WAMG Interview With CRAIGSLIST JOE Director Joseph Garner

In a time when America’s economy and sense of community were crumbling, one guy left everything behind – to see if he could survive solely on the support of the 21st century’s new town square: Craigslist.

This week I got to sit down and talk to Joseph Garner, director and subject of the film CRAIGSLIST JOE. You can find that interview below.

It was in this climate that 29-year-old Joseph Garner cut himself off from everyone he knew and everything he owned, to embark on a bold adventure. Armed with only a laptop, cell phone, toothbrush, and the clothes on his back – alongside the hope that community was not gone but just had shifted – Joseph began his journey.  For 31 December days and nights, everything in his life would come from the Craigslist website. From transportation to food, from shelter to companionship, Joe would depend on the generosity of people who had never seen him and whose sole connection to him was a giant virtual swap meet.

How did you come up with this social experiment? What was the deciding moment that made you say “I’m going to do this!”?

GARNER: I have always been interested in what makes up the ‘human experience’ and how that has evolved over time. I wanted to see how technological advancements and social media change the way we interact with one another– whether it’s bringing us closer together or inhibiting face to face interactions. Do we still look out for each other? So it was at the end of 2008 when our country was going through an economic crisis and I was feeling pretty disconnected from what was going on beyond my immediate surroundings. I wanted to see how people were getting by. I wanted to feel connected. That’s when I knew what I wanted to do.

On day 28 (I believe) in the film your plans for shelter fell through. How many of your plans actually fell through along the way?

GARNER: Over the course of the month, for every one thing that ‘worked out’ there were at least 20 that didn’t. I feel like the same could be said about life. Not everything we do is going to work out all the time, and it took a lot of me reminding myself that, all it takes is one person to say yes. That’s what kept me going.

A lot of people have become weary of meeting people on Craigslist. Do you think having a camera man there helped you to feel safe?

GARNER: I never really felt like my life was in danger. Sure there were days without food or finding a place to sleep, but I never felt threatened. I guess you could make the argument that certain people would act differently around a camera. I spent many days with a lot of the different people I met, and after a few minutes of talking, you kind of just forget the camera is even there. Also I didn’t reveal the fact that we were shooting a documentary in any of my craigslist postings. It was only after someone agreed to meet up that I would let them know about the camera and most of the people didn’t have a problem with it.

Were there any situations that were frightening for you?

GARNER: I was never frightened, but there were moments of loneliness, extreme hunger, exhaustion and doubt. This was a choice I was making to do this project. I was the one putting myself into this situation. No matter how bad it got, I would have my friends and family to go back to when this was all over.  Unfortunately, there are millions and millions of people who don’t have that same choice and that saddens me beyond words.

Were there any situations or moments that you wished you could have included in the film? Or felt that you couldn’t so you left them out.

GARNER: We shot a total of 80 hours. There were SO many things I wish I could have included. I would guess that most filmmakers have to leave a couple of their ‘babies’ on the editing room floor, but you try to service the story you’re trying to tell. Even if it means losing your mom’s favorite scene.

I noticed you went bowling on your date. Did she pay, or did the bowling alley donate the lane?

GARNER: We were talking about fun things that we could do for free. We went to a book reading, snuck into a symphony, and she had one of those old coupon books for free bowling on a weekday. When she told me that, I was like there’s no way we’re not bowling tonight!

I know that getting back home and reflecting was a bit emotional. Now that you have had time to ponder everything, what is your conclusion? What did you take away from this? Are you still an avid Craigslist user?

GARNER: In what started out as a simple 31-day social experiment, turned into the most inspiring experience of my life. I did more traveling in that month, met more interesting and unique people, heard more stories of overcoming struggles, and felt more connected to the people around me, than any other period of my life. What struck me the most was what a hopeful commentary it is on humanity today. You just don’t expect people to be that nice and so willing to lend a helping hand. And yes, I am still on craigslist!

CRAIGLIST JOE hits Theaters and Video on Demand August 2, 2012

Official Website: www.craigslistjoe.com