Janson Rolls into an American Subculture with New Documentary, Vannin'

Janson Media today announced the release of the one-hour documentary special, Vannin' (1 x 58') to worldwide television, digital, VOD, and DVD markets. The film presents an extraordinary glimpse into a uniquely American subculture -- the world of custom vans and the 'vannin'' lifestyle.

Often thought of as the outcasts of the automotive world, 'vanners' really hit their high-water mark in the late 70's. Vans were everywhere back then. They became affordable rolling rooms filled with shag carpet, bubble windows, moon roofs, wet bars, and full size beds. The customized van was representative of a parent's worst nightmare and a young person's dream. But just as fast as they rose in popularity, they faded; leaving a pronounced echo on American culture. Where did the vans go, and what were they all about, really? Chicago filmmakers Nick Nummerdor and Andrew Morgan set out to answer these questions. They spent a week at America's largest van show and party, the National Truck-In.

For the past forty years, a relatively forgotten and obscure subset of American automotive enthusiasts known as 'vanners' have shined up their shag carpet-covered vehicular behemoths, tuned-out and trucked-in to this annual event, what they have affectionately dubbed 'The Van Nationals.&' Here, the custom vanning scene and its traditions remain alive and well among this small and close-knit group of hardcore custom van owners. Told through their eyes, Vannin" takes viewers into the sun-drenched world of &'show-fields,&' &'puppy truckers,&' &'s.l.u.t. buses,&' and the enigmatic &'two percent&' movement. Produced by Little Cabin Films, this documentary is a highly entertaining all-access look into a colorful American subculture that shows no signs of slowing down as it enters its fifth decade.

The Vannin' soundtrack features the raucous music of Danava, Heavy Times, Red Desert, Bonehawk, No Bails, Ian Link, The Salamanders, South Catherine Street Jug Band, and Jim Bacci. The film was funded in part with a successful Kickstarter campaign, and was an 'Official Selection' as a 'Work in Progress' at the 2014 Virginia Film Festival, and then had its official world premiere at the 2014 Calgary Underground Film Festival. Vannin' was also an Official Selection at the 2014 San Francisco Doc Film Festival.

Matt Wedge (The Obsessive Movie Nerd) said the film offers up 'a raucous celebration of the vannin" lifestyle that has that one element that many documentaries are missing: entertainment.&'

&'Directors Nummerdor and Morgan expertly utilize vintage footage of the events with the interviews from their modern-day incarnation, creating a fascinating look at a culture that went from phenomenon to niche over time,&' said Paul Freitag-Fey of The Daily Grindhouse. And Eric Rood of Hooniverse said, 'Nummerdor and Morgan tell a story that"s worth telling and they do it well. Anyone who"s part of an automotive subculture — particularly one on the fringe of the car world — will identify with the story. They demonstrate care for, and enjoyment of, their subject matter.'

To watch Vannin' in its entirety in the Janson Media Screening Room, clients may login or register here. For more information, please visit the film's official website.