Exist

I wondered, at what point do you leave your middle-class existence and decide to put yourself in danger for the sake of people halfway across the world? The film is an intimate portrayal of two kids from different backgrounds who are trying to live by their political ideals, and the obstacles that stop them. - Director, Esther Bell

“Esther Bell (director) mixes actors and activists in EXIST, a super low budget DV feature about young Philadelphia squatters in the anti-globalization movement” - Mary Glucksman, Filmmaker Magazine

"After making waves on the festival circuit with "Godass" in 2000, Esther Bell advances from promising to impressive with her second feature, "Exist." This improvisationally developed drama about the tragic aftermath of a Philadelphia squatters community broken up by police is acted primarily by non-professionals who are activist/squatters themselves. EXIST provides A character-based view of a seldom-seen U.S. underground way of life sans preachiness or melodrama.

Those looking for an emphasis on plot or walk-on-the-wild-side counterculture thrills may find "Exist" a little too "pure" to be entertaining. But in fact it's very tightly packed despite the verite-style surface. Presenting characters and situations via evocative glimpses, it strikes a fine balance between ambiguity and narrative focus. Performances are very good, with Mevoli especially impressive in a role Whose solitary, noncommunicative nature might easily have grown boring to watch. Contributions of lenser Tracy Gudwin, editor Yasunari Rowan and others demonstrate considerable subtle craftsmanship in the service of creating the film's gritty feel." Excerpt from Variety review by Dennis Harvey.

Esther Bell Website

Exist Trailer

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