12 Films Project Update: For August, an Ode to Austin's Cathedral of Junk

Over the last few months, we've posted a few times about the 12 Films Project, Austinite filmmaker Christian Remde's monthly series of films. My previous posts focused on two of the recent films, each of which covered one of Austin's food gems: Odd Duck Farm to Trailer and Kocurek Family Charcuterie. This month, Remde focuses on the quirky side of Austin rather than the culinary with a short, dialogue-free look at the Cathedral of Junk. Although I've never visited (yet), the Cathedral is something of an Austin institution. Basically, in 1988 South Austinite Vince Hannemann began collecting "junk" and assembling it in the form of a loose building. Since then, he's kept going, using things he finds and receives from friendly donors. What kind of things? Remde's video, which features some great lingering shots and a few neat little effects, reveals all sorts of stuff, including a whole posse of rubber ducks. This article from Roadside America mentions "lawnmower wheels, car bumpers, kitchen utensils, ladders, cables, bottles, circuit boards, [and] bicycle parts."

Junkmeister Hannemann atop the Cathedral's "throne" (credit: roadsideamerica.com)

Watch the film a few times and you're likely to spot something new each iteration. Really though, the best way to take it all in is to visit, which I'm gonna have to do now that I've seen Remde's film. I'll probably wait until it isn't 109 degrees outside though. If you do visit, check out the film first. It's a cool little flick for one. But also, maybe you'll think of something tucked away in the garage or attic tucked away that would make a worthwhile addition to the Cathedral of Junk.

Here's the August installment of the 12 Films Project, The Cathedral of Junk.

The Cathedral of Junk from Christian Remde on Vimeo.