THE SECRET LIVES OF BILL BARTELL

(2025 We Got Power Films) Feature documentary film about the life of Bill Bartell, founder of White Flag, Tater Totz, Gasatanka Records. Bill Bartell was a musician, record label owner, police officer, rodeo bull rider, an attention-seeking recluse, and the ultimate fan-boy. He led an exceedingly compartmentalized life, keeping a tight lid on his background, his occupations, relationships and sexuality, hiding the jarring conflicts. No one knew - and still no one knows - the whole of his life. Friend and/ or bandmate to Pat Smear, Sean Lennon, Kurt Cobain, KISS, Iron Maiden, Drew Barrymore, Tom Of Finland, The Melvins, Shonen Knife, Quentin Tarantino and countless others. Bill was the conduit through which many relationships were established and successful careers launched. Through extensive archival footage and interviews, Bill’s friends and collaborators compare notes on what they knew and what Bill kept hidden from them, ruminating on the causes of his secrecy. This film unravels, reveals and ultimately, deepens the mystery of who Bill was and what secrets he took with him when his life came to a sad and unexpected close. Featuring Jennifer Schwartz, Jeff & Steven McDonald, Thurston Moore, Ronnie Barnett, Buzz Osbourne, Dale Crover, Allison Anders, Don Bolles, Sergio Dias, Jim Laspesa, Robert Lopez, Fat Mike, Victor Krummenacher, & Tony Brandenburg. Produced by Brian Kehew, Steve Doughton, Janine Sheehan, & Chris Candy Photographed, Edited & Directed by David Markey