Interview with James Anaquad Kleinert

James Anaquad Kleinert was not your normal, everyday kid.  When other kids were throwing snowballs and sledding, he was experimenting with aerial ski jumping in his back yard in rural Wisconsin.  No one in his family could quite understand his drive and intent to train for this “dangerous sport” except for his grandfather, who was of Seneca American Indian heritage and understood the trials and tests of young boys.  From this simple start, James Kleinert became a World Cup competitor in freestyle aerials, and a top action, environmental and Native American filmmaker.

What is the current project you are working on?

We just did the final editing pass on "Wild Horses & Renegades" yesterday (7-16-11). I have been getting final feedback with the screenings at the International Wild Life Film Festival and the Capitol Hill screening in DC last week. I feel we have polished the film and it's ready. I will be working on marketing and screenings of Wild Horses & Renegades from now until the first of the year.

In addition I'm currently in production of a profoundly beautiful film title "Horse Medicine". "Horse Medicine" weaves together the stories, legends and magical experiences, exploring the mythological place of higher consciousness that exists between horse, human and the natural environment. Cowboys, Indians and equestrian lovers speak to how their lives have been transformed and healed by this amazing animal. Many of the stars that appear in "Wild Horses & Renegades" will be in "Horse Medicine" as well. I have been simultaneously shooting "Horse Medicine" as I was shooting "Wild Horses & Renegades".

How do wild horses differ in personality compared to domesticated horses?

Really good question. Most people do not realize how modern man has destroyed the profound social/family structure of horses. Horses in the wild have complex family unites, comprised of a Father (the band stallion) the Mother the lead Maier and numerous younger colts and fillies that are very educated and disciplined from their parents in how to live in the wild and be a part of a functioning family unite. The family must live and survive together in the wild, to do this they have evolved as a team and family. The Band Stallion is the protector looking out for the families health and well being in the wild. The Lead Mare tends to teach the younger horses proper protocol for living in the family unite. The Lead Mare will also make choices on where the band is to travel for food, water, shelter etc. with the Stallion brining up the rear. Wild Horses seem much better adjusted vs. domestic. Domestic horses in many cases are torn from their mothers at an early age, placed in a stall by themselves and have little interaction with other horses. This can lead to all kinds of problems with horses socializing and adjusting mentally.

Horses in the wild have to adjust and socialize to the family around them for their very survival. They are also exposed to all types of terrain, other wild life species and food sources. They can survive very well on a spare range, grazing on a number of different types of forage. It is survival of the fittest in the wild. Wild Horses have amazing lower legs and hoofs, they have evolved over years of natural selection to be perfectly adapted to their rugged environment. Domestic horses have been so inbred and crossbred that they have developed all kinds of problems as a result. Most domestic horses would have a tough time surviving in the wild.

I have a rescued Wild Mustang (Austin) he spend his first three years of life

[caption id="attachment_1406" align="alignleft" width="208" caption="James and Austin"][/caption]

in the wild with his family then was rounded up by the Bureau of Land Management. It took Austin some time to adjust but he has taken me on as family. He understands cooperation with others and being part of a team. Austin is great on my wilderness rides as he has experience seeing and being with other wild animals, so he does not spook or buck easily. I have never had to shoe Austin, he has incredibly strong hoofs and lower legs, he is incredibly resilient smart and level-headed.

Did you always want to be a filmmaker?

From a young age I had a desire to tell stories, I started writing scripts/stories when I was 14 or so.

What inspired you to become filmmaker?

I started with photo journalism on our high school news paper. My Mother was a photo journalist for a small newspaper and I watched her shoot and put together her stories weekly. My Mother had a dark room in our basement so I watched the process regularly and then started taking photos myself. This was my start. . . . As time went on I skied on the US Freestyle Ski Team as an Aerial Acrobatic Specialist. I was then in front of the camera for ski films and television sports shows. I learned a lot about film production working on those type of productions. I became a member of SAG as an Actor/Stuntman and did that for awhile. However I wanted to tell important stories to contribute back to the health and well being of the planet and started shooting and doing my own films. You can learn more by visiting (www.spiritridersmovie.com, www.theamericanwildhorse.com & www.movingcloud.com). I was inspired by the people I feature in my films. People who care deeply about the human and environmental condition.

What is the best thing about being one?

Being on incredibly beautiful and wild locations, connecting with Mother Earth and all of her profound Grace. Sometimes I capture it on film and sometime I just take it in.

What is the worst thing about being one?

The Artists struggle . . . My movies are not main stream they are hard-hitting important documentaries that challenge many of the special interest controlling our society. Most distributors and networks have told me flat-out they like my work but for business/political reason's they will not participate.

What is the estimated number of projects you have worked on?

A guestimate would be around 60-80?

Who is your favorite filmmaker?

That is a tough one? I had the honor to work with Norman Jewison and ski with him as well.

Norman was great in the sense that we was so open, always willing to give and share advice. Plus he made some very thought-provoking, revolutionary films.

How has your life changed since you became a filmmaker?

I'm kind of a Lone Wolf. I work all the time, shooting, editing, fund-raising, promoting etc. Film Making is my life, I eat and breath it everyday.

What is one piece of advice you can give to someone who also wants to make it in the movie business?

Don't have big expectations for making a lot of money.

Do it because it is your passion, you will reach points in your films where your passion for the project is the only thing that will carry you through. Pick project's your passionate about.

What do you like to do besides filmmaking?

I love being with my horse Austin out in the wide open Western Lands! Nia, yoga.

Have you had any other jobs before you decided to become a filmmaker?

Hell yeah! Worked on farms and ranches as a grunt, construction, waiting tables, Coaching/teaching Skiing, Tour Guide in a cave etc.

What are some of your favorite American films? Foreign films? Television shows?

Another tough question. The Bounty, Dances With Wolves, Apocalypse Now, Easy Rider, The Last Temptation of Christ, Lawrence of Arabia, The Seven Samurai, Bill Maher show.

How would you describe your film education?

I was a part time film student at the University of Utah.

I found working with other film productions and my own films gave me great practical experience. The education process is always continuing, I love to learn.

How would you describe the film "scene" where you live?

I live in New Mexico and the film scene is very good here!

There is a sense of freedom and creativity (not so corporate and all about money) that still exists in New Mexico.

How has social media changed the independent film industry?

It's allowing us to be more independent on a much larger scale. We are watching it unfold day to day now, seeing new great ideas and opportunities!

What's your opinion on crowdfunding?

I just learned about it in the last several months and it seems to be working better than anything else I've tried.

Seems we are connecting the people with the film makers and leaving special interest out. I think it's a really good concept and we will continue to see it grow and produce wonderful works of art.

What is the casting process like?

I really do not cast, it's more a process of fate on who I meet along the journey.

What's your favorite movie quote and why?

May the Force be with you! I like to think that the Force is a much higher benevolent being, empowering us on our earth journey.

 

 

 

 

Thanks for doing the interview James. I'll be sure to spread the word about "Wild Horses & Renegades". Readers can find out how you can help wild horses by clicking here.