Los Angeles native James Marcus Haney spent his early '20s mastering one skill: breaking into music festivals. We all know the popular festivals of today are many things, and cheap is not one of them. There’s no chance Haney would let that fact keep him from enjoying what he loved the most–the music. He carried out his “tasks” via trickery, diversion, and a whole lot of convincing. After successfully breaking into Coachella in 2011, he hit the ground running. He was hooked and it became an obsession.
Where the story really gets good is when he puts his eye up to the lens of his camera. Often breaking into the press entrances with multiple cameras looped around his neck, he found himself backstage, getting the most amazing photo-ops of his favorite bands, which may or may not have become some of his best friends. The moments he captured seemed to portray the vibes of each festival better than anyone before him ever had. The quality of his photos slowly gained popularity, catching the attention of names as big as Rolling Stone magazine. One thing led to another, and, well, I don’t want to spoil the best part so you'll have to watch the documentary. Throughout the film, we see the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in Haney’s journey, making it not only the most inspiring film you’ll watch all summer, but one that teaches life lessons about taking the road less traveled, and why that’s okay to do so (even if breaking into festivals isn't necessarily right).
Sometimes it’s not a college degree that opens the doors to your dreams, as Haney found out for himself. “No Cameras Allowed” is about discovering something you love, getting really good at it, making a lifestyle out of it and not letting anyone get in your way. It’s not what everyone has in mind. In fact, it’s the fear most parents hold when it comes to the kids of our generation. If doing what you love means buying an RV with your best friends, living off the change in your pocket, and becoming a nomad, so be it. James Marcus Haney did. One of his older friends that he shared his journey with couldn’t have said it better: "Life is what you make it. We only get one go. Don’t waste it working, don't get a mortgage, get an RV, get a life, get on the road."
Watch the trailer here:
