Honest Man: the Life of R. Budd Dwyer, my independently produced feature-length documentary, explores the scandal that led an honest, hard-working man to take his own life. The film follows Budd Dwyer, a Pennsylvania politician who infamously committed suicide at a televised press conference. Chronicling his meteoric rise to political power, the film examines the bribery scandal and subsequent trial that pushed him to his breaking point. Honest Man also delves into the controversy and consequences of the uncensored airing of Dwyer’s death on television stations worldwide, revealing a story that has remained untold for over 24 years.

I didn’t plan it out this way, but the road to the Los Angeles premiere of Honest Man has been a long and difficult journey. I’ve always just assumed that your film would somewhat magically “open” in LA and the only thing standing between you and success would be a strike by the local red carpet union. Boy, was I wrong. After premiering at the Carmel Film Festival in 2010, we spent a few months bouncing around Pennsylvania, made a quick stop in Buffalo, NY (my hometown and noted cinema hub on the Northeast, right?), and then hit San Francisco. After a few months off, we’re starting the second round of screenings, which finally brings Honest Man to LA. And it’s about time.



But I suppose this was to be expected, as the entire process of making and distributing this film has been exclusively atypical. From the fact that it took me over four years to complete (self-financed, aka filmmaking on layaway; I do not recommend it) to the fact that I, unofficially, broke the record for “Most Death Threats Received From Potential Interviewees” (take that, Errol Morris!). Let’s just say, I’ve gotten used to this sort of thing.

Luckily for LA, it looks like it’s been worth the wait. Beyond the film, we have a fantastic line-up for the post show Q&A. The entire Dwyer family, Rob (Budd’s son), Dyan (Budd’s daughter) and Mary (Budd’s sister), will be there, and I couldn’t be more excited. I have to mention, for a family whose endured so much tragedy, they exude so much confidence, strength and wisdom. They always shine during the Q&As, and I’m always taken aback by their openness to share their experience with the audience. Nothing is off limits, and they always speak from the heart. They’re cut from a different mold, and I think that’s a true testament to Budd’s ability as a father and brother.



They’re also quite hilarious, which is great because our special guest for the evening is comedian/writer/all around awesome guy, Trevor Moore. You may know Trevor from IFC’s The Whitest Kids U’ Know. While he may be the first person outside of the film to participate in a Q&A, he’s certainly qualified. Like me, Trevor represents the Internet generation, the group of thousands of people who stumbled across Budd’s suicide video on YouTube and P2P networks—and both Trevor and I had been left speechless after seeing this gruesome video. Since then he’s been on a quest for an answer to that lingering question: “What would drive Dwyer to do such a thing?” Fortunately, Honest Man was there to answer his questions.

It’s going to be one hell of a night, and I’ve never been so excited/nervous/confident/terrified of a screening. But then again, I wouldn’t expect anything less. I look forward to answering all of your questions and I hope to see you there!

Honest Man: The Life of R. Budd Dwyer — LA Premiere
Friday July 29, 2011
Doors open at 7. Film starts at 8:30. Post screening Q&A at 10.
Q&A moderated by Truthdig.com’s Kasia Anderson, with members of the Dwyer family, Trevor Moore from The Whitest Kids U’ Know, and director James Dirschberger.

Location: Royal/T, 8910 Washington Blvd, Culver City
Tickets: $10 at the door
RSVP for guaranteed entry: heythere@cinemaspeakeasy.com

Details about a VOD release coming soon. For more info, visit DwyerMovie.com and CinemaSpeakeasy.com.

Watch the trailer:

James Dirschberger is an animator/editor/director who currently lives in Los Angeles. Honest Man is his first feature film.