The Story
"Junk Dreams" is a documentary-adventure that chronicles one magical journey of two ageless brothers in their 80’s. Ernie and Charlie Borgman step aboard a 29-foot Chinese junk boat and set sail on a 1,620 mile journey from Port Hadlock, Washington to Valdez, Alaska. The two and a half-month adventure takes them along the Canadian and Alaskan coast, through the Inside Passage and out into the icy waters of the Gulf of Alaska.
These modern day cowboys of the sea battle torrents of rain and raging waters, engine trouble and broken masts…and come face to face with the adventure, their true fountain of youth. As they embark on this journey of the soul they explore issues of family, death and health. Issues that in the later parts of their lives are immediate, haunting and inevitable.
With a keen wit, a sparkle in their eye and an undying devotion to nature these ordinary men tell an extraordinary story of family, of passing along the passion for life to our children and of aging - but never growing old.
The Men
Captain ERNIE BORGMAN, is 81 years young. He is an adventurer, an eccentric and a father of two daughters. As a retired superintendent for the National Park service, Ernie is a lover of nature who loves working with wood and stone. He travels to Alaska to find freedom, fresh air and a way of life lost in the lower 48. In 1995 Ernie had quadruple bi-pass surgery, now with a scar from his neck to his knee he is energetic, determined and ready to live life to it's fullest. Ernie, currently resides in Klamath Falls, OR with his wife Dorothy and daughter Brooke.
First-mate CHARLIE BORGMAN, is 80 and Ernie's younger brother, who, battled Lymphoma and is currently in remission. He is overweight and suffers from shortness of breath. Charlie retired from Dentistry to take this trip and is hoping to find the healing powers of nature, family and salt water beneficial to his recovery. He is a lover of the sea and people. Charlie resides in Seattle, WA with his wife Sandy. His five daughters live in close proximity and his ten grandchildren keep him very busy.
Film Makers
SKYE BORGMAN (Director and Cinematographer)
In 1995, disenchanted and disillusioned – I left the United States of America with hopes of finding myself, or something better, or inspiration…who knows. All I now is that I was looking for something more. I was planning to be gone a few months – that turned into five years. I was fascinated by the different cultures, languages and landscapes that surrounded me. I never wanted to forget what I was experiencing so I started taking pictures – This is where my love affair with story telling through visual images first began.
I soon realized that I was going to be a gypsy forever if I didn’t get a little focus in my life – So I came back to the states and applied to the University of Southern California, where I received my MFA in Film production. I went on from USC to shoot feature narrative films, documentaries, sports and television series. To this day I have shot over 40 films, traveled and shot in over 60 countries and lived on 3 continents. I have been working professionally as a cinematographer since graduation. I have shot with National Geographic, Fox Sports, Betty Thomas, A&E and numerous Independent production companies. Check out my other work at: www.skyeborgman.com
Matt Zettell (Producer)
Matt has spent over 15 years in the entertainment industry. He began his career in the theatre, directing across the country and building two pre-professional actor training programs. His focus then shifted towards television and feature films.
He has worked as a Director, Producer and Assistant Director on over 35 feature films, 22 Television series, 65 Commercials, Infomercials and Music Videos and 40 stage productions. He has worked on Big Budget Features, Independent Films, Documentaries, Prime Time TV, Cable TV, Day Time TV, Commercials, Infomercials and Music Videos.
Mr. Zettell combines a strong artistic vision with a unique understanding of the practical and financial demands of production. His extensive knowledge of actor training combined with his wide range of film and television experience gives him a unique directorial vision. He loves solving complex logistical and artistic challenges with an improvisational, practical and down to earth style.
Mr. Zettell’s THE CELLAR DOOR is available on DVD. He also recently finished directing RESURRECTION COUNTY which was shot in the hills of Northwest Arkansas. You can see Matt’s full body of work at www.mattzettell.com
Carl Dante (Composer)
Carl Dante's talents as a composer, orchestrator and songwriter, made him an ideal choice for “Junk Dreams”. He is internationally known for his film scores and songwriting, ranging from the light-heartedness of his European "Sesame Street" work, to the ambient score of Paramount's "Indiana Jones" satire, "Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death" (Starring Bill Maher, Barry Primus and Shannon Tweed). His score for Rod Steiger's "Cypress Edge" is still a fan favorite and the German film "Kiez" displays a wide musical range as well, for which Mr. Dante received substantial critical acclaim.
Carl's versatility reveals extensive musical experience. The Hollywood Reporter (1989) selected him as one of nine "unknown" composers they believe are at the top of their field. In 2000, he scored three independent movies, including "Medio Tiempo", a very well-received film which debuted at the Los Angeles Latino Film Festival. - He continues to work steadily; you can even hear his work on "Oprah" and "Barbara Walters".
Persistently prolific, Carl Dante promises to leave an indelible musical mark with such an enduring career. He's an artist of stature who brings taste and professionalism to any project with which he is involved.
Top Knot Films - Mission Statement
Top Knot Films is a production company formed by Skye Borgman and Matt Zettell for the purpose of creating extraordinary film, television, documentaries and new media content that will enrich, stimulate, and enhance the understanding of ourselves and others through film. We produce films that are thought provoking, personal and a reflection of the world that we live in. We are committed to delivering captivating projects with such emotional impact that they challenge, amaze and inspire us to celebrate our everyday lives.
