F A R | W E S T

FAR WEST // The New Yorker // I first crossed paths with Lala a decade ago while throwing parties in a downtown Brooklyn storage unit. I purchased a few of her early artworks, and we stayed in touch through social media. Little did I know that years later we would reconnect in the desert during a worldwide pandemic. On Friday the 13th, March 2020, I was on a plane headed out on a solo road trip through the American Southwest when the COVID shutdown was announced. With only a car and nowhere to stay, I reached out to the only person I knew living out west. Lala offered me a place on her land with one condition: I had to stay in a tent. I soon realized this wasn’t a health precaution—she herself was living fully off the grid, without water, electricity, or cell service. I spent a week with her, observing a way of life that had shed the anxiety and pressure of the city world we had both known. This simpler, more meditative lifestyle deeply inspired me. I had embarked on the trip searching for clarity, and Lala became a kind of guide—someone who had already done that inner work. Her lifestyle felt therapeutic, and I knew I wanted to explore it through film. A year later, I returned from New York City and stayed with Lala for a month, filming every day—observing. After two more years of editing, the film premiered at the Sedona International Film Festival, won an Independent Spirit Award, ran the circuit for another year and a half, and was later showcased by The New Yorker. Following my positive experience with my directorial debut, Bacon ’N’ Laces, in 2022, I’m proud to partner with The New Yorker again and present Far West. The film owes everything to Lala, whose way of living informed both its creation and its cadence. Featuring | @lala_abaddon Director | 🫡 Cinematographer | 🫡 Editor | 🫡 Exec. Producer TNY | @paulmoakley Story Producer | @rileyctaggart Colorist | @nabil_colorist Original Score | @gravity_proof Sound Designer + Re-recording Mixer | @benlehou Digitization Technician | @garybardizbanian Graphic Designer | @parrispierce Thank you: @keepordestroy @samanthafod @skautobot @jordan.mov @marciabsimon

FAR WEST // WINNER // The international premiere of @farwestxdoc at the prestigious @yiff_net culminated in it winning the Best International Documentary Short Award. Thank you, Yellowstone. As always… here is the team that made this film come to life: Featuring: Lala Abaddon / @lala_abaddon Director: Stephen Michael Simon Cinematographer: Stephen Michael Simon Editor: Stephen Michael Simon Story Producer: Riley Taggart / @rileyctaggart Colorist: Nabil Moo / @nabil_colorist Original Score: Alex Mitchell / @gravity_proof Sound Designer + Re-recording Mixer: Ben LeHouillier / @benlehou Analog / Digital Intermediate: Gary Bardizbanian / @garybardizbanian Graphic Designer: Parris Pierce / @parrispierce

FAR | WEST // Drained by the fast-paced urban lifestyle, Lala makes a bold decision to uproot herself and seek solace in the untamed landscapes somewhere far west. Stripped of the familiar comforts of running water, electricity, and constant connectivity, she faces the daunting challenge of building a life from scratch. This is the first teaser to Stephen Michael Simon’s new short documentary, “Far West”. Follow at @farwestxdoc to support and stay informed. Featuring: Lala Abaddon / @lala_abaddon Director: Stephen Michael Simon Cinematographer: Stephen Michael Simon Editor: Stephen Michael Simon Story Producer: Riley Taggart / @rileyctaggart Colorist: Nabil Moo / @nabil_colorist Original Score: Alex Mitchell / @gravity_proof Sound Designer + Re-recording Mixer: Ben LeHouillier / @benlehou Analog / Digital Intermediate: Gary Bardizbanian / @garybardizbanian Graphic Designer: Parris Pierce / @parrispierce

We don’t support a wall anywhere, but Kristi Noem has waived 28 environmental and indigenous protections to fast track a border wall in this region, citing a “crisis” here in big bend… lying about numbers and lying about what happens here- the truth is in our bones and our experiences here on the border! A wall is a complete waste of taxpayer dollars and will devastate the environment and economy! We say Chinga tu Muro!!! Every day is another injustice at our feet- please help us fight to protect this beautiful land, the communities that depend on it, the creatures and fauna that will be cut off from the only river that runs through it, and the sacred native sites that have been there for thousands of years!! Link in my bio to sign the petition and find numbers of your representatives to call ✊🌀✨#resist #nobigbendwall

Director Stephen Michael Simon spent 3 to 4 weeks living with his subject Lala to capture her transition from city life to a remote location in the desert. Since Stephen also edited the film, I wanted to know about the coordinated visual choices he made throughout the production and finishing stages of the film. Thank you to our sponsors @singlecutqns @brooklynlightingandgrip @theflug #microcinema #documentary #shortfilm #indieshort #desert #farwestdoc #qanda #directorinterview #editor #crossdissolves

FAR WEST // WINNER // The festival run for @farwestxdoc finishes strong taking home the Best Documentary Short Award from its Texas premiere at Waco Independent Film Festival. A few words from the festival directors on the award itself: “The Waco Independent Film Festival awards are custom-crafted by JDH Iron Designs - forged by the hands of Jimmy Don, whose iconic work has graced HGTV’s Fixer Upper and become part of the very soul of Waco.” “In collaboration, we set out to create something that speaks the language of Texas: strong, beautiful, and timelessly rustic. Qualities that also echo the spirit of independent film.” “Each award is left unfinished, allowing time and nature to shape it uniquely. Its patina will deepen with age, its character changing with the climate around you.” “The “lazy” Texas rests on its side, a quiet nod to the old cattle brands of the 1800s.” Thank you, @wacoindie for this award and sending Far West’s festival run off with a bang. Featuring: Lala Abaddon / @lala_abaddon Director: Stephen Michael Simon Cinematographer: Stephen Michael Simon Editor: Stephen Michael Simon Story Producer: Riley Taggart / @rileyctaggart Colorist: Nabil Moo / @nabil_colorist Original Score: Alex Mitchell / @gravity_proof Sound Designer + Re-recording Mixer: Ben LeHouillier / @benlehou Analog / Digital Intermediate: Gary Bardizbanian / @garybardizbanian Graphic Designer: Parris Pierce / @parrispierce

FAR WEST // Lala hits the stage: Opening Night at Summer Shorts was extra special since it was the first time on our festival run, we had our subject @lala_abaddon join us on stage. It truly felt like the perfect way to wrap up an 18-month journey with the film. Slide two is a photo from when I spent time out on Lala’s land during production - such a powerful place. Big love to @raythedestroyer for screening his incredible short Kamikaze in the same block, and major props to @warrenetheredge who somehow watched over 2,500 films (!!) to curate this festival. The guy’s a programming legend and such a thoughtful moderator. And of course, thank you Lala - for telling your story and always trusting your intuition, no matter the situation. You move with so much intention, and it shows. Thank you @throughlineartists for showcasing some brilliant shorts.

FAR | WEST // Summer Shorts Film Fest // Doc Subject in Attendance: Far West has made its way around the globe over the past year and a half, screening at festivals and venues far and wide. But one important moment has yet to happen - Lala Abaddon, the subject of the film, has never experienced a screening in person. That all changes this Friday, August 2nd. We’re thrilled to announce that Far West has been officially selected for the Summer Shorts Film Festival and will screen on Opening Night at 7:30 PM at the Denizen Theatre in New Paltz. This may be the final stop on Far West’s festival journey - and potentially the only time director Stephen Michael Simon and Lala Abaddon will appear together on stage. Follow at @farwestxdoc to support and stay informed. Featuring: Lala Abaddon / @lala_abaddon Director: Stephen Michael Simon Cinematographer: Stephen Michael Simon Editor: Stephen Michael Simon Story Producer: Riley Taggart / @rileyctaggart Colorist: Nabil Moo / @nabil_colorist Original Score: Alex Mitchell / @gravity_proof Sound Designer + Re-recording Mixer: Ben LeHouillier / @benlehou Analog / Digital Intermediate: Gary Bardizbanian / @garybardizbanian Graphic Designer: Parris Pierce / @parrispierce

FAR | WEST // Waco Independent Film Festival // Texas Premiere: We’re thrilled to announce that Far West will premiere in the very state where it was filmed and showcases — Texas. That’s right, this is where it all went down. Since we’re taking a trip down memory lane, we thought it was only fitting to celebrate with a throwback photo for our poster — a candid image captured by director Stephen Michael Simon when he first encountered Lala in the desert. In 2020, during a cross-country road trip suddenly derailed by the onset of COVID-19, Stephen found himself stranded in the Southwest. A few phone calls later, he reconnected with an old friend and ended up sleeping on her land, unaware of the reality of her living conditions. That chance reunion became the impetus for Far West. A year later, Stephen and Lala agreed to collaborate on a film that would capture her unique way of life. The screening will take place this Friday, July 18 at 1:30 CDT as part of the Solitaire Block. Follow at @farwestxdoc to support and stay informed. Featuring: Lala Abaddon / @lala_abaddon Director: Stephen Michael Simon Cinematographer: Stephen Michael Simon Editor: Stephen Michael Simon Story Producer: Riley Taggart / @rileyctaggart Colorist: Nabil Moo / @nabil_colorist Original Score: Alex Mitchell / @gravity_proof Sound Designer + Re-recording Mixer: Ben LeHouillier / @benlehou Analog / Digital Intermediate: Gary Bardizbanian / @garybardizbanian Graphic Designer: Parris Pierce / @parrispierce

FAR | WEST // Airing on PBS // In this current moment in time where free public education and access to the arts is eroding in a swift and uncertain way, I’m proud to share that @farwestxdoc will be airing on a local PBS station serving the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and parts of Northern Wisconsin. For me, I think of the kids that come home after school, sit on the floor and watch their local channels on tv waiting for their working parent to get home from their job. The ones with no access to a stage, a theatre, a big silver screen. PBS was always there — a window to new worlds, new friends, and new dreams - whether you searched it out or happen to stumble upon it. This is for the latchkey kids. Long live.

FAR | WEST // WINNER // The Lower East Side Film Festival awarded @farwestxdoc with ‘Best Documentary Short’ for the 2025 festival. I was so shocked at the awards ceremony that I barely managed to scream out a few words under pressure. I blame it on the leather strapped dancing cowboy and pure joy. This marks the second award from LESFF for me - the first being ‘Best of Fest’ for my short @bacon_n_laces in 2022. It’s wild to return to this part of downtown Manhattan to sell out a screening and take home an award in a historical building that I would admire from my dorm room across the street so many years ago. It was my first place I ever took residency when I moved to NYC in 2007. I’ve come full circle. I can’t thank this festival enough for continuing to support indie filmmakers and create a space for them to come together in two iconic theaters to watch the works of fresh storytellers as well as plenty of opportunities to let loose and discover new film friends. Lastly, this was one of the biggest group of friends I’ve personally had show up for a film of mine. So many of my buds came out to support and I can’t thank them enough. Thank you for supporting me and my work. You guys made it a damn party and I love you for that. Festival photos by @dozaphoto Follow at @farwestxdoc to support and stay informed. Featuring: Lala Abaddon / @lala_abaddon Director: Stephen Michael Simon Cinematographer: Stephen Michael Simon Editor: Stephen Michael Simon Story Producer: Riley Taggart / @rileyctaggart Colorist: Nabil Moo / @nabil_colorist Original Score: Alex Mitchell / @gravity_proof Sound Designer + Re-recording Mixer: Ben LeHouillier / @benlehou Analog / Digital Intermediate: Gary Bardizbanian / @garybardizbanian Graphic Designer: Parris Pierce / @parrispierce #lesff2025

FAR | WEST // Big Apple Film Festival // Far West heads back to Manhattan to screen at BAFF this Wednesday, May 24th at 8:3pm. Head over to LOOK Dine-In Cinemas on W 57th Street to check out a few shorts and a feature as part of this block. DM me for information on tickets. Thank you @bigapplefilmfestival for the official selection. Follow at @farwestxdoc to support and stay informed. Featuring: Lala Abaddon / @lala_abaddon Director: Stephen Michael Simon Cinematographer: Stephen Michael Simon Editor: Stephen Michael Simon Story Producer: Riley Taggart / @rileyctaggart Colorist: Nabil Moo / @nabil_colorist Original Score: Alex Mitchell / @gravity_proof Sound Designer + Re-recording Mixer: Ben LeHouillier / @benlehou Analog / Digital Intermediate: Gary Bardizbanian / @garybardizbanian Graphic Designer: Parris Pierce / @parrispierce