Photo: Andrew Ciscel

Maybe you’ve seen some of the clips of “The Recess Ends” on Matador Life.

Matador’s own Austin Chu, who occasionally reviews gear for Matador Goods, was laid off his job in December 2008. Rather than sit around and despair about his bank account or struggle to find a new job in a dismal economic market, Austin hit the American road with his brother Brian to make a documentary about the current state of the economy and, more importantly, what’s next.

Less than a year later, the Chu brothers can say they traveled through all 50 states, completed editing and post-production, and launched their documentary, “The Recess Ends,” to enthusiastic reviews. The premiere was held last night in San Francisco. Matador’s co-founders, Ross Borden and Ben Polansky, showed up early and still had to sneak in to the theater; it was that packed.

If you haven’t seen it yet, check out the trailer and then head on over to TRE’s website to find out when the film may be showing near you:

Official Trailer: The Recess Ends from B-Rilla on Vimeo.

Community Connection:

Were you at the premiere? Share your thoughts about “The Recess Ends” below. You can also check out other clips from the film on TRE’s Vimeo channel.

About The Author

Julie Schwietert

Julie Schwietert Collazo is a writer, editor, researcher, and translator currently in New York, formerly of Mexico City and San Juan. She is Matador's managing editor and is the lead faculty member of MatadorU's travel writing program.

  • http://meganahill.wordpress.com Megan Hill

    Austin, congratulations! What an amazing accomplishment!

  • http://www.tvrotsyourmindgrapes.com/ Marissa

    I showed up with a couple of friends but we had RSVP’d that morning and didn’t make the list. The good news is, the theatre looked packed and the energy was great. Congrats, Austin!

  • http://matadortrips.com/ Hal Amen

    So psyched to see this in its entirety.

  • http://matadortravel.com/travel-community/valerie Valerie

    Congratulations Austin! I wish I could have been in SF for the premiere. I’ll make sure to check it out when I have a chance.

  • http://therecessends.com Austin Chu

    Dude, thanks for coming out and supporting us!

    @marissa! you should have stuck around and come find me. I could have gotten you in!!!!!

  • http://theworldisgettingsmaller.com tom gates

    I don’t think I have ever been so sure that something is going somewhere as I am this film. It’d downright important and weighs so heavily on the ethics of us travelers – GO OUT AND DO SOMETHING. If that’s our mantra, then these two have done it in spade. Do everything you can to help expose this film. It all comes from an honest place, even if it is the current state of our great country.

  • http://therecessends.com Austin Chu

    Thanks Tom! Your words are too kind and inspiring!

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