Increasingly we are told to live within certain social parameters, and increasingly we do. In a world of supposed freedom, there aren't many nonconformist subcultures left, riding the freight trains in the US however, is one. Shawn Lukitsch has covered thousands of miles of America and also Europe. He loves it so much he has collected together a programme of films that celebrate his passion and is touring them as The Hobo Film Festival. With any luck it will be coming to a town near you soon. He spoke to Moon Rocks about a life riding the rails.
How many different place haves you taken the film festival to?
We have travelled over 36,000 miles across the states and Canada in support of the HFF. Over the last three years we have been all across the US and are trying to hit every state once. Have also screened in Nova Scotia, Montreal, Calgary, Winnipeg, Vancouver etc.
What is the ideology behind riding freight trains?
It is something different to everyone. For some it is most easily summed up in one word, "freedom". There are lots of kids in the states currently that are real into this old time stuff, like thinking they are the next Woody Guthrie or something. They travel around and busk on the streets and ride trains etc. I dont think many of them will be on the road more then a year or two at most.
Is it a solitary experience or do you often find yourself sharing carriages with others?
For me it is a very personal and reflective experience. I like to go ride trains whenever it gets to be too much and I need some time to figure stuff out. It is fun though to ride with a couple of y our buddies and travel around together. I have also jungled up and rode with several different folks I have met on the road. It never lasts however. You always go your separate ways eventually.
Have you hopped trains in any other countries?
I have ridden trains in Canada, Mexico, France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Italy. Am trying to make plans to go to Panama and Chile in the fall.
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Your film festival includes footage shot in the 1970s, how has riding trains changed since then?
The US is a lot more security conscience then they were in the 70's. Also the type of folks riding trains have changed quite a bit too. There are tons of the above mentioned old timey kids and scads of punk rockers out there now as well as college kids, yuppie thrill seekers and weekend warriors. The cars have changed too. Since steel has gotten so expensive, manufacturers are designing cars using less of it and thus less places for us to ride.
Have you come across much physical hostility from security guards, police and/or train drivers?
No not really. There has been the odd incident where the railroad detective has put the cuffs on too tight or slammed me into the hood of their car, but nothing too extreme. I make it a point to avoid the workers, train crews and security. You know the age old adage, "out of sight, out of mind".
Have you seen Emperor of the North with Lee Marvin? Was it realistic? Did you enjoy it?
I have seen this film. I cant attest to its authenticity. Though from reading quite a few books from this era it seems that it is a close representation. Marvin and Ernest Borgnine are great in this film. Borgnine has some sort of special place in his heart for train riders. He was a hobo clown in the annual circus parade in Milwaukee and was also in another train riding film called "rail kings".
It seems to have become a punk rite of passage, have you seen a new generation coming through?
Yeah tons... this is one of the punk rock merit badges. First you get your 'food not bombs' badge. Then you get your 'dumpster diving' badge and squating badges. Then finally you get your 'train riding' badge and voila the transformation is complete, from college student to dirty, oogle, alcoholic in only 4 short steps.