farewell to Island

You can’t delete the whole of Ireland, think about the people.

Not aware of whatever went on, but it sounds like you're doing the right thing. Always appreciate a person trying to make things right; best of luck to you, hope things shape up on your end.

The last 5 minutes of Island are some of my favorite in any film. The way the microphone is cutting in and out, the last bit of the conversation we hear being the other person saying "Are you ok?," and then the silence as we wait for an answer we never get. It leaves it on kind of a haunting note for me, and if it wasn't edited that way and occurred naturally, man what are the chances of that kind of thing. Such a great film I'm glad I got to see it.

Really love this. So many people want to talk about art as this transcendent, divine thing that goes beyond the artist - and on some level it may be - but ultimately it's a way for people to communicate. When we talk to people, sometimes we come up with a perfect way to express what we're feeling, but we know that if we say it, we'd hurt who we're talking to. I've felt for awhile now that learning to choose not hurting people over getting to indulge your desire for expression is an important part of being mature and living a peaceful life

I completely understand why it is time for Island to go, but it spoke to me so much at the time I watched it. It felt so personal and real and made me feel a type of way that I've never felt before. Thank you for giving that to us Joel.

This film was so important to me and getting into filmmakeing. When I first saw it back when it was fairly new, my girlfriend had left me for anouther guy, and I was going deaf. 2 of the hardest things ive ever had to deal with. It really touched me more than I could ever express and i thank you so much for makeing it (and all your other films). This was the kind of film i showed all my freinds and im so happy to have had it in my life. It served its purpose with me then, and im glad to have been able to see how it served you. Im crying while writeing this because this film means so much to me, but its like a good freind going to college. You know you wont see them anymore, but you feel so blessed to have been able to see them through to this point. Thank you so much for all you've given me, and i know your next film will inevitably help me in an upcomeing point of my life, whatever it may be.

island is a lovely movie. i’m sad to see it go and i can tell you are too. i hope whatever you’re going through you come out the other side alright.

While I missed Island, I can say with certainty that I believe your best work is ahead of you. I'm so stoked to watch it.

Island will always be super special to me, obviously on a personal level because it's how we met, but also on an artistic level because it's a beautiful movie. It sucks to see it disappear. It's of course an artist's prerogative which works of theirs they choose to showcase at any given time, but I do think that any completed piece of art gains it own life upon release-it becomes a being unto itself, with its own right to exist per se. I hope that at some point down the line you find a home for Island that you feel comfortable with, maybe with a video disclaimer that plays ahead of it or something. It's too significant a work to just let disappear, and I'm sure that as a film it has helped way more people than it has hurt, by a wide margin. Of course, if it hurts even just one person you love, it's easy to give that more weight than the thousands of people who have enjoyed it. I'm sure it was a tough decision. Here's hoping that a happy medium can be reached one day where it is available in a way that feels right.

When I was younger I used to draw hearts and smiley faces everywhere - in the snow, in the dust, with little bits of debris. I never knew who saw it, if anyone, or how long it would take to disappear. Most of my best "art" is fleeting - a spark of beauty in a hidden moment - a word to a friend in a hard time. Each spark can be exactly as big as it needs to be, just as long as we keep feeling, and making space to care...

I was listening to Marie Kondo’s first book last week, and in it she talks about how she’ll ask her clients to get rid of specific pieces of their wardrobe and how they try to justify keeping them. “I know I bought it and I’ve never worn it, but what if I do someday?” They tend to feel a lot of hesitancy getting rid of an item they bought but have never worn. Kondo recontextualizes their fears in a way I thought was really beautiful. She says that the item has already served it’s purpose, be it momentary joy from buying something new, or discovering that a specific style of clothing doesn’t work well for you. To keep it in your closet or dresser, wrinkled and worrying you, is to do yourself and the clothes a disservice. It’s not good to let clothes inflict this kind of psychic damage on you. It’s much better to recognize that the piece has fulfilled its purpose and let it go, comfortable knowing it help made you who you are.
For most people, Pretend That You Love Me is THE Joel Haver film. But for a long while, and for me, it was Island. I think a lot about when your character scans his face and sees his own image for the first time, among all the other moving scenes in the film. And for you personally of course it lead to a lot of friendships and relationships with other filmmakers, and there’s nothing but good in that. But the film is wrinkling and wasting away in the closet now, causing psychic damage to yourself and others. Taking the film down won’t get rid of those relationships or everyone else’s positive experiences with it. Island’s purpose has been served. You know you can leave Nathan Fielder’s stuff behind and fully be Joel Haver instead (I mean my god how does Nathan do it, I watched episode 3 of The Rehearsal last night and he is a mad man, a genuine mad man, what an insane high wire act he makes for himself and somehow crosses really gracefully and with a lot of nuance and understanding). I really admire that you’ve put life above art. No film is worth more than someone’s life. I hope you’re feeling good about your decision. It’s nice to read the other comments and see that everyone else has been understanding about it. We can’t wait to see what you do next. Onward! Forward! Farewell to Island and everything it did for us.

This is where movies made and published online are great because if it were released physically and in theaters and whatnot you wouldn't have had the control over the movie that you needed

noooo! this is so sad. Island was the first feature by Joel Haver I ever watched and to this day it remains one of my biggest creative inspirations. to see that one guy could greate a whole world with just some paper and a projector made me feel like I could do that too. I will always remember what I loved about Island and hope to recreate a piece of that magic some day. I'm sorry to hear about this but you know what's best. thank you for letting us know! best wishes to you and all involved. much love!

Island was the first of your features I saw, and it really floored me. I'm glad I got to see it while I could, it inspired me maybe more than anything I've seen in the past few years.

Having to private something that you love and is "one of the best things you've made in a lot of ways" sounds tragic.

This actually makes me tear up. I don’t know why it has to go, but I know I’ll deeply miss it. The release of Island was how I first discovered Joel, I remember spending a morning watching it and being deeply inspired by how beautiful and thoughtful a film made by one person alone could be.

thanks for being so vulnerable with us, Joel. as you've discussed in the past, being an online creator can definitely create unhealthy parasocial relationships. we as the audience can never really "know" you, but your authenticity makes it feel like we can at least "see" you. and seeing you has had a positive impact on my life.

thanks so much for making this channel, feels really refreshing to hear someone talk about movies from this kind of point of view.

Joel please check out, it’s such a beautiful day, a truly one of a kind movie that I think you’d really love

So glad I watched it while it was available! 🙏 Glad to hear the clarifying bts.

It’s really nice listening to you talk so passionately about this

This was the first of your movies I watched, sad to see it go but you gotta do what you gotta do! Best of luck Joel, we love your work!

Thanks for all the recent reminders that things pass. Love your commitment to your work and seeing you do what's humanly possible to connect with your audience in a positive way.

I love this series dude- keep at it!
In regards to Island, taking down such a big project could only be hard so I really respect the initiative you felt you should take. I wonder if art being temporary makes us cherish it while we have it more so than if it stuck around forever.

Island was one of my favourites, it spoke to my own isolation, and loneliness. You know what is best for your art, and thankyou for sharing it for the time you did.

I'm sorry to hear that, Joel. I hope whatever pain is going on in your personal life sorts itself out. It's great you took the time to talk about all of this.

Always impressed by your maturity and approach to art. Trust your guts, keep doing the right thing. Looking forward to all the great things you're going to make

Was one of my favorite movies I had ever seen! Made me rethink films in general. Totally respect your decision, wish I could have watched it one last time though. Don't stop making amazing movies Joel!

Island meant a lot to me during my own isolation and suffering. I am happy that I stumbled across it and that you're doing what's right for you and the people important to you.

I just started watching it the other day and decided to come back to it later. 🙃 oh well. Looking forward to your future projects Joel, keep it up.

Island instantly became one of my favourite movies ever when i watched it, it felt so personal and real but it’s great to do the right thing whatever that may be and i hope it brings you and whoever it’s affected some peace and you can put it all behind you. Your art is profound but making the right choice and putting others before the art is a powerful move and makes me respect your work even more keep on your journey Joel i can’t wait to see where you take it and keep enjoying movies!

Your constant willingness to be vulnerable and open is just.. constantly humbling, and inspiring, to me. And this video is very that. Thanks for the art - hoping things feel better soon.

Definitely one of my favorites. Thanks for being so sincere.

I really appreciate your honesty about this stuff. Making a video like this takes a lot of emotional intelligence and I appreciate you doing this instead of just quietly taking it down. I'm sorry you have to do this with the film, I wish I'd seen it while I had the chance, but I respect your decision.

Keep your head up man! Sounds like you made the right decision on whatever is going on. Sending all the good vibes your way.

was watching a few of your films . having found you this year . saw you in your apartment , leave your apartment , dealing with the loss of your dad , noticing your mom in the comments , seeing your vast array of complex friends , travelling in a van , moving back home . and now i'm looking at your earlier works at home , in the country side , with mountains , lakes , trees , lots of greenery . those who can be in nature , see the world from a much better perspective . there is a tendency to look inwards , find meaning in others instead of things , seeing how we are all connected , see common traits instead of differences . you are powerful . we all are . we just need to believe it , in a world that constantly tells us we have no power of our own destiny .
love you man . you always teach valuable lessons in all that you do : )

We’re sorry to see Island go. But we’re glad you’re doing what’s best for you and the people in your life. It must have been a hard decision. Island is a wonderful film that we were so fortunate to see. It completely changed the trajectory of our filmmaking careers and we’re forever grateful to you for making it! Can’t wait to see what movies you make next!

i watched this for the first time just under 2 weeks ago and it happened to be easily my favorite film of yours. bummed i'll never be able to revisit it, but also just grateful i got to see it at all. there's something really beautiful to me about a piece of art that you can never return to.
things don't need to exist forever, especially not at the expense of those we care about. i of course don't have the personal context for this decision, but i think you did the right thing

Damn I hate to see your heart so heavy. I hope at these times you continue to remember just how many millions of people you reach with your amazing creations and give yourself the space to make mistakes and grow. With peace and love

The thought I'll probably never see one of my favorite films ever again is sad. I actually was watching some clips of it the other night. Maybe there was a purpose for that. But I'm proud of you doing what is right for you and your life. You don't want to hurt the ones you love by keeping up the film that could be detrimental in that way and I think everyone should respect that. I'm so glad I was graced with watching this film it really changed my life and honestly watching this video made me cry, and end of an era but the beginning of a new one. Good on you for making the right choice. Love You Joel.

I remember when you were gearing up to release Island. The previous two features were impressive in their own right but emotionally and in terms of craft it felt like the culmination of all the ideas you shared with me about art and what can be accomplished within limited means. It's been terrific seeing you share with so many more people, but still keeping it personal. Love you, man!

Island will live long in my memory as one of my favorite films. Really sorry you had to let it go man but it sounds like it's for the best. Love you Joel.

I love any conversation about the temporality of art. The last several months I’ve been feeding the midjourney AI some of my old poems, then carving the resulting images into cardboard I find mostly just using household materials likes markers and razor blades and joint compound. It’s just been so freeing to so directly stare down the fact that this just cannot last forever. It helps me practice being present tbh. The instinct to make everything in our life serve so many functions can be ultimately exhausting.. so it’s nice to just be like “this has one function, and it happening right now as I make it, what happens after that is negligible”

As a newer viewer I’m sad I never got a chance to check out the island. I’m definitely going to check out the rest of the feature films

Island registered to me on a ton of levels. Im currently still in florida going to theme parks alone...so the feelings are real. Glad I had the chance to watch it man.
Respect your choice.

A very interesting topic. I enjoy hearing your philosophy on stuff like this.

I hope to see it again someday in the future. I would have loved to show it to some of my friends. I really loved the style of the first part of the movie, and even though I didn't like it as much once the story gets off the island, I found the ending really touching. Just know that your art inspires many people even outside the US, and I personally really believe you are an important artist for our time.

Really sad to see it go, but makes me glad I saw while I could. I watched Island right as I was coming out of quarantine and connected to it really strongly. Sad to think I’ll never be able to see it again - but I suppose it makes it more special that experience of watching that one time. I definitely have had the experience of putting out art that accidentally hurt someone - and I’m much more aware of how my art impacts people now….still it’s always a strange balance act when making art - especially when your writing about your own life.

Very grateful to have gotten the chance to watch Island. I loved it. It was so effective, it still pops onto my head now and then, even many months after the fact.

I coincidentally just got round to Island a week ago, and it has stuck with me in numerous ways in the days since. Really inspiring stuff, but I really appreciate the honesty here though in taking it down. The positives from the film itself will still live on in the mind's of those who got round to it.

island is my favourite movie easily. and it puts me in a strange place knowing ill likely never be able to watch it again. but I am also glad, because its given me lots of thoughts on permanence of art, utility of art, publishing of art, and im thankful that this movie is continuing to make me think and challenge me. thanks Joel. Much love

It's alright if you take it down because the memory and feeling of seeing it for the first time is still something I think of often. Thanks Joel.

Really hope you feel better soon

As a creator, an artist, I can imagine this is the hardest thing you can do, to erase your work. Whatever went on I hope all is well. I really enjoy how personally you discuss movies, and I look forward to your future videos/works

I’ve been trying to watch more of your movies lately. I watched Pretend You Love me a few months ago and I loved it. It made me cry- not much on KRplus has done that before. I watched Drowning in Potential a few weeks ago. You and Dax had such a great dynamic. I started Forget About Everything For Awhile the other day and have yet to finish it. I’m sad that I won’t be able to watch Island, but I have an immense respect for your decision. It’s hard to spend lots of time on something, especially a personal project that holds a lot of meaning, just to remove it from the public eye.

I'm glad I got to see it. Island left a positive impact on me and I remember it. Sorry to hear it's brought problems mate.

I've loved Joel's content after discovering the channel about a year ago, but I was skeptical of his features--I gave ISLAND a try and it blew me away. Completely. At that point I went from thinking Joel was a funny genuine guy on KRplus to respecting him as a true artist. He has a unique voice and engages with filmmaking in a way that is beyond refreshing. I will miss this lovely film. Talk about inspiration (it's pushing me in my filmmaking career every day). Really sorry to hear about how much personal conflict it's causing--big respect for this decision. (Also I am at ease to hear that one scene involved a hired actress--was curios!!)

I've never watched the movie, and now I'm so damn curious about seeing it. Thanks for sharing it with us, I'm happy some people could enjoy something you put so much in. If you feel like it that's it, I'm happy this decision makes you happy! Keep doing what you love, I admire you for what you do, I want to become a creator too, I'm trying right now, and the only reason I didn't give up with this like with anything else is because of you. Thank you

I know Joel is talking about deep life philosophy stuff. But boy, what a powerful choice of framing. A square frame, dead center, that lightning. Great choice to communicate I'm talking from the heart here.

i like your characters and you as a person, joel.
your battle is a great undertaking and we care about you but remember that's not where strength comes from; it's all you dude, keep it up, we're rooting for you.

Dood that was my favorite piece of work from you and I am so sad to see it go 😭

Great channel really good idea love these videos just wanted to say that
🤠👍

Sad I didn't get to see this one. Looking forward to your next films, though!

I’m glad I caught it twice, good movie, but I know you’ll put out even better stuff in the future. I think you already have. I watched all your films in order and this was the one where I not only gained faith in you as an artist, but this medium in general, and each after this one I liked as much or more, and I’m stoked to see what’s next.

I completely understand. As a filmmaker, you make tons of good and bad decisions, and you don't know which is which until you actually make them. In the end, we're all just clueless idiots tumbling around.

Never heard of your movie before and would have loved to see it to truly understand your motives behind it, but I'll accept your decision without questioning it.

It's important to be able to self-reflect and grow. Good on you.

damn I just found this channel. can't wait to binge through...

Happy I got a chance to see it while it was available. It was a beautiful movie and very powerful to me

So curious as to what's going on! Shame to see it go. Ofc you manage to pull some insightful advice and messaging out of what is clearly a hard time. We love you, Joel!

I really admire you doing this. I have always thought that "reality bending" art can be really compelling, but that a lot of artists seem to prioritize expressing themselves over considering the feelings of others. In my mind, art should be about leaving a positive impact on other people even if the subject matter is dark. Obviously, there is no way to avoid offending people sometimes and sometimes it is worth offending people if you really believe in the message of your art. That being said, it speaks to your humanity that you consider the feelings of others when you create things.

Hey there, Joel. I watched this right after watching your comments on "The Rehearsal" (and Kiarostami, and "The Last Of Us 2"), and I've been watching a lot of your work for the past month or so. I wanted to thank you for combining such important values - most notably, the will to create art and the empathy that will ultimately bring all of us closer, even more than our works of art themselves. It's encouraging to find someone who makes himself so transparent and vulnerable like you do while navigating a sea of brands and content - not that they shouldn't exist/are inherently bad, but yours is a healthy way of coexisting and working with them.
As for "Island", I really wish I watched it when it was still online, but I can celebrate the fact that it fulfilled its purpose and went private before it made any permanent harm. You're right, hard times will come and pass and we need to deal with them and the pain they carry with grace - a reminder I really needed as I'm facing one of these moments myself. Be well, my friend.

I started making the movie 10hrs latter after saying you inspired me to do so. Thanks a bunch Joel, I'll see how it ages for me

I’m so glad I was able to watch this when I was in a place for it to be a mirror for my own complicated relationship with loneliness and courage. I’ve started to realize that the process of creating things is redemptive and I absolutely think that some art is temporary, or transient in its usefulness. Anyways. Excited to see where your creative process takes you to next :)

Seems that you're doing the right thing, Joel, but it's also clear how much of an impact it's having. Deleting something you're proud of, that you're connected to, that is functionally a PIECE of you, can feel like a tangible loss. I'm not entirely sure what's happened here, but from where I'm sitting it seems that you're working through it the right way.
Interesting to hear that you're aware of Nirvanna the Band! I had the pleasure of working with that team some time ago. Matt Johnson is an incredibly inspiring guy.
Also, clicked your Letterboxd link and saw that you just watched The Worst Person in the World. So cool that you took me up on my recommendation! Hope it didn't bum you out. It hit me like a sack of bricks, but I ultimately felt as though I learned some important lessons from it, and the melancholy gave way to a really beautiful experience.

Well, I've deeply enjoyed every film I'm seen that you've made. So, while I understand your choice here, I am still saddened that Island is one of your projects I have not seen. Also crazy curious what it contained that brought about this decision, but I respect the fact that I may just never know. Much love dude.

Island is one of my favorite films, both for its strenghts as a standalone piece of art, and for what it represented in the world of truely no budget film making. The first half shows how if one rejects a need for "realistic" sets, effects, etc, you can unleash your creativity and make something extremely real and beatiful with some cardboard and lights. The second half flips that and uses reality itself to create something more. I love the work of matt johnson of ntbts, his movies are so interesting and compelling and twist the mind and emotions of their viewer in such a unique way. But ad.you said, twisting reality inherently effects people, and is maniplative and decietful. I think matt johnsons movies relish in that, in a way theyre elaborate pranks, but the possibility for harm needs to be acknowledged. I think its extremely mature of you to let reality have power over your art, instead of just the other way around. And where people like matt johnson have made a career out of using reality to make fantastic art, youve focused in on what the first half of island did so well; using creative means to craft polished and evocative films which bring an unreal idea to life. and in that showing that quality is essentially uncorrolated with budget.

Sorry you're dealing with this man. It's very strange when art outlives relationships, and it's just strange to see how circumstances change over time while your art sits there, available for the world to see. Island will always be a part of your heart and a part of thousands of us filmmakers and film lovers. Take care of yourself! Love this channel and deeply appreciate your authenticity.

Damn I'm kinda disappointed because I just recently found your work and it sounds like Island would have been really relevant to my situation in life right now. But I know going forward you will make many important and meaningful things that I'm sure will be just as impactful for me and everyone else who loves your work. Thanks for making everything that you do Joel, it means a lot to us

I don't agree with taking your movies down, but I respect your personal choices & right to do so. 💙 Thanks for sharing them to begin with..

Sounds like you made a hard choice, but also sounds like the right one. Glad you're able to move forward with hard lessons learned. People really connect to your stuff.

You do you bro, I think that most of us are here cause you’re a genuine and good dude. Whatever you think is good for you, we got you.
Peace and love bruv

I respect that, life changes, and what was once changes too. Thanks for talking about the responsibilities of artists and for not sharing details.

Sad to see it go Joel but I completely understand why you had to make this decision. I guess in a way, now that it's gone, those of us who were lucky enough to have seen it have something special to remember and an experience with a film that only you and us can cherish and continue to be inspired by, thank you for giving us that. I am going to watch Pretend That You Love Me again tonight because I love that film so much and this has reminded me that it's important to revisit art that you love when you can. Thanks again for giving that to us Joel.

Damn, too bad! Sorry to hear about the problems it caused :( I really wish I did a backup of this movie, it was special.

A bit gutted. Seriously was about to watch it again, since it kept popping up in my head. It truly moved me and it was one of the best movies I had seen in a really long time. I'm sure Joel is gutted way more, but I respect the decision and agree with his points here. Just extremely glad I was able to at least see it once. Thank you Joel.

I'm sorry to hear. Glad I got to check it out once. It sparked some discussion and creativity among me and my filmmaker friends. Just try to remember the positives from the experience, although it'll always be tainted as "the film you were forced to take down". Enjoy it with your close friends and family or by yourself when feeling reflective. Just know you've already proven yourself as an entertaining filmmaker, and we're all excited to see what you create next! Mush love Joel! 🍄💚 Take care.

It seems like you've been going through it lately, be healthy/happy, whatever that means for you. Even if you never make another YT video, you've already made our lives better, so definitely know that. And thanks for being a real human being.

Oh man now I’d love to see it

Love u 2 Joel xx

I’m bummed out that I didn’t get to see it. But I get it. Gotta do what’s best for you and those around you. It’s my fault I haven’t seen it tho. I mainly watch your channel for the comedy sketches, but I’m about to start checking out your films for sure thanks to this channel

I’m very happy I was lucky enough to see it.

Hope things get better soon.

This only increased my curiosity.

It's okay Joel. Hope your doing good!

What a bittersweet video Joel! Island was the first movie that I saw of yours, really enjoyed and I am pretty sure I subconsioulsy stole from it for my work. I don't know what happened behind the scenes. But I hope both you and the people affected by the movie find peace in shelving the movie. Take care :)

I had not seen Island, but I'll readily accept this as a chance to reflect on the transience of things.

I absolutely loved island, kind of devastated that I won’t be able to see it again as it had a really hard impact on me. But I don’t mean to be negative, things happen, and ultimately the inspiration still happened and for me that’s what matters.

Glad I could see it.

Makes sense to me man, you make a great point. I think you’re making good decisions. Wish I could have seen the movie but that’s part of the art for me. I snooze I lose lol. It’ll remain a mystery to people like me who haven’t seen it, and that’s interesting to me. It’s cool.