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<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\nAs you\u2019ll hear in this interview, CABALI was a multi-year project with an unknown outcome. Josh breaks down the challenges and creative process behind editing the film, noting his background as an editor and the very deliberate choice to intertwine two narrative threads: the broader history of Tiki and the specific story of Cabali\u2019s creation. He discusses how the visuals, including vibrant cinematography by Ryan Mihalyi and expert color work by David Taylor, were designed to immerse viewers in the world of Tiki, paralleling the artistry of the mugs and bar with the film\u2019s own visual style. The use of dynamic camera angles, close-ups, and color was discussed as a way to highlight the craftsmanship involved in both the mugs and the bar\u2019s construction.<\/p>\n
As comes as no surprise, we spend a good deal of time touching on the editing process, with Josh revealing that he cut two separate linear films\u2014one about Tiki history and one about Cabali\u2019s construction\u2014before merging them into the final non-linear narrative, noting the difficulty of deciding when to stop filming and interviewing, and acknowledging that some interviews took years to secure. Important to Josh was to include a wide range of voices from the Tiki community while condensing a visually and historically rich story into a tight runtime.<\/p>\n
We also delve into the film\u2019s sound design and music, with special mention of Silas Hite\u2019s main title score and Tony Marsico\u2019s contributions, which blend surf rock, Polynesian influences, and jazz notes to evoke the mid-century era when Tiki culture flourished. The music is not only energetic but also propels the narrative. And something that tickled me to no end is the film\u2019s opening titles with Hite\u2019s title score.<\/p>\n
Vibrant, bold, and alive, the film\u2019s opening titles, which were inspired by the legendary Saul Bass and created with the help of Emily Eckstein, Silas Hite, and Ralph Smith, represent a shared aesthetic sensibility and collaborative approach to animation and design, as was the intention to create a visually striking introduction that sets the tone for the film.<\/p>\n
Fini joins the conversation to share his perspective on the organic development of the project. He recounted how his initial idea for a DIY-style documentary about building a bar evolved once Josh saw his extensive Tiki mug collection, realizing there was a deeper story about the artists and the subculture. Fini emphasized his initial reluctance to be the film\u2019s subject, preferring the focus to be on the artists, but acknowledged that his role as an enthusiastic collector helped humanize the story and make it accessible to a wider audience.<\/p>\n
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And, of course, we talk money and financing as the boys describe the logistical and financial challenges of making the film, including the need to travel to various Tiki hotspots and the dual task of funding both the bar\u2019s construction and the documentary. Josh is generous with his praise of the film\u2019s executive producers and a tight-knit group of supporters for making the project possible. As part and parcel to the financial threads of this doc and the building of Cabali is the collaborative nature of the bar\u2019s construction, with artists and craftsmen contributing unique skills, often at personal financial sacrifice, driven by passion for the project.<\/p>\n
Now I\u2019m sure you\u2019re all asking yourselves the big question – what about the drinks? Those beautiful fruity, umbrella-wearing drinks that are served in those gorgeous Tiki mugs? Don\u2019t worry. I\u2019ve got you covered, as those were two of my big questions when it came to the film\u2019s content. We do get to see some beautiful drinks poured and served. We see a glimpse of a \u201ccocktail menu\u201d, but no drink recipes are shared. I know. Perish the thought. But on pressing the boys with suggestions for a collector\u2019s edition DVD, both Josh and Fini acknowledge the importance of cocktails and hinted at the possibility of including recipes and additional content as DVD extras in the future. I\u2019m looking for custom Cabali mugs, too.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a fun, fun interview, and Josh imparts so much wisdom about his feature directorial experience and the challenges faced in making CABALI AND THE TIKI MUG OBSESSION that all of you filmmakers and aspiring filmmakers will glean something that might aid you in your passion projects, as this truly became a passion project for Josh as well as Fini.<\/p>\n
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For more information on CABALI and upcoming festival screenings and distribution news, go to cabalidoc.com. And if you\u2019re in Southern California, you can catch CABALI AND THE TIKI MUG OBSESSION on July 18th at 5pm at the Bay Theatre in Seal Beach.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n
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