Thomas Haley

About the artist

A native Oregonian, Thomas Haley has lived in Paris since the early 70s. He did his university studies in photography (University of Oregon), cinema (New York University), and art history (American University in Paris). He first worked as a photo-researcher for Magnum Photo Agency. Since the early 80s, Thomas Haley has worked for SIPA PRESS, covering political conflict, man-made and natural disasters from Panama to Tian’anmen Square, the Balkans and the Middle East. His work on the Bhopal industrial accident in 1984 was awarded by the World Press Awards. He has currently decided to dedicate himself to documentary projects. “American Dreamer” is his first documentary. 

Films

  • American Dreamer, 32'

    Julian lives in a small town in northern Florida – with his mother, without a job, without a future. When he’s not hanging out with his friends he goes to the American Veterans’ Club to recite one of his patriotic poems. Once a year he leaves his scruffy home to take part in the 9/11 memorial ceremony in New York. He greets policemen with a “God bless you sir. Thank you for serving” in passing. Julian’s naive patriotism stems from his lack of personal prospects. Thomas Haley’s subtle portrait of this “poor white boy”, clinging to the American Dream, at the same time describes the inner turmoil of a society traumatised by the events of 9/11.

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