-sturgis-the-movie
