Corey Blake
Dirk Van Fleet
Chris Brandt
Scott Shaw
Tiina Teal
Miguel Cima, Sr.
Gloria Cima
Narrated by
Miguel Cima
Cinematography
Brian Crane
Justin Talley
Edited by
Dirk Van Fleet
Music by
Rodney McGlothlin
Fernando Romay
Release dates
July 22, 2009 (2009-07-22) (Comic Con International Film Festival)
July 25, 2009 (2009-07-25) (United States)
Running time
19 minutes
Country
United States
Language
English
Dig Comics is an American documentary film written and directed by Miguel Cima. It won an award for Best Documentary at the San Diego Comic-Con International Film Festival,[1][2] in 2009. The short film advocates for the comic book art form in the United States, and encourages the viewers to read more comic books.[3][4]
Synopsis
Cima, an avid comic book advocate[5] and filmmaker, embarks on a journey to win fans for this print medium.[6] In doing so, he explains the reasons for the steady loss of readership in the US over the last 60 years, and questions why this originally American art form flourishes more successfully in France, Japan, the Netherlands and Germany.[7]
Cima interviews experts, artists, distributors, fans and nonreaders to provide a wide perspective on the challenges affecting the industry. He conducts random man-on-the-street interviews, as well as talks with comic book enthusiasts, about the relegation of printed comic books to a niche market while big Hollywood films earn billions from comic book spin-offs.[8] The scope of the documentary is broadened with a historic take on the genre.[9] A cross-cultural comparative explores the evolution of comic book readership in countries such as France and Japan, from the last century until the present.
History
Dig Comics was conceived by writer and director Miguel Cima, and shot on location in Los Angeles, California. Further produced clips and videos were also shot in Los Angeles as well as Paris, France.
After the film's release in 2009, it was screened at a number of film festivals. It won the Best Documentary category at the San Diego Comic-Con International Film Festival in 2009.[1][10]
Reception
Overall the documentary short was received positively.[3] Actor and producer Edward James Olmos expressed support for the film.:[11][12]Comics Alliance pointed out that high price of comic books in recent years and the increase in media channels competing for consumer dollars are not mentioned as possible factors contributing to the decline in sales.[13]
