Brian Gersten

On October 15, 2009, America watched with rapt attention a large balloon float through the skies of Colorado on live TV

Over the centuries caviar (i.e. - sturgeon eggs) was strictly reserved for Russian Czars and royalty throughout the world. Nowadays it’s become synonymous with wealth, fame, and indulgence. But why is that? What's so special about caviar? "Caviar Dreams" delves into the complex world of caviar, weaving a tapestry of caviar tales that leaves you knowing more than you ever thought possible about this unique delicacy. Beyond the assumed glamour and luxury associated with caviar, we uncover a story about over-fishing, poaching, near extinction, and a quest for sustainability.

The Amazing Mr. Ash is a documentary short that follows the life and times of Ashod Baboorian, a beloved and eccentric Chicago-area magician. Mr. Ash, along with his wife Bonnie, have owned and operated Ash's Magic Shop on Western Avenue since 1985. The business is a veritable landmark in the Lincoln Square neighborhood, and is one of the last remaining magic shops in the city. At 74 years old, Mr. Ash has a storied history as an Iraqi-Armenian emigrant, a US army draftee, a country-western singer, and of course as a world famous magician.

"Hollywood’s Mermaid" takes a deep dive into Esther William’s remarkable life’s story. We follow Esther from a 16-year-old Olympic hopeful to a 90-year-old Hollywood icon and see first-hand how her unique blend of athleticism, grace, and charisma continually captivated audiences across the globe for decades.

A short, slightly personal, slightly experimental, archival documentary about the history of bowling in America and the history of America in bowling. The film interweaves our established perception of this innocuous all-American game with the pervasiveness of cultural racism, sexism, and violence by showcasing nearly 100 years of archival bowling footage from newsreels, instructional films, commercials, home movies, and mainstream films & television.

The untold story of a notorious incident involving Johnny Carson, a lot of toilet paper, and millions of fearful Americans. In 1973, as a dire oil crisis plagued the country, Carson made a joke on "The Tonight Show" about a possible paper shortage. This off-hand remark quickly created an actual paper shortage when viewers went and bought up as much toilet paper as they could get their hands on. Compiled entirely of archival footage, and animated sequences based on contemporaneous news reports, the film explores the power and impact of misinformation in the media.

On October 15, 2009, America watched with rapt attention a large balloon float through the skies of Colorado on live TV

Over the centuries caviar (i.e. - sturgeon eggs) was strictly reserved for Russian Czars and royalty throughout the world. Nowadays it’s become synonymous with wealth, fame, and indulgence. But why is that? What's so special about caviar? "Caviar Dreams" delves into the complex world of caviar, weaving a tapestry of caviar tales that leaves you knowing more than you ever thought possible about this unique delicacy. Beyond the assumed glamour and luxury associated with caviar, we uncover a story about over-fishing, poaching, near extinction, and a quest for sustainability.

Over the centuries caviar (i.e. - sturgeon eggs) was strictly reserved for Russian Czars and royalty throughout the world. Nowadays it’s become synonymous with wealth, fame, and indulgence. But why is that? What's so special about caviar? "Caviar Dreams" delves into the complex world of caviar, weaving a tapestry of caviar tales that leaves you knowing more than you ever thought possible about this unique delicacy. Beyond the assumed glamour and luxury associated with caviar, we uncover a story about over-fishing, poaching, near extinction, and a quest for sustainability.

The Amazing Mr. Ash is a documentary short that follows the life and times of Ashod Baboorian, a beloved and eccentric Chicago-area magician. Mr. Ash, along with his wife Bonnie, have owned and operated Ash's Magic Shop on Western Avenue since 1985. The business is a veritable landmark in the Lincoln Square neighborhood, and is one of the last remaining magic shops in the city. At 74 years old, Mr. Ash has a storied history as an Iraqi-Armenian emigrant, a US army draftee, a country-western singer, and of course as a world famous magician.

"Hollywood’s Mermaid" takes a deep dive into Esther William’s remarkable life’s story. We follow Esther from a 16-year-old Olympic hopeful to a 90-year-old Hollywood icon and see first-hand how her unique blend of athleticism, grace, and charisma continually captivated audiences across the globe for decades.

A short, slightly personal, slightly experimental, archival documentary about the history of bowling in America and the history of America in bowling. The film interweaves our established perception of this innocuous all-American game with the pervasiveness of cultural racism, sexism, and violence by showcasing nearly 100 years of archival bowling footage from newsreels, instructional films, commercials, home movies, and mainstream films & television.

The untold story of a notorious incident involving Johnny Carson, a lot of toilet paper, and millions of fearful Americans. In 1973, as a dire oil crisis plagued the country, Carson made a joke on "The Tonight Show" about a possible paper shortage. This off-hand remark quickly created an actual paper shortage when viewers went and bought up as much toilet paper as they could get their hands on. Compiled entirely of archival footage, and animated sequences based on contemporaneous news reports, the film explores the power and impact of misinformation in the media.

The untold story of a notorious incident involving Johnny Carson, a lot of toilet paper, and millions of fearful Americans. In 1973, as a dire oil crisis plagued the country, Carson made a joke on "The Tonight Show" about a possible paper shortage. This off-hand remark quickly created an actual paper shortage when viewers went and bought up as much toilet paper as they could get their hands on. Compiled entirely of archival footage, and animated sequences based on contemporaneous news reports, the film explores the power and impact of misinformation in the media.

This documentary short is about the history, characters, and sounds of the National Hollerin' Contest. Hollerin' itself is considered by some to be the earliest form of communication between humans, and the annual competition has been held in the small town of Spivey's Corner, NC since 1969. The film follows the stories of three former champions as they attempt to reclaim their titles, and keep the oft-forgotten tradition of hollerin' alive.

This documentary short is about the history, characters, and sounds of the National Hollerin' Contest. Hollerin' itself is considered by some to be the earliest form of communication between humans, and the annual competition has been held in the small town of Spivey's Corner, NC since 1969. The film follows the stories of three former champions as they attempt to reclaim their titles, and keep the oft-forgotten tradition of hollerin' alive.

"The Grey Zone" documents the last remaining land dispute between the US and Canada, which is a 20-acre island in the Gulf of Maine. 277 square-miles of ocean surrounding the island is also disputed, and lobster fishermen from Maine and Canada compete over this precious fishing ground also known as "The Grey Zone".