MEET NEW DAY: Joel Fendelman
Since joining New Day Films in 2018, I've been a socially conscious filmmaker passionate about uncovering the universal connections that bind us. I love exploring new worlds and the camera allows me to do so. After recently relocating to Texas, I wanted to explore and learn about the rural cowboy culture that was so different from my city upbringing. This curiosity led to my latest documentary, Auction, a portrait of cattle auctions and the fading cultural epicenter it represents in Gonzales, Texas.
In the pursuit of understanding, I discovered that being an outsider sometimes provides a unique perspective, allowing locals to share their culture more openly. Auction transcends the documentation of the cattle trade; instead, it unravels the intricate threads of community engagement. It paints a vivid picture of cattle auctions not merely as businesses but as enduring fixtures that have supported farm families and nurtured community connections for decades.
Auction made its mark at the Austin Film Festival and the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, resonating with audiences by presenting a window into a vanishing world. It is a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of a disappearing cowboy culture.
Alongside Auction, my broader portfolio with New Day Films includes North Putnam, Man on Fire, David, and Remittance—each offering a unique window into the tapestry of human experiences. I invite you to join me on this cinematic exploration, where every frame seeks to reveal the universal threads that connect us all. Learn more about Auction and my other films.