Dogma (1999) | The Best of 1999 presented by Trash Cinema

The idea for Trash Cinema Vol. 2 was born when a VHS copy of the 1999 film Dogma surfaced in a bargain box at a Berlin market stand. Like a diamond in the rough, this cassette tape stood out, its allure well-known among cinephiles. For just 50 cents, this hidden gem, along with some other hits from the era, was scooped up.

The controversy surrounding the film rights to Kevin Smith’s Dogma has long intrigued the film programmers at Mobile Kino. The staff often joke about certain film rights being lost in a legal limbo, with Dogma and Point Break frequently cited as prime examples of movies that have become almost mythical in their elusiveness. Thanks to the internet and Kevin Smith’s candid discussions, these two films are infamous for being hard to track down. That was until we tried.

The discovery of the Dogma tape sparked conversations about what other cinematic treasures from 1999 might be hidden among Berlin’s secondhand markets and trash collections. This quest to unearth forgotten VHS tapes led to the birth of Trash Cinema Vol. 2, as we set out to find, license, and screen more films from what is often hailed as the best movie year ever. Join us as we celebrate these rediscovered relics and bring them back to life on the big screen in 2024 – because one man’s trash is another man’s cinematic treasure.

DOGMA (1999) 

presented by Trash Cinema 

Director: Kevin Smith
Starring: Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Linda Fiorentino, Alan Rickman, Salma Hayek, Jason Mewes, and Kevin Smith

Two fallen angels who were ejected from paradise find themselves banned in Wisconsin. They are now headed for New Jersey where they find a loophole that can get them back into heaven. The only catch is that it will destroy humanity. A group bands together to stop them.

Kevin Smith, known for his breakout indie hit Clerks, brings his distinct voice to Dogma, a film that sparked both critical acclaim and controversy upon its release. Despite its success, Dogma has faced significant challenges due to rights issues. The distribution rights are owned by the controversial media mogul Harvey Weinstein, which has complicated re-releases and streaming availability, making it a rarity in today’s digital world. This screening is a unique opportunity to revisit a film that not only entertained but also provoked thought and discussion about religion and free speech. Smith himself has spoken openly about his struggles to regain the rights to Dogma, which has only added to the film’s cult status and its enduring relevance in conversations about art, censorship, and ownership in the film industry.