MAN BRINGS FIELD OF DREAMS @HOT DOCS 2021

Many will find it difficult to understand Jim Denevan and the way he does things. His remarkable and out-of-this-world accomplishments in hospitality and art are worth documenting. The one-time professional surfer has gained the respect of many leaders from the two respective industries. Man in the Field: The Life and Art of Jim Denevan directed by Patrick Trefz screened at Hot Docs. It is an intimate portrait of a pioneer of many disciplines. This visually stunning documentary captures many images that have not seen before that Denevan himself is responsible for. FERNTV believes he is the modern Ray Kinsella in a new field of dreams.

Director Patrick Trefz establishes a true friendship and partnership with Jim Denevan who allows for the creation of this biopic. Furthermore, the two are from Santa Cruz where they both became pals when they were younger. There may have been hundreds of filmmakers waiting to pitch and film his story and bring it to the masses. To capture those shocking yet inspiring works of art and hospitality images would mean a lot to hopeful filmmakers. Yet, Patrick Trefz knows that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to Jim Denevan. He is a man who goes above and beyond and would want his story to be told the right way. Despite his success, Jim Denevan does not forget where he comes which has taken a toll.

Mental Illness

Jim Denevan grew up in a family of three brothers. All of them went on to becoming mentally insane. The result was a difficult time when both brothers were diagnosed. His mother as well was diagnosed and hospitalized. Jim Denevan battled with depression for a period of time because of this overspray. This still affects him today despite having found outlets like his art and hospitality to minimize the damage. Having reached levels of success will never be enough to remove this aspect of his life. It is a part of him that fuels this energy in the right direction. To film this related narrative of Jim Denevan shows the audience where his work all comes from.

Art Installations

Let’s begin with his land-based installation art which mainly takes place on the beaches in Santa Cruz. He draws these temporary art installations on sand, rock or ice with a stick, rake or hand. It is like the art in crop circles that makes them compelling. But the mystery remains how does Jim do it? Without technology, he walks almost 30km a day or 7 to 8 hrs to complete his art. He knows much of them will wash away or be stomped by others. Aerial photography of his art shows how massive these installations are and how nature changes the look. Leading artists from around the world express their gratitude for his work through publications saying that they are mesmerizing and beyond human.

This is the reflection of the ever-changing landscape of our Earth and the human mind. It is a portrait of his mind where he tries to achieve zen through the process. This being one of his outlets to deal with the mental illness in his family. But being ever so close to the beaches of Santa Cruz where he rips tides so easily when he was a surfer shows that he is a product of his environment. Being alone when doing this art helps his darkness change to enlightening. His consistency allows for him to reach levels that broke barriers in arts, science and mathematics.

Outstanding in the Field

In his other passion Outstanding in the Field, he combines his art installation mentality with that of hospitality. Rather than bringing the farm to the table, Jim Denevan brings the table to the farm. He attaches a connecting long table that brings people together to enjoy food from local sources and wineries. Working with the top local top chefs who break the conventional hospitality experience is a passion that expresses itself to the experience. The kitchen is brought outdoors where some of the finest dishes are curated with the finest ingredients with state-of-the-art kitchen equipment. The catering aspect of these events from Outstanding in the Field is like a dream come true for the back of the house who moves to work the front of house. The mentality of working changes making it challenging but rewarding that almost is a close to divinity.

The magic does happen on the table where people become connected by food and wine. The dishes on the table encourages everyone to indulge and share at the same time. It makes you food-conscious by being part of this table and knowing where your food comes from. Its movement gives you an appreciation of what it takes to get that food to your plate.

Human Connection

The connection you make with others can not be curated any better. This collective alleviates the human spirit to be part of an experience different from any regular public setting. Also, documenting this event from an aerial perspective makes it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But the preparation of this event by Jim Denevan is out of this world. His colleagues would never understand how he remains so calm through the journey of these events. He has it down to a science which many people think it does not exist in hospitality. But Jim Denevan proves them wrong whenever he does these artistic dining experiences. He keeps together like his art installations on land, his surfing and his previous restaurant experiences as a chef. With so many things that go wrong at a drop of a hat, Jim Denevan wears his with pride.

The Man, The Myth, The Legend

This is a documentary about a man who struggles every day with the reality of being part of a mentally ill family. Jim Denevan has seen much success through his career which comes from this struggle. It has made a great impact on Jim Denevan but is based on a foundation that can not be omitted or replaced in his life. But there is so much beauty that is coming from this darkness that is changing people’s lives. The building of these art installations or Outstanding in the Field events is similar to what comes out of a W.P. Kinsella book. Jim Denevan knows that if he builds it, they will come. This is a man whose existence is within his field of dreams.

https://outstanding.assemble.me/