John Koch | Filmmaker

“The Seducer” (2009) 101 min. Written and Directed by John Koch. Featuring Zachary Humes, Betsy Hieb, and Jon Ferguson.

A lonely, wandering dreamer on his nightly patrol of empty streets happens upon a young woman, Sophia, who is waiting by the river for her long-absent lover to make his promised return. Sophia and the Dreamer form a fast friendship, as they proceed to meet on four consecutive nights, each night awaiting the appearance of the mysterious seductive man. As the two become closer and patience begins to wear thin, the situation becomes tense for all involved. It is a love triangle with desire moving in all the wrong directions. Will she persevere for the man she really wants? Will he ever return?

Winner, Best Feature, 2009 Minneapolis Underground Film Festival

“Je ne sais quoi” (2008) 82 min. Written and Directed by John Koch. Featuring Dave Andrae and Victoria Nohl.

A frustrated creative living a dead end life, Paul is at odds with everything in his environment and with himself. When he reaches out to Anna, a seemingly kindred spirit who lives across the hall, could things be changing for him? With a distinctive sharp wit and visual expression, the film explores the complexities of 21st century relationships and the fine line between acceptance of others and settling for less.

Screenings: Ritz Theater, Minneapolis (12 screenings) June 2008. Minneapolis Underground Film Festival, August 2008. Revolution Reel, June 2009.

“Overflow” (2010) Dance Film 5:25

Vanessa Voskuil (director/choreographer/performer/editor), John Koch (cinematographer/editor)

With a surrealist twist, “Overflow” is a meditation on love and surrender. Inspired by the writings of Hafiz (c. 1320-1389). Created for Cinema Revolution Society’s Dance Film Project 2010.

Screening: Minnesota Dance Film Festival, December 2010.

“Tomorrow” (2010) Short Film 6:20. Written and Directed by John Koch. Featuring Betsy Hieb.

A woman goes on a first date with unexpected results.  A poetic and sentimental portrait of Uptown Minneapolis from a longtime resident, focusing on themes of anticipation, alienation and change. Part of a trilogy: “Yesterday,” “Today” and “Tomorrow,” which was created as part of Minneapolis Project 2010. 

Screening: Riverview Theater, September 2010.

“The Seducer” (2009) Trailer 2:05

In this tragic tale of love and loss, the questions and consequences of seduction are explored.  160 years after the story’s original publication, the fundamental conflict between masculine and feminine energies within it remains universal and as relevant as ever in contemporary life.

A lonely, wandering dreamer on his nightly patrol of empty streets happens upon a young woman, Sophia, who is waiting by the river for her long-absent lover to make his promised return.  Sophia and the Dreamer form a fast friendship, as they proceed to meet on four consecutive nights, each night awaiting the appearance of the mysterious seductive man.  As the two become closer and patience begins to wear thin, the situation becomes tense for all involved.  It is a love triangle with desire moving in all the wrong directions.  Will she persevere for the man she really wants?  Will he ever return?

The dialectic that exists within The Seducer is a struggle between two different kinds of men and the woman who comes between them.  On one side, there is the Seducer – a strong-willed, confident man who has predictably acquired his share of success in life.  On the other side is the Dreamer – an eclectic, overly sensitive loner who lives most vitally within the confines of his own mind.  The film is an exploration of the dynamic between these two types of men and the woman who is caught in the middle.  It raises questions about the undeniable power of seduction, the question of morality (or amorality) that comes into play and the unintended effects and consequences of both seductive and anti-seductive actions.

Je ne sais quoi (2008) Trailer 1:26

This is a story of the mysterious force that fuels attraction and desire, success and vitality, that elusive ‘je ne sais quoi’. Some have it, some don’t, and Paul, an unpredictable loner, falls into the latter category. A frustrated creative living a dead end life, Paul is at odds with everything in his environment and with himself. When he reaches out to Anna, a seemingly kindred spirit who lives across the hall, could things be changing for him? With a distinctive sharp wit and visual expression, the film explores the complexities of 21st century relationships and the fine line between acceptance of others and settling for less. (2008, 82 min.)

“Headcleaner” (2001) 16mm Short Film 1:51. Written and Directed by John Koch. 

A meditation of a young woman searching to heal the wounds of a troubled past.

Screening: Ricochet Kitchen, Bedlam Theater, Minneapolis, April 2010.

“throne/thrown” (2008) 8:03

conceived, directed and edited by Vanessa Voskuil and John Koch as part of the 2008 Cinema Revolution Dance Film Project

choreographed and performed by Vanessa Voskuil

cinematography by John Koch

music by Alog
“a throne for the common man”
courtesy of Alog
remix by John Koch

Screenings: Dance Film Project 2008. MNTV 2010 broadcast on TPT-2, December 2010. Walker Art Center installation, March-August 2011. Moves11, Liverpool, England, April 2011.